Does my US car insurance cover international travel?

Asked by: Mr. Sanford Leffler  |  Last update: December 5, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (17 votes)

Does car insurance cover international rentals? Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company.

Does my car insurance cover me in Mexico?

Your U.S. auto insurance won't cover you after crossing the border of Mexico. You'll need a special Mexican auto insurance policy to legally drive in Mexico, which can be acquired through an insurance agent.

Does my US auto insurance cover me in Canada?

If you are traveling to Canada by car, whether in your vehicle or a rental car, your U.S. insurance will usually protect you with the same coverages and limits that you have at home. Car insurance in Canada for visitors from the U.S. is governed by reciprocal laws between the two countries.

What does car insurance cover in USA?

What is car insurance? Car insurance covers damage to your vehicle and protects you financially if you're liable for someone else's injuries or damages. Auto insurance can also pay for medical bills if you or your passengers are injured in an accident or you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Does State Farm cover rental cars overseas?

With State Farm, you're covered for rental cars in the US and Canada. If you're traveling outside these two countries, you'll need to purchase supplemental insurance.

Travel Insurance Tips: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy

30 related questions found

Does my insurance cover international rentals?

Does car insurance cover international rentals? Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company.

Can you drive a rental car between countries?

Yes, usually you'll pay a 'cross-border fee' when you pick the car up. This fee will extend your rental's basic damage, theft and third-party protection so it works in another country. When you tell the counter staff you want to take the car abroad, they'll arrange to insure the car for you.

Where in the US is car insurance not required?

New Hampshire and Virginia are the only two states that don't require car insurance. That said, there is no one country-wide rule when it comes to how much car insurance you have to have. Each state has a different minimum amount of car insurance that drivers must obtain in order to legally drive on public roads.

What insurance does not cover?

Health insurance typically covers most doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, wellness care, and medical devices. Most health insurance will not cover elective or cosmetic procedures, beauty treatments, off-label drug use, or brand-new technologies.

What does comprehensive insurance cover?

Comprehensive car insurance is a coverage that helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail).

Does US insurance work in other countries?

Generally, most domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so there is a benefit to purchasing travel medical insurance as a supplement to your health insurance coverage. The travel medical coverage is only valid while you're traveling.

Can you drive in Canada with a US license?

What Do You Need to Drive a Car in Canada? If you're visiting Canada from the US, you don't need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) or obtain a Canadian license to drive. Your US driver's license and proof of auto insurance are all that you need to rent a car and drive here.

Do I need special insurance to drive into Canada?

Driving in Canada with a U.S. license and a U.S. car insurance policy is perfectly legal. In fact, Canada and the United States have what's called a reciprocal agreement allowing citizens from both countries to drive in either place without needing new car insurance or a different type of driver's license.

Does my US car insurance cover me in Europe?

Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries. Whether you plan to drive across a border or rent or purchase a car overseas, you have plenty of options for getting the international auto insurance coverage each country requires.

Can American drive in Cancun?

Driving Requirements

You should carry your passport and immigration document (tourist card / FMM document) as well as your vehicle registration and insurance. You do need to have Mexican insurance as U.S. automobile liability insurance coverage is not valid in Mexico.

Does Mexico accept US insurance?

Does US health insurance work in Mexico? Most United States health insurance providers do not cover travel overseas, including to Mexico, but you should check with your carrier to be sure.

What type of insurance is most overlooked?

Umbrella Liability Insurance:

Although umbrella liability is beneficial, many people often overlook it due to its high cost or simply because they assume the coverage is unnecessary.

What reasons are not covered by travelers insurance?

Baggage delay, damage, and loss policies don't cover everything in your bags. Common travel insurance exclusions include glasses, hearing aids, dental bridges, tickets, passports, keys, cash, and cell phones.

Does insurance pay if you were drinking?

If your DUI accident is deemed a “negligent” act, you could get coverage from your insurance company. However, you should know that some insurance companies will argue that driving under the influence is an intentional act. Insurance policies do not cover damage caused by intentional behavior.

Is it illegal to drive a car without insurance in USA?

Driving without insurance is against the law in virtually every U.S. state. The consequences of driving without insurance can vary dramatically, with penalties ranging from a slap on the wrist to large fines and even jail time.

Is it illegal to not have car insurance USA?

Yes, federal law requires all drivers to have car insurance so the interests of pedestrians and other motorists are protected in a crash. Most states have laws that mandate car insurance as well, with each state establishing its own required coverage amounts and penalties for failure to have insurance.

Is it illegal to not have insurance in us?

There currently is no federal law that makes health insurance a legal requirement. However, a few states across the U.S. make it mandatory to have healthcare coverage. If you live in a state where having health insurance is the law, you will have to pay a tax penalty for not complying.

Can I drive a rental car from USA to Mexico?

Can I cross the Mexican border with a rental car? Yes, you can drive a rental car from the United States into Mexico, but you must pay for a Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance which is only available in specific U.S. states such as Arizona, Texas and California.

What happens if I cross the border with a rental car?

Rentals Originating in the United States:

Most locations do not allow travel into Mexico. If you wish to travel into Mexico, you will be required to purchase additional insurance to cover the vehicle while in Mexico. Please contact the branch directly to determine limitations and availability.

Can you rent a car and drive in Europe with US license?

Yes, you will need both your passport and your driver's license to rent a car in Europe. Additionally, for Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, or Spain, you will also need to provide an International Driver's Permit (IDP).