Travel Tips
If you get in an accident out of state, your insurance company likely provides coverage. However, it can vary depending on the location of the incident and your policy.
Bryanna Moore, Senior Product Manager
·Published on November 28th, 2025
A sudden travel mishap, such as a car accident out of state, can turn a normal day into a stressful ordeal. Different laws, insurance regulations, and logistics make the situation even more complex.
RV statistics show that inexperience, fatigue, and speeding are the most common causes of RV accidents on the road, so it’s smart to prepare for out-of-state road trips ahead of time.
If you know the immediate steps to take during an emergency, it can be the difference between an inconvenient experience and a complete disaster. Understanding how to respond and who to call can help you take the first steps toward safety.
With a travel emergency membership like Emergency Assistance Plus® (EA+®), you can count on 24/7 logistical support if you need medical transport or evacuation services after an accident.
This guide goes over how to proactively prepare for an out-of-state accident and what steps to take if one occurs.
If you’re involved in an accident out of state, stay calm and follow these steps:
Whether you experience a car accident in another state or an emergency on a backpacking trip in the mountains, a travel assistance service like EA+ can help with medical transport and vehicle return if you’re unable to drive. The skilled team is staffed with experts who can handle travel emergencies like a pro, allowing you to focus on your safety and recovery.
Auto insurance often extends beyond state lines, but claims are handled differently depending on where the accident occurs. In states with no-fault laws, insurers must provide coverage regardless of who caused the incident. For the best protection, always report the accident to the police, gather contact information from all parties, and keep detailed records.
Almost all vehicle insurance policies are valid in all U.S. states. However, if a state has a higher coverage limit, your policy will adjust to meet them. While insurance covers damages, it typically doesn’t handle real-time logistics. This is where a travel assistance program like EA+ can help, providing immediate emergency coordination when you need it.
There are 12 no-fault states in the U.S. that require insurance providers to cover medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. If your accident happens in one of these states, your policy will follow this requirement. If you’re in an at-fault state and caused the crash, you and your insurer are responsible for the other party’s medical bills and auto repair costs.
Current no-fault states include:
Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are choice no-fault states, which means drivers can opt out of a no-fault plan when purchasing insurance.
Documenting the right things and contacting the right people is paramount in an out-of-state accident. Different states have different reporting laws, such as the specific property damage thresholds. Certain states require immediate reporting, whereas others allow reports within a specific timeframe. For example, Oregon requires a filed report within 72 hours of an incident, while California allows up to 10 days.
Start by taking pictures of the incident, including car damage and bodily injuries. Next, take detailed notes and contact your insurer and the local authorities. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, make sure to collect contact information from any other involved parties or witnesses.
If something goes wrong while you’re out of state, there are plenty of options for support, including travel assistance, local emergency responders, and travel insurance providers. You can enlist the following services in your time of need.
Emergency responders, reached via 911, are vital for handling immediate risks like injuries, collisions, fires, or spills. Contact these professionals first to ensure maximum safety and get documentation for future claims.
Services like the American Automobile Association (AAA) provide towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, and more. If no one is injured and you simply need vehicle assistance, roadside services may be sufficient. Review the terms of your membership to understand the full extent of protection.
Travel assistance programs like EA+ coordinate emergency support, logistics, and medical transport. Many memberships also include vehicle relocation services if you’re unable to drive.
For EA+ members, vehicles must be in good condition and safe to drive on public roads. If your RV or vehicle meets this requirement, EA+ can return it home using a professional driver or a hauler. For RVs, an additional vehicle that is hitched and roadworthy can also be returned. Any costs to ensure the vehicle can be safely transported are billed at the time of service.
“As someone who enjoys mildly adventurous activities like aviation and scooter riding, I’ve carried EA+ for years hoping never to use it. This summer, a low-speed scooter accident during a cross-country ride left me with multiple broken ribs, a broken breastbone, and lung injuries. EA+ was amazing by coordinating everything from the local hospital to a level 1 trauma center and then arranging safe transport home via train with escort nurses when air transport wasn’t possible. EA+ and nurses Frank and Jen did everything possible to assist me—truly ‘Cadillac’ quality care.”
– Ken K.
EA+ also provides travel companion return services. If a member is hospitalized or deceased, EA+ will arrange one-way airfare home for the companion, even if they are unharmed. When possible, companions can travel with the member, whether by commercial flight or alongside an air ambulance.
Learn moreHave you ever wondered if travel insurance is worth it? You may want to consider it if you want coverage for medical expenses, trip interruptions, and car rental replacement in emergencies. However, keep in mind that travel insurance works on a trip-by-trip basis, unlike travel assistance, which can provide protection for all travel under an annual plan.
Additionally, insurance companies only reimburse bills after the fact, so diligently document your accident to increase the likelihood of a successful claim.
Even a small amount of preparation can make a big difference if something goes wrong. With an emergency plan in place, you can travel out of state with more peace of mind.
Here are helpful tips to stay as protected as possible when traveling:
When investing in travel protection memberships, it’s important to activate your plan before your trip begins. Some companies have age and preexisting condition limitations that may affect the timeline of your trip. Providers like EA+ don’t have these restrictions, so you can start enjoying services upon activation.
One of the best RV tips is to use the large interior space wisely by organizing all essential documents (such as your driver’s license, registration, insurance info, and medical records) in one easy-to-find place.
No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, it’s also a good idea to carry a roadside kit with practical items like first-aid supplies, water, jumper cables, and a flashlight.
Store important contact information both digitally and physically so you can access it quickly in a critical moment. This includes phone numbers for your insurance company, travel protection service, and a trusted contact. You can also add your medical providers in case medical repatriation becomes necessary.
An out-of-state accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you need to act fast to keep everyone safe. Protect your journey before it even begins with an emergency travel assistance program like EA+. Members benefit from logistical support and medical transport across state lines, easing stressful situations and keeping travelers confident on the road.
Sign up for an annual membership today to protect yourself and your loved ones, whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or an international adventure. An annual plan protects unlimited trips while active, giving you peace of mind no matter where you explore.
Enroll nowThese are the most commonly asked questions about out-of-state accidents.
Stop immediately if you’re still operating the vehicle. Carefully check yourself for any apparent injuries, then call 911 to report the accident and request an officer. If another driver is involved in the accident, get their full name, phone number, and insurance information. Photograph the damaged areas of both vehicles.
Most auto insurance policies in the U.S. cover out-of-state accidents. However, your policy may adjust to meet the minimum coverage requirements of the state where the accident occurred.
In no-fault states, an insurance company pays for accident expenses, regardless of who caused the crash. There are 12 no-fault states: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
According to recent data, Mississippi has the highest fatal crash rate in the country, per 100,000 residents. In 2023, the state recorded 732 traffic deaths.
Bryanna has been with Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+) for nearly 20 years, starting in customer service and now, as Senior Product Manager, she is responsible for member experience – including ensuring that the services EA+ provides continues to meet the evolving needs of EA+ members. Bryanna is passionate about EA+ members and making sure that Emergency Assistance Plus delivers on its brand promise to get members home safely in their time of need.
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