Traveling to Canada and Mexico in an American based rental car because travelers prefer having their own transportation, and in many areas it is necessary to rent a car to get from place to place. The insurance that comes with the rental car does not cover you once the car has left the country. If you are not sure about your coverage, always be sure to check your rental agreement. While this is important in Canada, it is vital in Mexico. While it is possible to buy special Mexican car insurance when traveling there, it is generally not recommended that casual visitors drive into Mexico. It is generally better to park in one of the border lots and take the shuttle bus to the border.

To drive abroad, either in Canada, Mexico, Europe or anywhere else outside of your country, it is a good idea to obtain an international drivers license . While an international drivers license or order international translation of driving licence  is not required everywhere, it is a good idea to get one. The International Driver's License is a document with which the Original Driver's License give you the right to drive a motor vehicle in more than 200 countries worldwide. The International Driving License does not substitute the Original Driver's License and must only be used as an additional document, when you travel abroad. The International Drivers Licence that is issued by the International Automobile Alliance the information in a few languages, that helps you explain to the police officer the designation of The International Driver's License and your rights to drive motor vehicles in the designated country, which is based on the verdict of the United Nations.

Also, an International Driver’s License can be used as identification. If you need to rent a car, it can be valuable as well. In fact, in more than 200 countries you can not rent a car unless you have an International Driver's License. In Europe, travel officials say that "the International Driving Document is more necessary in some countries than others, but it's advised for most." Whether you travel on BUSINESS, VACATION or on your HONEYMOON, the International Driver's License is recommended by most countries and mandated by many for driving.

 

It is also important to check with the company that provides your auto insurance to see if you are covered for international driving. If your normal policy does not cover you, inquire about purchasing a special policy for your trip. Also check with your credit card company to see if the rental car collision coverage they offer is good outside the country.

When arranging for a rental car, it is usually less costly to do so before you leave the United States. It can also be considerably more trouble to wait until you arrive to rent a car, and you always run the risk that the type of car you want is not available.

When renting cars in Europe, it is generally best to choose a compact or subcompact car, as many of the streets in European cities are quite narrow, and parking is often very limited. It is best to rent the smallest car you feel comfortable with.



Most companies within the UK will not give a non UK resident the ability to get car insurance during their stay, whether it be for a few weeks, months, or even years. In order for a person to get car insurance, as UK non residents will either have to rent a car the whole time that they are in the country, or go without their own car.

Another way to be able to get car insurance coverage in the UK is to get an international driver’s license or order international translation of driving licence. Remember that many countries around the world will not recognize an American driver’s license, but an international one is easy to secure and will let you drive in a number of different countries.

And even though you have an international driver’s license, you still may have difficulty getting car insurance. If you are looking to buy a car in the UK, you will need insurance when you buy it. But if you are bringing a car in from another country, you may not have to change your current coverage.

If you do find car insurance, UK non resident fees will probably be much higher than those who have already been driving for a number years within the UK. This goes for people who have a license from a different country, students who have not been driven very long, and other international drivers. The UK road laws are strict about those who have not driven for very long in the UK mainly because most countries in Europe drive on the opposite side of the road, and insurance companies do not want to have to deal with claims due to negligence of this situation.



Planning ahead is always important, especially when planning your holiday road trip abroad. Not only is there the obvious to take care of, travel arrangements and packing, but there is also the not so obvious, having appropriate insurance for your automobile. A seemingly carefree drive into Europe will be exactly that, carefree, when you know you have proper insurance coverage ahead of time.

Many of us spend countless hours ensuring proper protection for our car for the daily commute or casual errand. However, many insurance programs only offer protection for basic road traffic accidents, and only sometimes offer third party coverage. Most UK insurance policies will not protect you against other damages while you are abroad. This leaves you vulnerable to theft, fire, flood, or even legal matters occurring after the accident.

It is important to know that you can get minimum basic cover from getting a Green Card for driving abroad. Note, however, that the Green Card will only offer you minimum coverage and that supplemental insurance will be necessary for any comprehensive claims. The Green Card for driving is an internationally recognised document that will provide basic coverage. You will no longer need this document in countries part of the EU; however, it will still be a necessity when travelling outside of the EU.

The Green Card in itself is free and certain insurance companies offer Green Card coverage that offers basic protection for your auto while abroad. This being said, it is important to extend your coverage before travelling. The cost of extending coverage is dependent on the duration of your trip and also on where you will be traveling. Laws and regulations differ from country to country, especially outside the EU, so it is important to be informed about what coverage is best for you.

This may also be a good time to evaluate if your insurance needs match up with your current provider. Having proper coverage, and more importantly having proper coverage for the right price, is integral in protecting your assets. By filling out a short form, the insurance specialists at SimplyFinance will do the searching to find the best auto insurance rate quote for your needs. Protection against emergencies is important to any of us.

