Tips for Saving Money on Your Summer Road Trip

Auto · Originally published July 7, 2015 · Updated November 2026

Whether you're heading out on I-44 toward St. Louis or Oklahoma City, or just down US-65 to Branson for a long weekend, a summer road trip doesn't have to drain your bank account. Most savings come from a little planning before you leave and a few smart habits on the road.

Get the car ready first

The most expensive road trip is the one that ends with a tow and a repair bill far from home. Before you go:

• Get an oil change and have the battery, belts, hoses and coolant checked. Summer heat is hard on all of them.
• Check tire tread and set pressure to the number on the driver's door sticker, including the spare.
• Replace worn wiper blades. Summer storms can be heavy.
• Look up any open safety recalls and get them fixed while you're at home.

Spend less on fuel

• Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires hurt fuel economy and wear out faster.
• Pack light. Extra weight and rooftop cargo carriers both reduce mileage. If you need a carrier, take it off when you get home.
• Ease up on speed. Fuel economy generally drops at higher highway speeds.
• Use cruise control on flat stretches to keep a steady speed.
• Compare gas prices along your route with an app, and avoid filling up right at the busiest interstate exits when a better price is a mile off the highway.

Trim food and lodging costs

• Pack a cooler with drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Gas station and fast food stops add up fast for a family.
• Plan picnic stops at parks or rest areas instead of sit-down meals for every stop.
• Compare lodging that includes breakfast, and consider campgrounds or state parks if your family enjoys them.
• Look for free attractions: scenic drives, hiking trails, lakes and small-town festivals. You don't have to go far. The Ozarks has plenty of trails, springs and lake access within a short drive of Springfield and Joplin.

Don't pay twice for coverage

Insurance is one area where a quick phone call can save real money.

• Renting a car? Your personal auto policy may extend some of your coverage to a rental car in the U.S. Some credit cards also offer limited rental car benefits. Check both before you buy extra coverage at the counter, so you only pay for what you actually need.
• Consider roadside assistance. It's usually an inexpensive add-on, and it can help with towing, jump starts, flat tires and lockouts, which is much easier than paying out of pocket in an unfamiliar town.
• Check rental reimbursement. If your car is damaged in a covered claim while you're away, this optional coverage helps pay for a rental while yours is repaired.
• Towing a camper or boat? Your auto liability generally extends to the trailer you tow, but damage to the trailer itself needs its own coverage. See travel trailer insurance and towing.

What you shouldn't do is drop coverage to save a few dollars before a trip. That's exactly when you need it. Our article on ways to lower your car insurance covers smarter ways to save, and our auto coverage checkup can help you see what you already have.

Talk to a local agent

Planning a summer trip? Call us at 417.865.4800 before you go and we'll review your auto insurance so there are no surprises on the road.

Common questions

Does my car insurance cover a rental car on vacation?

Many personal auto policies extend some coverage to rental cars in the U.S., but it depends on your policy and the coverages you carry. Call us before your trip to confirm.

Is roadside assistance worth adding before a road trip?

For many drivers it is, because it's usually inexpensive and can help with towing, flat tires and lockouts. Check the limits on what your policy will pay.

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