Car Travel Insurance

Most of us include health and medical insurance coverage whenever we travel, especially if we are travelling out of our native country. This is a very important first step, but we should also consider car travel insurance as well. The amount and type of insurance needed will usually be regulated by the region you where you will be driving. In some countries car travel insurance is not required at all, so it is something that should be checked into before travelling. Even if insurance is not required, driving without it is foolhardy – and can become extremely expensive.

The first place to check on car travel insurance coverage is with your current insurance company. Ask your agent whether or not your current policy covers you to drive internationally, and what exactly your coverage includes. Often, insurance policies will leave out certain countries with high claim rates. Chances are, if your policy does not include travel insurance, your agent can add what you need to your current policy for the travel period.

Sometimes you can also purchase insurance coverage for your car where you buy your health and medical travel insurance. If you are booking your trip through a travel agency your car travel insurance may very well be included in the price of your travel package. Package deals give you the chance to save a bit of money, so look out for them.

Credit card companies may also include travel insurances as part of your purchase if you charge your trip to your credit card. Be sure to ask your credit card company exactly what is covered in your purchase agreement. Be aware that these little extras may involve extra fees so be sure you know what your costs are before signing on the dotted line! Also remember that, though they look the same, a credit card and a debit card are two different things.

The final place where you can sometimes arrange car travel insurance is through the car rental company itself. Often the insurance required on a rental car for a specific area is included in the rental contract. With this type of coverage, you can be confident that all situations such as accidental damage, roadside assistance, travel aid, and replacement vehicle will be covered.

If you are planning to travel with a company car or a car borrowed from a family member or friend, be very certain that you have adequate car travel insurance for that vehicle as well. Shop around to get cheap quotes.