Nothing is more stressful than being on holiday and having the inconvenience associated with improper planning. Being organised can help prevent that. When looking for supplemental holiday insurance coverage, check to see if breakdown coverage is something you would be interested in. Emergency roadside assistance, costs of repair, and emergency accommodation are commonly covered by breakdown coverage. The cost may vary depending on the coverage you want, but this cost will be worth it in reassurance alone.

Preparing for your trip by getting your vehicle serviced is another important step. Along with a last minute check-up, make sure to keep a spare set of keys and your insurance documents in a safe and secure place. Do not leave any important documents in your car, regardless of coverage. Also, make sure you have all important documents: passport, driver license, and international driving permit (if applicable).

Most importantly a vacation should be just that. It is important to be safe, and prepared, but to also have fun. With this information, you can make this the trip of a lifetime, and really feel as carefree as the road that lies ahead.



If you're moving to another country or even traveling overseas to scope out the prospects of a move, it's a good idea to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) with you, even if you won't be driving. It provides an extra piece of photo ID and you never know when you might need to rent a car or drive a friend's.  According to the American Automotive Association (AAA), this card is recognized by over 150 countries, and is a special license for tourists, authorized by a UN treaty, to allow motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without any tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's license issued by their country of residence. According to the American Automotive Association (AAA), this card is recognized by over 150 countries, and is a special license for tourists, authorized by a UN treaty, to allow motorists to drive vehicles in international traffic without any tests or applications. It is proof that the holder possesses a valid driver's license issued by their country of residence.

Along with a photo ID, the International Driving Permit provides translation of your valid drivers license and is printed in in 10 languages: English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, German, Arabic, Italian, Scandinavian and Portuguese. Most Car Rental agencies will request an IDP even though one is not required to drive in their country. For more information or to apply for an IDP, contact your local AAA office (USA) or the CAA (Canada). Note that International Driver Licenses are available over the internet, but only the IDP obtained from a recognized source is valid and legal. Once you've made a permanent move, you'll need to investigate how to obtain a license for your new home country. Before you leave, check with the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be moving to to learn about requirements for driver's license, road permits, and auto insurance. You should also learn the rules of the road for that particular country and keep in mind that road conditions and road safety varies. Find out about road signs and the laws and penalties associated with a traffic violation. Know all the rules

Tips for Driving In a Foreign Country

  • Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Carry both your IDP and your state driver's license with you at all times.
  • As many countries have different driving rules, obtain a copy of the foreign country’s rules before you begin driving in that country. Information may be available from the foreign embassy in the United States, foreign government tourism offices or from a car rental company in the foreign country.
  • Check the minimum and maximum driving age.
  • Check road permits that you may need to use their divided highways.
  • Always "buckle up." Some countries have penalties for people who violate this law.
  • Many countries require you to honk your horn before going around a sharp corner or to flash your lights before passing.
  • Find out who has the right of way in a traffic circle.
  • If you rent a car, make sure you have liability insurance.
  • If the drivers in the country you are visiting/moving to drive on the opposite side of the road, it may be prudent to practice driving in a less populated area before attempting to drive during heavy traffic.
  • Always know the route you will be traveling. Have a copy of a good road map, and chart your course before beginning.
  • Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
  • When entering your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

 



Quote:

Vehicles will be permitted entry to Lesotho on presentation of the following documents:

* Valid driving licence of the driver with certified English translation, or an international driving licence.
* Appropriate insurance certificates

To bring a non-SADC-registered vehicle into Lesotho one must obtain a temporary import permit (TIP) or, depending on the country of origin of the vehicle, a carnet de passage.

All you need to enter is a passport, and you'll need to pay R20 "toll fee" on the Lesotho side (was R5 until May). You are meant to declare anything valuable you take in with you on the SA side and occasionally they'll search your car on the way out.

Most SA insurance policies include cover in all neighbouring countries, so i would think the insurance story is probably just to make sure of that, even though I've never heard of it being asked for.

oh yes, and as for the roads, western Lesotho is mainly tarred, yes there will be potholes & you'll be driving alongside donkey carts etc but it shouldn't be too bad. The east is obviously more mountainous & is mainly dirt roads

 



Driving abroad can be a minefield. There's not just driving on the 'wrong' side of the road to think about - there are also unfamiliar rules and roads to grapple with.

If you're one of the estimated 8m British motorists heading to the Continent in you car this summer, there are a number of things you should do when you prepare for your trip. Car insurance firm Norwich Union has a checklist:

• Check with your insurer whether you are covered to the level required for driving abroad.

• Check your home contents policy - your motor policy will have a limit for personal belongings, so make sure your home contents policy provides cover for them outside the home.

• Don't forget to pack your insurer's contact details, a copy of your motor insurance certificate, a copy of the European Accident Statement supplied by your insurer, your original vehicle registration document, and your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

• Make sure you're carrying the correct documentation including current passports and valid full driving licence.

• Holders of old-style licences should consider updating to a photo card licence or an International Driving Permit.

• Familiarise yourself with the driving rules and regulations of the country that you are visiting.