Stay Safe with Worldwide Auto Insurance
Your current auto insurance plan may not cover you if you bring your car to another country, and your preferred auto insurance company may not offer coverage in your new country. This is why it is important for expatriates to have international auto insurance. As the name implies, international auto insurance covers your automobile. It is an insurance policy that covers the car you drive when you are away from your home country.
Why do you need Worldwide auto insurance?
Insurance requirements vary from country to country. Your home country’s insurance policy may exclude important coverage items that are required in other countries. Different terminology may also be used (e.g., “excess amount” instead of “deductible”). Global auto insurance meets the requirements of the country you are in.
International auto insurance also uses the driver’s license of the country of your nationality. You may also need an international driving permit, which can be obtained from your country’s motor vehicle association.
With insurance, you can drive across borders with peace of mind. In many cases, international auto insurance also provides continuation coverage. This may result in lower premiums after you return home.
Global Auto Insurance Coverage
Conditions vary from country to country, and there may be slight differences in coverage depending on your location. In general, global auto insurance covers you and your vehicle in the following situations
- Property damage due to auto accidents, attempted theft, natural disasters, and political violence
- Property damage from auto accidents, attempted theft, natural disasters, and political violence
- Collision with an uninsured motorist – your damages are covered by your own insurance, even if the other party is not insured
- Liability coverage – If someone is injured or property is damaged in an accident, you will not have to pay out-of-pocket for repairs or medical treatment.
- Home Country Rental Car Coverage – If you return to your home country for a visit, your insurance will cover the cost of a rental car.
- Vehicle Deposit Insurance – protects your vehicle if you leave it in your home country.
What are the cases when you do not need overseas car insurance?
If you are an EU resident and have EU auto insurance, you are covered in any EU member country. Similarly, most U.S. auto insurance plans will cover you if you cross the border into Canada or vice versa, but only if you are entering the country as a short-term tourist. (Most U.S. and Canadian residents, however, require a separate auto insurance plan for travel to Mexico.)
If you purchase a car in your new country of residence, you will generally need to purchase auto insurance from a local company. Foreign auto insurance is designed specifically for people who are taking their current car to a foreign country.
Bringing your car to a foreign country? Get Worldwide auto insurance!
If you are bringing your car to a foreign country, you will need international auto insurance. Worldwide auto insurance protects you financially when you drive abroad, just as domestic auto insurance protects you in your home country. You can also take comfort in the knowledge that your insurance will comply with local regulations wherever you go.
Driving Abroad: Do I need an International Driver’s License?
Driving in Other Countries: What Do I Need?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a special document that allows a licensed driver to drive in another country without additional testing or application. Sometimes referred to as an “international driver’s license” or “international driving document,” the IDP serves as proof that the holder has a valid driver’s license issued by the competent authorities in the country of residence.
Envision a cop in Finland or Uganda. It would be difficult to survey the legitimacy of a normal permit gave in Vermont or Alberta; with an IDP, you would immediately realize that the permit you are carrying is legitimate. the IDP also translates the identifying information on your driver license into 10 languages. This makes it a useful document even if you do not plan to drive.
Which countries require an international driver’s license?
The IDP is valid in all countries that are signatories to the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic and is also recognized in many countries that are not signatories to the Convention. In some countries you cannot drive without a valid IDP, and some car rental companies may require an IDP when you rent a car.
Most countries require it, but some do not. For instance, on the off chance that you have a substantial U.S. driver’s license or a valid driver’s license written in English, you do not need an IDP in the following countries
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- South Africa
- Canada
- Mexico
Furthermore, on the off chance that you have an European driver’s permit, you can drive in most EU part nations without an extra license.
Please note that an IDP is not a substitute for a license from your home country. This intends that assuming your current permit is up for recharging in May, you can’t pull off involving just an IDP in June. You must renew your local license on time!
How do I apply for an IDP?
Applying for an IDP is easy. You will need to visit an authorized dealer and bring a copy of your driver’s license (front and back). At most locations, you can also pick up a copy on the spot.
