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Is Your Car Insurance Valid Overseas?
If you’re planning a trip overseas where you’re going to be driving, then you’re probably wondering if your car insurance is going to be valid. This is something that you definitely want to address before it’s time to pack up and leave, as you may have to take some steps to ensure that you’ll be driving legally and will be properly insured. Following are some things to keep in mind and look into to find out if your car insurance will be valid in a foreign country:
• According to the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs, your car insurance typically doesn’t cover you while you’re driving abroad—however, it may apply while you’re driving in countries that neighbor the U.S. But keep in mind that these neighboring countries have minimum insurance requirements that might exceed your current coverage.
• If you’re covered by Allstate, then your insurance is valid throughout all of Canada as well as U.S. territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
• In Mexico, civil liability insurance, which covers drivers if they cause damage or injury, is required. American liability insurance isn’t valid in Mexico for injury; however, some American insurance policies will be sufficient to cover physical damages.
• If you plan on renting a vehicle in Europe, be sure to inquire about the country’s particular car insurance requirements. You will probably need to purchase specific types of insurance in order to drive legally.
• Some credit card companies actually provide auto rental insurance coverage. For example, Visa provides some insurance on car rentals in foreign countries. Check with your credit card issuer to see if there are any perks you may be unaware of.
These are just some pieces of advice to keep in mind when you’re researching whether or not your car insurance will be valid overseas. Do you have any other tips for fellow drivers who plan on climbing behind the wheel in a foreign country?