Hannah Mentz Driving in another country can be both scary and confusing. Doing some research ahead of time will make it go a whole lot smoother. Here, learn what you need to know before driving internationally and how it will impact your insurance policy.
What Is an International Driver’s Permit?
An international driver’s permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to drive in 150 countries if you have a valid driver’s license in your home country. The IDP displays 10 different languages and expires one year after it is issued, as long as your home country driver’s license has not expired. If you live in the United States, you can get an IDP through AAA (American Automobile Association) or AATA (American Automobile Touring Alliance).
Do International Car Rental Agencies Require You to Get an IDP?
It depends on what country you are visiting. Just like each U.S. state has its own rules about whether or not you need car insurance, so does each country. Once you do the legal research, use some common sense: Just because you do not legally need car insurance does not mean it is a good idea to go without. If your U.S. policy does not cover you abroad, then you will be on the hook for any damage to your vehicle or any damage you cause to yourself or others.
How Long Does It Take to Get an IDP?
How Much Does an IDP Cost?
Pros and Cons of Getting an IDP
Pros Explained
Cons Explained
Do I Need Car Insurance Internationally?
In which countries do you need an international driving permit?
What do you need to get an international driving permit?
Which U.S. states require an international driving permit?
Will My U.S. Car Insurance Policy Work Abroad?
In most cases, your car insurance is only valid in the United States. One exception to this rule is Canada—if you enter the country in your car as a non-resident tourist, your car insurance policy will most likely cover you while you’re driving around our neighbor to the north. You should check with your car insurance company and your credit card company so that you know exactly when and where you are covered. Some policies will work in Canada, but not in other countries, but it varies by plan.
Will My Foreign Car Insurance Policy Work in the United States?
It depends on your insurance provider. Most Canadian policies cover their drivers when they enter the United States as a non-resident tourist, but it can vary by country. Most auto insurance companies can issue a policy to non-U.S. citizens if they meet licensing requirements. If you are renting a car, most rental companies will be able to provide you with temporary auto insurance for a fee. It’s always a good idea to double-check with your insurance agent for the specifics before traveling.
Do Non-U.S. Drivers Need Car Insurance in the United States?
No matter whether you are a resident or just visiting, you will have to follow state laws. If you want to drive during your time in the U.S., you will need to be insured while doing so. Each state has different laws for how you can go about getting car insurance and when you’ll need to start the process of getting a U.S. driver’s license in order to do so.
Where Can Non-U.S. Drivers Get Car Insurance in the United States?
If you are just visiting, your rental car company should offer insurance, though more than just the bare-bones minimum coverage is can be costly. If you have booked a rental car through your credit card, sometimes your credit card company provides their own insurance, too. If you are planning on moving to the United States, you should purchase regular car insurance using your IDP, but this is often more easily said than done. The insurance companies that do offer plans for international tourists may have higher rates to account for the fact that they do not necessarily have a solid idea of how risky you are to insure. If you do find a U.S. plan that will take you, they may stipulate that you have to get a U.S. driver’s license within a short period to stay insured. If you are planning on staying in the U.S. long enough to require U.S. car insurance, you should speak with a car insurance agent to find a plan that is right for you. Because of your complicated situation, it is best not to try and go at it alone using online tools that are unlikely to give you the results you seek.