You will also need two passport-style photos, signed on the back; most IDP-approved vendors are motor vehicle associations that will issue passport photos as part of their service. Finally, a simple application form must be filled out.
In some cases, applications can be mailed. In such cases, processing the application and mailing the new permit usually takes less than a week. If you apply in person, you will only have to wait about 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.
How do I get a permit to drive in a foreign country?
Only certain organizations are authorized to sell international driver’s licenses. In many nations, the approved merchant is the Public Vehicle Affiliation. You do not need to be a member of a motor vehicle association to apply for an IDP.
Please note that you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license to apply.
What is the fee for a foreign driver’s license?
Surprisingly, this is one of the more affordable travel documents! Fees vary from country to country, but usually start around $20.
How long is the IDP valid?
The IDP is valid for one year or until your regular driver’s license expires.
International Driver’s License Scam – Beware of Fake Operators
Scammers take advantage of the fact that people often use the term “international driver’s license”. Thus, they sell “international driver’s licenses,” which are actually useless documents with no legal status or international recognition. Moreover, they can be much more expensive than the small fee for a regular international driver’s license. One should be wary!
People and organizations not approved to give IDPs are selling fakes for $60 to $400 through sites, spontaneous messages, and face to face. Buying a fake IDP not only means paying for a worthless document, but you could also face legal problems and travel delays if you are detained for driving with an IDP in a foreign country. (Source FTC)
What if my IDP expires while traveling abroad?
In most cases, your driver’s license is valid as long as it is valid in your home country. However, you must pay for the cost of the motor vehicle association to mail you a new license. If you no longer have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you must apply for an IDP with a new license locally.
For what reason Do You Really want One?
A few nations expect sightseers to have an IDP to lease a vehicle or drive in their country. Check the driving principles and guidelines in the country you anticipate visiting and confirm necessities with the rental organization before you leave to decide whether you really want an IDP.
Keep in mind, going with an IDP isn’t a replacement for your ordinary driver’s permit. You actually need to bring that along!
Punishments For Not Having an IDP
In the event that you are in one of those nations which require an IDP and you don’t have one, punishments can go from a fine to a reference in the event that you are pulled over. In the event that you are driving in Japan, the punishments are particularly extreme and can stretch out to capture and removal.
How Frequently Will I Really want To Show It?
As most successive explorers will authenticate, you will only every once in a long while will be approached to show your IDP. Indeed, even nations that require it from unfamiliar drivers probably won’t request to see it at the vehicle rental counter.
Nonetheless, given the straightforwardness and minimal expense of getting one, numerous explorers like to convey one since it incorporates multilingual interpretations of their key distinguishing data.
Rules Of The Street in an Outside Country
An IDP doesn’t make you excluded from the guidelines of the street in your new country. Nor does it imply that you may be held to the driving guidelines and principles of your nation of origin. You are in another nation and it is their principles which wear the pants.
It really depends on you to plan for getting there, including finding out about speed limits, liquor resistance, deciphering street signs, and that’s just the beginning.
Last Word: How Might You Let Know if You Truly Need An IDP?
By the day’s end, how might you be aware in the event that you totally need an IDP before you lease a vehicle, cruiser, or bike? Sadly, necessities for utilizing IDPs are inadequately broadcasted. Back in 2012, the territory of Florida passed a regulation requiring all unfamiliar drivers to have an IDP.
Tragically, the new rule was not conveyed well – and Canadian seasonal residents were gotten uninformed. Such was the ruckus that Florida repulsed the law in two months or less. Also, it isn’t simply in that frame of mind there is disarray. Sightseeing web journals are loaded up with tales about explorers who have been denied leasing a vehicle or bike when they are abroad.
While you are arranging your excursion, look for phrases like “How To Lease A Bike In <Country> ” or “Reports Required For Vehicle Rentals In <Country> “. While reserving on the web spot, inquire as to whether they require an IDP.
Explain whether their reaction shows a lawful prerequisite or simply a solid proposal. Also, if all else fails, add an IDP to your movement pressing rundown. It is a reasonable, open record that can make your movement life more straightforward – and now and again, help to save your outing.