Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in the United States. With millions of people on the road, unpredictable weather, and extra distractions, auto insurance claims tend to spike this time of year. Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, being aware of these holiday-specific risks can help keep you and your family safe — and potentially save you from costly insurance issues.
Here are the top auto-related risks to look out for during the Thanksgiving holiday, along with tips to reduce your chances of a claim.
1. Heavier Traffic Means Increased Accident Risk
Thanksgiving travel is notorious for packed highways and congested city streets. More cars on the road means more opportunities for fender benders, rear-end collisions, and multi-vehicle accidents.
How to stay safe:
✔ Avoid peak travel days (Wednesday afternoon and Sunday)
✔ Give yourself extra time
✔ Keep a safe following distance
✔ Stay patient — frustration leads to mistakes
2. Distracted Driving
Holiday distractions are everywhere: navigation apps, kids in the backseat, texts from family, and multitasking behind the wheel.
Common distractions include:
- Setting GPS mid-drive
- Reading or answering texts
- Eating in the car
- Managing kids or pets
Prevention tips:
✔ Set your GPS before you start driving
✔ Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb”
✔ Take breaks if traveling with kids or pets
✔ Let passengers handle the playlist
3. Drowsy Driving From Long Trips
Many Thanksgiving travel routes involve waking up early, driving late, or covering long distances. Fatigue slows reaction times and increases the risk of accidents.
Avoid drowsy driving by:
✔ Getting a full night’s sleep before traveling
✔ Switching drivers when possible
✔ Taking breaks every 2–3 hours
✔ Pulling over if you feel yourself nodding off
4. Drunk Driving Incidents Spike
The night before Thanksgiving — often called “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday” — is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. DUI-related crashes are significantly higher during the holiday weekend.
Stay protected:
✔ Use a designated driver
✔ Rely on rideshare apps
✔ Avoid driving late at night during peak times
5. Bad Weather Conditions
Depending on where you live, Thanksgiving travel often comes with early winter hazards. Snow, freezing rain, fog, and icy roads make travel more dangerous and increase auto insurance claims.
Prepare your vehicle:
✔ Check tires for tread and pressure
✔ Make sure your brakes are in good condition
✔ Keep wiper fluid filled
✔ Carry emergency supplies (blanket, scraper, flashlight)
6. Parking Lot Accidents at Shopping Centers
Between Black Friday shopping and last-minute grocery runs, parking lots become chaotic. Low-speed collisions and hit-and-runs increase dramatically.
Reduce the risk:
✔ Park farther away where it’s less crowded
✔ Back into spaces for better visibility
✔ Drive slowly and stay alert for pedestrians
✔ Avoid peak shopping times if possible
7. Breakdowns From Poor Maintenance
Cold weather and long drives can expose weak spots in your vehicle. Breakdowns on busy roads are dangerous and can lead to secondary accidents or towing-related claims.
Maintenance tips:
✔ Check battery strength
✔ Inspect belts and hoses
✔ Ensure your lights are working properly
✔ Get an oil change if needed
8. Increased Risk of Animal Collisions
Deer activity peaks in the fall — especially around dawn and dusk. With more travelers on the road, collisions with wildlife are common.
Stay alert:
✔ Reduce speed in rural or wooded areas
✔ Use high beams when safe
✔ Watch for groups of deer (they rarely travel alone)
9. Rental Car Gaps in Coverage
Many families rent cars for holiday travel. But not all auto insurance policies extend fully to rentals.
Before renting:
✔ Check whether your policy covers rental vehicles
✔ Confirm if your credit card provides secondary coverage
✔ Understand liability limits and deductibles
10. Stolen Vehicles and Break-ins
Shopping bags, luggage, and electronics left in the car make your vehicle a prime target for theft during the holidays.
Protect your belongings:
✔ Always lock your doors
✔ Keep valuables out of sight
✔ Park in well-lit areas
✔ Activate your vehicle’s alarm system
Final Thoughts
While Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to connect with loved ones, it’s also a high-risk period for auto-related accidents and insurance claims. By understanding these risks and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy safer travels and avoid costly insurance headaches.
If you’re unsure whether your auto policy offers enough protection for long-distance trips, rental cars, or winter weather conditions, this is a great time to review your coverage.