Insuring international drivers is not that much different from getting car insurance where you live. There are several mitigating factors that will help determine if you are going to be able to find affordable coverage, as well as the requirements of driving internationally.
Things International Insurance Companies Know (that you should too)
There are certain things about international drivers that the insurance companies already take into account when you apply for international auto insurance. Some of these things are:
- International drivers have less experience overall. If you are visiting the UK from the U. S., insurance companies know that you are going to have a time that is more difficult adjusting to the difference in the vehicles. In the UK, you must steer from the right side of the vehicle, and the road rules and driving requirements are different. Just as if you were visiting the U. S. from the UK, you must steer from the left side of the vehicle, and the laws and requirements differ there as well.
- Most people are not familiar with the driving laws in foreign countries. In some countries, it is not a law to have your insurance policy current, although in most countries it is a requirement. It will also take time to learn the different driving styles of the place you are visiting, as well as adapt to the speed limits and other laws. Many countries have their speed limits posted in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour.
- Often, international drivers are driving a foreign vehicle, and as such, they may require import car insurance, or a modified form of car insurance. If your vehicle originated in the country you are visiting, you will not have to worry about your insurance rates increasing due to an importation or modifications. Many people drive to the U. S. and think they are international drivers because they are driving a car that is very much like the cars they have back home. If the vehicle in this case is very different that the average vehicle, your insurance rates may be higher.
Driving Permits
Some countries require you to apply for and carry a driving permit for their country. Many countries do not recognize a U. S. driver’s license as valid. They often require and International Driving Permit, that you can get at your local travel office, or from AAA or the National Auto Club. This type of license is simply a translation of your U. S. license into the native language of the country you are visiting
Road Safety Abroad
Some things that you need to be aware of in international travel are basic road laws that we take for granted. You need to know simple rules such as:
- Can you make a right turn at a red light?
- Can you use your cell phone while you are driving?
- What if you are pulled over and your breath smells of alcohol? There are many countries that take zero tolerance stances on driving while intoxicated and the penalties can be grave.
General Tips and Advice
Here are a few tips that you will want to consider when booking your international vacation. These things will only help to make your stay and travel much easier and safer. They include:
- Whether you need it or not, get an International Driving Permit.
- If at all possible, get a copy of the country that you are planning to visit’s driving laws, and review them thoroughly.
- Carry your U. S. driver’s license and your International Driving Permit together at all times.
- Find out if your destination has limits on their allowable driving age.
- There are many countries that require you to carry certain types of road permits in lieu of paying a toll. Often, they will fine people that are driving without their required permit.
- Buckle up. Many countries have stiff penalties for this violation.
- There are many countries the expect you to flash your headlights before you pass someone, or that you honk your horn before you navigate a sharp turn.
- If you decide to rent a vehicle, be certain to get insurance on it.
- If you already know that the country you are visiting drive on the left side of the road, it is a very good idea to practice this in a rural area to become better accustomed to it before attempting to drive in a big city.
- Always carry a map or chart and be sure of the route you will be taking to get where you want to go.
- Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
- Always be aware of where you are, and take the necessary precautions when getting in or out of your vehicle.
Author Bio: Allison is a freelancer and contributor for a car insurance website with information on finding cheap car insurance as well as anything and everything under the sun related to car insurance coverage. When she is not researching car insurance policy options, Allison can usually be found jogging with her dog.
