If you travel, and who does not like to travel, you may find yourself driving in a foreign country. It is not uncommon, especially for people in LA, San Diego, Tucson, and other southern parts, to drive into Mexico. Similarly, if you live in Seattle, Chicago, or Albany, you may drive into Canada. What are the insurance rules on such a trip?
Susan Spano of the LA Times has a great article about renting a car – and the need for insurance. While you may have insurance from a credit card, if you use one to rent the car, you also may not. And it may not cover you in foreign countries. Ms. Spano now takes out the insurance from the rental agency. It can be expensive ($50 per day plus $25 per day for Mexican insurance) but she notes that when she is in an accident, she fills out one form and is done.
Of course, if you travel in the US, and you have auto insurance, your policy should cover you. Of course, check with your insurance agent.
And if you do not have personal auto insurance, you should always take out the extra insurance.