How to Get Car Insurance While Traveling Abroad

Purchasing Travel insurance while traveling abroad is always a good practice. However, travel insurance is usually confined to health coverage only. If you plan to drive a car, you may need car insurance. Note that in some countries it is not necessary to have car insurance. Nevertheless, it is still recommended. You will need an international driver's license before you can rent a car or get insurance on it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact your credit card companies. See if you qualify for insurance for driving abroad. Check fees and shop for rates with all credit cards you may have.
2. Add insurance for driving in a foreign country while buying travel insurance. Check the difference in the premium and compare it with the fees you would pay if you got insurance through your credit card.
3. Rent a car from a popular rental car agency and buy a temporary insurance from the rental car agency. With a well-known company, you will most likely be assured of better services and better coverage. This may be the most economical method, depending on the number of days you plan to rent the vehicle. In most cases, this is usually the easiest and most cost-effective method.
4. Ask your friends, colleagues or company if you plan to borrow their car. It is likely that their insurance policy may cover anyone driving their car
5. Contact your existing car insurance company to see if you have coverage for driving in a foreign country. You may qualify for limited coverage under your own auto policy for certain number of days of the year without any additional charge.

Tips & Warnings

• While buying a temporary policy specify the exact dates you intend to be driving. If you extend your stay, be sure to extend your policy.
• You can save money and may not have to buy insurance at all if you are on a business trip. Ask your company to get you coverage for the period of visit.