How to Get Car Insurance as a Tourist

Planning to go on a vacation? Making a long business trip in your country or overseas? Think seriously about getting car insurance as a tourist. The following steps show how this can be accomplished.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Credit card
• Passport
• Driver’s license from the state of origin in the United States
• Visa
• International driver's license

1. Get an international driver's license if you plan to drive a car in a foreign country. You will need a license to rent a car.

2. Check your existing car insurance policy for the coverage if you are a frequent flyer to other countries. Ask your insurance company if they can include exactly what you want in your existing policy. This is one of the best ways to get insured.

3. Choose the option of getting insurance from the rental company if you do not have the requisite coverage in your existing auto policy.

4. Check your credit cards and memberships. Some cards like American Express and MasterCard cover you for auto insurance when you are traveling abroad and driving a rented vehicle you charged on your credit card.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose temporary insurance over other options whenever possible.
• Know the coverage and limits on your cards.
• Rental car coverage can be tricky. Read all clauses in detail before purchasing a policy through an agency. Ideally rent cars (and buy insurance) from major reputable car rental agencies.
• Keep all hotline numbers with you and a tourist guide handy at all times.
• Getting insurance from a rental agency while in the foreign country may be a cumbersome process. Try to get information and take the policy that covers all risks before you travel. In case you can’t do so, check with the car rental agencies. Most agencies have Web sites where they provide information on insurance.
• Check some basic rules of driving if you are a tourist in a foreign country. Rules vary in different countries, especially in Europe and Asia.