Liability car insurance when visiting Europe from the US
I am visiting England soon and renting a car. I'm very confused as to car insurance while vacationing. I live in the United States and have car insurance and credit cards.
I am covered for "Collision and Theft" through my credit card company (Amazon Rewards Visa) as long as I decline the car rental company (Avis) insurance. However, I'm don't know whether I'm covered for liability, and if so, by whom?
I called my car insurance (State Farm) and was told the coverage is only for the U.S., Canada, and 500 miles inside Mexico. In the U.S., we typically have liability insurance and collision insurance. To my understanding, liability covers damage to humans and other cars and property whereas collision insurance covers damage to ones own car. But perhaps these terms don't apply in other countries and I'm fine. I just want to be sure I'm covered. There is insurance through Avis available for $20/day which is quite a bit.
Can someone set me straight? Thanks.
Best Answer
Liability insurance is mandatory in Europe, and follow the vehicle. In many places you can't legally have license plates on vehicles without valid liability insurance.
It will not be a option you can take away, and it will have coverage according to local and European laws.
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Does my car insurance cover me in Europe?
Car insurance with European coverAll named drivers on your policy benefit from the cover but you must remember to take the certificate with you on your trip. Your International Motor Insurance Certificate will cover you up to a maximum of 90 days in any one year.Can I drive in Europe with my insurance?
Check with your insurer if your policy has extra cover for things like theft or damage to your car abroad. You do not need to carry a green card when you drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland. You still need valid vehicle insurance.Do I need separate car insurance to drive in Europe?
It guarantees that if you're involved in an accident caused by a foreign vehicle, you'll be compensated in the country of the accident. However, a Green Card is no longer required for travel within the EU, but you will still need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance with you.How do I insure my American car in Europe?
Here's where to start.Travel Insurance Tips: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy
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Answer 2
European car rental agencies are required by law to supply insurance to the minimum statutory requirements of their jurisdiction. However, these limits may be insufficient for your personal comfort. Your best bet may be to find an insurer that offers personal umbrella liability policies that cover foreign automobile usage. These policies top up the third party liability coverage on your personal auto and property policies, and add in some coverage, such as this situation, libel, slander, and directors’ and officers’ liability for your volunteer work for non-profit corporations.
While not all have this feature, at least some do. (I am an insurance broker by trade.) Availability may vary by region.
Talk to brokers and agents in your area to see if such a policy is available for you.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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