Does auto insurance cover you when driving abroad?

Does auto insurance cover you when driving abroad? That depends on what country you are visiting. U.S. auto policies typically cover you when driving in Mexico or Canada, but if you plan on leaving the continent, you will need the right policy. When you’re planning for a trip, you need to answer questions such as, does my car insurance cover me in another country? Does my car insurance cover rental cars international? Where do I find car insurance while traveling?

We will help you answer these questions.

There are different laws and regulations regarding car insurance for car owners and international car insurance, so it’s important to know those differences. In addition, remember that some car insurance is not valid at all once you cross the border into another country such as some US car insurance in Europe or for those wondering does US car insurance work in Canada and Mexico.

So, if you travel a lot to other countries or are planning to travel to another country soon, consider renting a car and buying rental car insurance. However, remember that rental cars international may have specific requirements for rental car insurance abroad.

Keep reading to learn more about car insurance abroad, how much international auto insurance costs, and where you can get the most affordable rental insurance to cover you when driving abroad and looking for travel car insurance international.

American Auto Insurance When Driving Abroad

Before a trip, you might ask, does my US car insurance cover me in Europe? Will American auto insurance cover a rental overseas? The short answer is, “no.” In general, the car insurance that you carry on your car in the U.S. will not work overseas because you are not driving the same car.

Unless you plan to have your car shipped overseas, you will not have your car with you when you land in another country. You will be driving a rental car, so you’ll need to find specific international car insurance coverage when you are renting a car internationally.

Since the rental car is a different car than the one you normally drive, your current insurance will not do. You’ll have to buy international auto insurance coverage as your rental car insurance for overseas.

Auto Insurance Coverage Options When Driving Abroad

Since you’ve found out that the answer is no to the question does my car insurance cover me abroad, you’ve got to look at other options. But what are the choices for car insurance for travelling abroad? The solution to making sure you are covered when you are abroad is to either get rental car insurance or vacation insurance for any other expenses you might have on your vacation that you forfeit due to an accident, illness, or other situation.

Rental Car Insurance

Rental car insurance covers the rental vehicle you drive while abroad. It is brand new insurance that is good only for the time that you rent the car, so it works sort of like temporary car insurance when driving abroad.

While you are driving the rental, you are responsible for any damages incurred. Sometimes the rental car company will offer insurance in order to protect their investment. If you choose not to purchase rental car insurance from the rental company, you will need to compare insurance companies to see where you can find car rental insurance abroad.

Should you drive without either type of coverage, you are setting yourself up for disaster if an accident occurs during your trip. You might ask, does my car insurance cover rental cars abroad? Typically no, so you will need to find international car rental insurance for your trip.

Vacation Insurance

Vacation insurance — or travel insurance as it is often called (or even holiday car insurance when abroad in some cases) — can be very misleading because it sounds like it might cover rental car insurance on one’s vacation. But does travel insurance cover driving abroad and does travel insurance cover car accidents?

No, because vacation insurance is not car insurance. It only covers the loss of valuable items or unforeseen expenses while on vacation. It will also cover losses if your vacation is canceled or cut short because of illness or other emergencies. Coverage typically includes accommodations, recreation expenses, or other rentals.

While vacation insurance is a good thing to consider if you are planning a trip abroad, it in no way provides insurance for your rental car.

Read More: How to Get an Insurance Quote Without a Car

Tips on Getting the Best Auto Insurance When Driving Abroad

Here are some good tips on how to get the best rental car insurance when you are abroad or if you’re trying to find out does car insurance cover international rentals:

• Book your rental in advance of your trip. This will allow you to compare prices of different insurance companies ahead of time so you won’t be rushed to research the best deal once there.
• Take advantage of added coverage. Consider whether or not you would like to add roadside assistance options, replacement parts coverage, and other items to your policy.
• Read through your current auto insurance policy. Check your current policy to see does my car insurance cover international rentals? Then ask your agent to compare policies to see which offers the best deal when you plan to travel abroad.
• Track your purchases. Use a credit card when reserving your rental car so that there will be a way to track the rental car purchase. Check the regulations of international insurance and travel and compare them with what your company offers when you are shopping for coverage.

Check with the U.S. government to ensure you have everything you need before visiting and driving in another country. It is important to make sure you are covered from accident, theft, or damage when traveling abroad with the right policy.

You don’t want to arrive for your vacation still wondering, does my car insurance cover me in Europe? You may end up scrambling to find the best car insurance overseas cover.

How to Find Auto Insurance to Cover You When Driving Abroad

The first step in getting car insurance when traveling abroad is to shop and compare. What is the best car insurance for driving abroad? Well, see if any of the policies you are considering have rental car insurance for international travel. Some companies carry car insurance that you can add to your current policy or as an extra rider that you purchase as an option for auto insurance on an international trip.

Remember, the car you are driving in such circumstances is not your own. So your normal car insurance may not work, but since you are still liable for damages if you are in an accident, check into insurance for rental cars abroad. Make sure you have adequate overseas car insurance, even if you plan to purchase from a company in Europe for car insurance for rental cars.