Overseas Car Insurance Coverage
Is there any other trip more exciting than the ones that you need a passport for? Something about traveling internationally makes any job, vacation, or special occasion all the more luxe. What’s not so luxurious or exciting is thinking about how to get around while in a foreign place, and what would happen if you were involved in any kind of accident.
Rules regarding driving aren’t uniformed across the globe, and chances are you’ve never tried to drive from your passenger seat. Mixing your unfamiliarity with the city and potential new driving skills can be a recipe perfect for disaster.
An official source says that Auto Insurance is a type of insurance protection that is designed to protect the property interests of the insured associated with the costs of restoring a vehicle after an accident, breakdown or buying a new car after theft or theft, compensation for damage caused to third parties during the operation of the car.
car waiver insurance abroad has its own nuances. Therefore, before making insurance abroad, study all the nuances and features of the procedure.Chances are that your regular car insurance coverage won’t be sufficient to cover you overseas, but with temporary car insurance, you can slowly and safely pull onto foreign roads with mental ease.
Coverage through Your Credit Card Company
The answers you seek may lie right in your back pocket. If you have an open credit card account with any major credit card company, ask them what they offer for abroad insurance. Most major companies will offer financial coverage called collision damage waiver (CDW), and loss damage waiver (LDW) for damage to a rented vehicle, as well as other expenses such as towing or theft.
However, collision damage and loss damage waivers do not include the costs of medical bills or the value of items that could be stolen out of the vehicle itself. No matter where you plan to go, you should inquire about umbrella liability insurance options. Umbrella liability insurance will help cover injuries to the driver and others involved along with any damage to any possessions.
Coverage when Crossing U.S. Borders
Canada and Mexico make great destinations for an international road trip getaway, and with these destinations, you could choose to rent a car or even take your own vehicle. The good news is that you can choose to rent a car here in the U.S. and use it in Canada on your trip.
A few things to consider if you decide to go the rental route are:
- Research your personal insurance coverage before hitting the road because there may be more included in your current coverage that you don’t know or even small upgrades that you can add to your plan temporarily.
- Be transparent and upfront with the company you are choosing to rent from. Know what cities you plan to drive in because your coverage may change due to which city you’re in.
- Make sure you have a non-resident insurance card on your person at all times. You can obtain a non-residential card when you go to rent a car, or you can get one online if you’re taking your personal vehicle.
In Mexico, the regulations are similar, but to drive outside the bordered area or “free zone,” you need to obtain a permit. In order to obtain a permit you will need this documentation:
- Proof of car ownership
- Proof of American registration
- An affidavit from any lien holders authorizing temporary importation
- A valid American driver's license
- Proof of citizenship
The Mexico permits are not difficult or expensive to get and are even available upon arrival at the border if you have copies of each listed document. If you want to get a permit online, you need to purchase at least two weeks prior to your trip.
Coverage When Driving in European Countries like France
There’s no place as intriguing as France. The history, buildings, and roads will leave you speechless. With so much to see, renting a car for your vacation could be an easy solution to transportation needs. In order to rent a car in France, you need to be at least 21. For some companies, you have to be 25 and will need to have had your American license for at least a year.
Something you probably won’t find online but should take note of is that French rentals will not allow you to rent if you have any discrepancies on your driving record, or if you are associated with anyone in your party that does.
Take this into account when planning ahead of time who will be responsible for getting the rental.
Coverage While Exploring Australia
If you haven’t considered this beautiful country for an extended vacation yet you need to bump it to the top of your list. With all of the natural beauty, amazing food, and chances to experience some of the best sailing in the world, you will be hopping from one exciting place to another.
Not only are the views here beautiful from every angle, but to drive here might be as easy as it gets in terms of getting legally on the road as an international driver. Australia is extremely amenable to foreigners, and they work hard to make tourists feel at ease. You can easily find any information you may need to organize your trip online before hopping on the plane or boat.
With many attractions being in rural areas, having your own vehicle will help cut trip costs while making sure you get to experience all the country has to offer.
You don't even need to have an international license as long as:
- The foreign license is in English or printed with English translation
- You’re not staying in Australia longer than 3 months
- The driver’s license has a clear photo
With the ease of getting on the road in Australia, all you need to worry about is remembering to stay on the left side of the road.
Drive Long and Prosper
Public transportation is a wonderful tool in exploring any new city, but when you want to venture past the city’s Instagram photo-ops, having your own personal vehicle is the best way to quickly get immersed into a new place. Read up on international road rules before your trip, and no matter where you find yourself, remember to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for the car insurance comparison site, CarInsuranceCompanies.net. Danielle loves to travel and aspires to see the world.
