Are you patiently waiting for the 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals at Mercedes Benz Stadium? I know I am…

Being a HUGE Atlanta United fan, I’m already familiar with Atlanta’s beautiful Mercedes Benz Stadium. The glass walls, retractable ceiling, and the “no bad view” make this stadium an architectural and engineering marvel. The stadium’s food and beverage vendors offer such variety — from beer, bourbon and tequila to wings, steak and good ‘ole pizza — so there’s something for each one of the 83,000 expected ticket holders.

With that kind of crowd, you can also expect World-class TRAFFIC!

What does traffic have to do with World Cup? Well, nothing if you’ve got solid auto insurance. Let’s dive a little deeper into this topic. Whether driving to the game or slowing down to allow a pedestrian to cross the street, insurance coverage is super important. Don’t let the anticipation of match play overshadow some important insurance concepts related to traveling to the game – so you can have peace of mind while watching it live. Avoid being one of the 83,000 who aren’t prepared.

Here are 5 key concepts to know:

1. Borrowing or loaning a vehicle
   • Primary Insurance follows the vehicle, not the driver.
   • Even if it’s a friendly transaction between friends or family, be sure the vehicle has current insurance coverage. Keep the ID card handy before you head out.
2. Drivers who don’t own the vehicle
   • Scheduled drivers are protected; unscheduled drivers may not be.
   • Be sure to add drivers to a policy for anyone authorized to drive a borrowed vehicle.
   • If an unscheduled driver is “at fault” in an accident, coverage might be limited or DENIED. Protect yourself and be proactive by scheduling additional drivers.
3. Break-ins or damage while parked in Atlanta
   • Consider the value of Comprehensive (“comp”) coverage when traveling or parking in public spaces or decks. (Theft, hail, rolling carts, rocks, etc.)
   • Comp can be added or removed at any time during your policy term.
   • You may want to add this coverage for all the road trips you’ll take to/from the matches.
   • If your policy already includes “Full Glass” coverage (specific to windshield damage and eliminates the deductible) — excellent! If not, check with your insurer about adding it.
4. Rental vehicles
   • Rental vehicles are eligible for Liability and Physical Damage coverage extension from the primary driver’s auto insurance, if elected.
   • If you reject the rental company insurance offer, be sure you understand your own personal auto coverage.
   • Check with your agent to see if Liability coverage extends to a rental vehicle. If so, the rental contract name must match your personal policy name.
   • If you have comp and collision coverage on your personal policy, you may be able to decline the rental company’s Physical Damage coverage and extend your own. Deductibles will apply, and proof of coverage will be required.
5. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Liability
   • UM Liability provides valuable coverage for you if injured by another driver with insufficient insurance.
   • UM coverage is inexpensive for the value it adds.
   • Always elect ADDED-ON UM instead of Reduced-By UM.
   • Added-On coverage “adds to” the uninsured at-fault driver’s Liability limit, giving you additional protection for Bodily Injury.
   • Elect UM coverage Added-On and at least equal to your Liability limits.

Liability, UM, Physical Damage, At-Fault, Scheduled Driver, Borrowed Vehicle — lots to consider. Months ahead of the Semis are a great time to prepare for your upcoming trip to the A-T-L so you can enjoy next summer’s matches and celebrate your favorite team!