Does my car insurance cover me to drive abroad?

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Your domestic car insurance typically does not cover you when driving abroad, with the major exception of Canada.

Where You Are Covered

  • Canada: Most U.S. auto policies automatically extend your standard coverage and limits for short visits. Always check liability limits and request a Canadian insurance card from your provider before you cross.

Where You Are Not Covered

  • Mexico: Your U.S. policy does not work there. You must buy a separate, specific Mexican auto insurance policy from a specialized provider or online broker before you drive across the border.
  • Other International Destinations (Europe, Asia, etc.): Your policy provides zero coverage for driving or renting cars overseas.

How to Get Coverage Abroad

  • Rental Car Company: Buy local coverage, such as a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or third-party liability, directly from the rental agency at your destination.
  • Credit Cards: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, but it is usually secondary and rarely includes personal liability or injury coverage for others. Check your specific card terms.
  • Specialist Policies: Review international options through providers like Progressive International Coverage or check travel guidelines from the U.S. Department of State.

How do I know if my car insurance covers me to drive abroad?

The fastest way to know if your car insurance covers you to drive abroad is to check your policy documents or contact your provider directly.

How to Check Your Cover

  • Read your policy booklet: Look for sections on "foreign use," "driving abroad," or "European cover" to see what tier of protection you have.
  • Check the level of cover: Standard policies typically provide only the legal minimum third-party cover abroad (which protects others, not your car), even if you have comprehensive coverage at home.
  • Note the time limits: Most policies limit foreign driving to a set period, such as 30, 60, or 90 days per policy year.
  • Verify destination countries: While EU countries and select neighbors are often included automatically, other nations may require an extension or a Green Card (international motor insurance proof).

You can review official guidelines and requirements on the GOV.UK Driving Abroad Overview.

Does my car insurance cover international driving?

Standard U.S. car insurance policies do not cover you when driving overseas, with the common exception of Canada.

Country-Specific Rules

  • Canada: Most U.S. auto insurance policies extend your standard coverage and limits. You can ask your provider for a Canadian card ("Canada card") as proof of insurance.
  • Mexico: U.S. auto insurance policies generally do not apply. You must buy a separate, legally required Mexican tourist auto insurance policy.
  • Other Countries: Your policy will not cover you in Europe, Asia, or other international destinations.

How to Get Coverage Abroad

  • Rental Car Companies: You must purchase local coverage (such as Collision Damage Waivers or local liability) directly from the rental agency.
  • Credit Cards: Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, but this is usually secondary coverage for vehicle damage and typically excludes personal liability.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP): Many foreign countries also require an IDP alongside your domestic driver's license, which you should get before traveling through organizations like AAA. You can check Allstate for more details on foreign driving policies.

Do I need to tell my car insurance if I go abroad?

You generally do not need to notify your auto insurance company if you are traveling abroad without your car, but you must keep your policy active if the vehicle remains parked at home.

When You Leave Your Car at Home

  • Keep coverage active: Do not cancel your policy just because you are traveling, as your parked car is still at risk for theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
  • Avoid legal issues: Dropping insurance can violate state laws or lender financing requirements if you have a car loan.
  • Change drivers if needed: If a family member or friend will drive your car while you are away, you should update your policy to list them as the primary driver.

When You Drive Abroad

  • Renting a car: Standard personal auto policies do not transfer to foreign rentals (except sometimes in Canada). You will rely on coverage from the rental company or your credit card.
  • Taking your own car: If you ship or drive your vehicle to another country (like crossing into Mexico or overseas), you must buy a separate local policy or temporary international coverage. You should consult your provider or read guidelines on maintaining coverage during extended trips via resources like RightAway Insurance.

Can I pause my car insurance while out of the country?

You typically cannot completely pause your entire car insurance policy, but many insurers allow you to temporarily suspend driving-related coverages while keeping a low-cost comprehensive plan active.

What "Pausing" Actually Means

  • No Full Pause: Most insurance companies do not offer a button to simply freeze your entire bill without changing the underlying policy.
  • Dropping Liability: You can often remove liability, collision, and medical coverages (the parts that pay when you drive) if the car sits unused for 30 to 45 days or more.
  • Keeping Comprehensive (Storage Insurance): You keep comprehensive coverage to protect the parked car from non-driving risks like theft, fire, vandalism, or a tree branch falling.

Important Rules to Check Before You Travel

  • Vehicle Registration Laws: Most states and provinces require active liability insurance as long as the vehicle has valid license plates. If you cancel or fully suspend standard coverage, you may need to surrender your plates or file an official "Affidavit of Non-Use" with your local DMV.
  • Car Loans or Leases: If you finance or lease your car, your lender almost always requires you to maintain full coverage (including collision and comprehensive) at all times, regardless of whether you are out of the country.
  • Avoiding a Lapse: Simply letting your policy lapse or canceling it entirely can flag you as a high-risk driver and spike your rates when you return.

2017 Auto FAQs | Can I Get Insured to Drive Overseas

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Will my US car insurance cover me in Europe?

