Stay Safe with International Car Insurance
Your domestic car insurance may not protect you when driving outside your home country. Many policies exclude coverage for overseas destinations, and insurers often cannot extend protection to foreign jurisdictions. International auto insurance fills this gap by covering you and your vehicle wherever you drive abroad.
Why Do I Need International Auto Insurance?
Every country has its own auto insurance rules, coverage requirements, and terminology. A global policy ensures you meet local legal standards and receive the protection you need while using:
With the right plan in place, you can cross borders confidently, knowing your coverage complies with local regulations and protects your vehicle, finances, and safety.
International auto insurance can also count as continuous coverage, which may help lower your rates when you return home.
What Does Global Car Insurance Cover?
Coverage can vary slightly by destination, but most international policies include:
- Physical damage from collisions, attempted theft, natural disasters, or political violence
- Personal injury benefits for you and your passengers
- Uninsured motorist protection if another driver causes damage without insurance
- Liability coverage for injuries or property damage you cause
- Home-country rental car coverage when visiting your home for short trips
- Vehicle storage coverage to protect a car left inside your home country
This comprehensive protection helps you avoid unexpected financial losses while living, traveling, or working abroad with your vehicle.
When Don’t I Need International Car Insurance?
There are a few exceptions where international coverage may already apply:
- EU residents with an EU auto insurance policy are generally covered throughout EU member states.
- U.S. and Canadian drivers are usually covered when visiting each other’s countries as short-term tourists.
However, most drivers still need international auto insurance when:
- Traveling to Mexico from the U.S. or Canada
- Driving abroad for more than a short visit
- Importing or transporting their personal vehicle overseas
- Living abroad long-term
- Driving in a country where domestic insurers cannot extend coverage
If you purchase a new car after moving overseas, you will typically be required to obtain a local auto insurance policy.
Bringing Your Car to Another Country?
If you are traveling to a foreign country with your car, you will need international auto insurance. A global car insurance policy will protect you financially when you drive overseas, just as your domestic auto insurance policy protects you in your home country. You’ll also be secure in the knowledge that, wherever you go, your insurance complies with local regulations.
Health and Travel Insurance: Protection Beyond the Road
Driving abroad comes with new rules, unfamiliar roads, and unexpected risks. While international auto insurance protects your vehicle and liability on the road, it does not cover medical emergencies, evacuation needs, or travel-related disruptions you may face during your time overseas. Pairing your car insurance with international health insurance or travel medical insurance ensures you are fully protected, regardless of the situation that arises.
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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