Will My Car Insurance Cover Me While Driving Out Of The Country?
Reader’s Question:
I am planning to have a vacation in Thailand. Can I use my California driver’s license if I drive in that country? Will my car insurance cover me if I get involved in a car accident there?
Gene
San Jose, CA
Many foreign countries do not accept a United States driver’s license. This is why you have to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) as this is honored in over one-hundred-fifty countries, and Thailand is included. You have to remember that this permit is not a replacement of your United States driver’s license. The IDP comes only secondary and supplements your valid license. Additionally, IDPs are not valid in your country of origin, in this case the United States. Before traveling abroad, contact the American Automobile Touring Alliance or the American Automobile Association (AAA) to obtain your IDP as they are the only ones who can give you this.
About your car insurance concern, in most cases, your existing car insurance coverage in the State of California will only cover you overseas if you will be driving in countries neighboring America. But since you will be flying halfway across the globe to Thailand, this means that you will have to purchase separate car insurance coverage there. Whether you intend to rent a car or borrow a friend’s vehicle in Thailand, you will need to have car insurance just to be on the safe side. For rental cars, coverage can be obtained from the same company where you rented the vehicle. As for borrowing a friend’s car, it might be best to obtain a short term non-owners policy.
Before leaving the US, do some Internet research about Thailand. You can also obtain valuable information from the US Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council because they provide guidelines on driving overseas.
What Happens If Caught Driving With Learners Permit
Reader’s Question:
Im 15 years old and I want to know what will happen if I get caught driving with a friend with just a learner’s permit. I live in Florida.
Tara
Thank you for asking Tara.
According to the Florida statute 322.1615 under subsection 2, when operating a motor vehicle, the holder of a learner’s driver’s license must be accompanied at all times by a driver who:
1. Holds a valid license to operate the type of vehicle being operated;
2. Is at least 21 years of age; and
3. Occupies the closest seat to the right of the driver of the motor vehicle.
Subsection 3 also states that a person who holds a learner’s driver’s license may operate a vehicle only during daylight hours, except that the holder of a learner’s driver’s license may operate a vehicle until 10 p.m. after 3 months following the issuance of the learner’s driver’s license.
In addition, a licensee who violates subsection (2) or subsection (3) is subject to the civil penalty imposed for a moving violation and fined in accordance with chapter 318.
To get more information on penalties for breaking a restriction, you may read through the Florida statutes regarding a FL learner’s license. You may also contact the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (HSMV) for the exact penalty courts in your situation.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
Car Insurance For Teenagers
Reader’s Question:
Once my 16 year old teenager gets his license, can he drive my vehicle and does he needs to get an insurance right after getting his license? I need affordable car insurance for teenagers. Help!
Richmond
Wyoming
Thank you for asking Richmond.
The mandatory auto liability insurance in Wyoming law requires that an individual driving a motor vehicle must satisfy the state’s financial responsibility limits of 25/50/20.
According to the Wyoming financial responsibility law, liability policy means an owner’s or an operator’s policy of liability insurance, certified as proof of financial responsibility, and issued by an insurance carrier authorized to transact business in this state, to or for the benefit of the person named as insured.
It looks like, from the information above, anyone driving must have insurance on them as a driver. I would suggest that you check with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to get more information if this is correct according to Wyoming Motor Vehicle Statutes.
If your son is getting a license, since he is under 18, he will need an authorization from you. In this form you will have to sign and part of this may include keeping insurance coverage or being responsible for the young driver while he is driving so you may check it from the WY DOT exactly what the release form states.
Most insurance companies will require you to put on the list any household licensed drivers on your policy. So when your son gets his license you will need to notify your insurance company and they likely will require you add your son to the insurance policy. He is likely going to operate your vehicle so he needs to be insured.
One of the best ways to lower your annual premiums is to have a higher deductible amount.. Like a $1,000, is what I carry personally.
Now, if you are a claim free and safe driver like I am, you could be saving a ton of money each year on your premiums. People fail to realize that the deductible amount is only paid when they file a claim and their insurance company pays that claim.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