No, your U.S. car insurance will not cover you while driving in Europe.

Personal Vehicles and Rentals

  • Personal Autos: Standard U.S. policies only work in the U.S. and usually Canada. They do not extend to personal or imported cars driven overseas.
  • Rental Cars: Your personal U.S. policy's collision and comprehensive coverages do not apply to rental cars in Europe.

How to Get Coverage in Europe

  • Rental Agency Plans: Buy mandatory third-party liability and a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) directly from the European car rental company.
  • Credit Card Perks: Check with your card issuer, as many major credit cards offer secondary or primary rental car damage protection (CDW/LDW) when you decline the rental company's coverage. Note that credit cards usually do not cover liability for injuries or damage to others, and some countries (like Ireland or Italy) may be excluded.
  • Alternative Options: You can read advice on NerdWallet for comparing European rental coverage options. You can also review general tips on Progressive regarding international rules.

What will travel insurance not cover?

Standard travel insurance will not cover pre-existing medical conditions, known or foreseeable events, illegal acts, and high-risk extreme sports.

Medical Exclusions

  • Pre-existing conditions: Medical issues you had before buying the policy are usually excluded, unless you buy a pre-existing condition waiver early.
  • Routine or elective care: Scheduled checkups, wellness exams, and medical tourism are not covered.
  • Normal pregnancy: Routine care, checkups, and standard childbirth are excluded.

Trip Cancellation Exclusions

  • Change of mind or fear of travel: Canceling because you are nervous or simply changed your mind is not covered without a "Cancel for Any Reason" upgrade.
  • Foreseeable events: If a storm, natural disaster, or epidemic is already named or public before you buy the plan, it is not covered.
  • Acts of war: Losses caused by war, invasion, or military action are typically excluded.

Behavior and Activity Exclusions

  • Intoxication: Injuries or accidents that happen while you are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs are excluded.
  • Extreme sports: Dangerous activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or mountain climbing are excluded unless you buy an adventure sports rider.
  • Illegal activities: Any losses or injuries caused by breaking the law are not covered.

Specific Item Limits

  • Valuables and cash: Standard baggage plans often exclude or severely limit payouts for cash, passports, contact lenses, and expensive electronics like cell phones and laptops.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover me internationally?

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) coverage outside the United States depends entirely on your specific policy, but many plans offer limited emergency care or specialized international options.

How International Coverage Works

  • Emergency vs. Routine Care: Most standard domestic BCBS plans only cover emergency medical services when you are abroad. Routine or non-emergency care is typically an out-of-pocket expense.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core®: Many U.S. plans include access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core Program, which allows you to access doctors and hospitals in over 190 countries, though you may have to pay upfront and file for reimbursement later.
  • Standalone International Plans: For comprehensive coverage (including inpatient, outpatient, and prescription drugs), BCBS offers dedicated products like Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions or GeoBlue for short-term trips, expats, or study abroad.
  • Federal Employee Program (FEP): If you have the BCBS Service Benefit Plan (FEP), it includes broader worldwide coverage with dedicated apps to submit overseas claims.

Do I need extra car insurance to drive in Europe?

You usually do not need extra car insurance to drive your own car in the European Union, because standard UK policies automatically provide the legal minimum third-party cover.

What Your Policy Covers

  • Third-Party Only: Most standard UK insurance policies give you only the basic legal minimum cover when driving in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland.
  • Comprehensive Upgrade: Your full comprehensive benefits (like theft or damage to your own car) may not apply automatically. Many insurers limit full coverage to a set period, such as 30 to 90 days per trip.
  • Contact Your Insurer: Call your provider before you travel to check if you need to upgrade to full comprehensive foreign use.

Documents and Extra Rules

  • Green Cards: You do not need a Green Card (an international insurance proof certificate) to drive in the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You may still need one for non-EU nations like Albania, Ukraine, or Turkey.
  • Mandatory Paperwork: Carry your UK driving licence, your Certificate of Motor Insurance, and your V5C logbook.
  • Car Rentals: If you rent a car in Europe, basic third-party and theft protection is included. Rental companies often sell high-excess waiver policies, which you can buy independently online beforehand to save money.

What not to tell your insurance company?

Never admit fault, apologize, or downplay your injuries when speaking to an insurance adjuster after an accident.

Statements to Avoid

  • "I'm sorry" or "It was my fault": Insurers treat apologies as a legal admission of liability, which can reduce or eliminate your compensation.
  • "I'm fine" or "I'm not hurt": Adrenaline can mask severe conditions like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries that appear days later. Early statements that you are fine are used to deny later claims.
  • Guesses or speculation: Never estimate speeds, distances, or timing. Stick strictly to objective facts you know for certain.
  • Recorded statements: You can decline requests for a recorded interview until you consult legal counsel, as adjusters use these recordings to trap you in inconsistencies.

Safe Communication Guidelines

  • Provide only basic facts like the date, time, location, and your contact or policy details.
  • Refer the adjuster to a qualified Car Accident Lawyer to manage further discussions and protect your rights.