{"id":24319,"date":"2018-09-10T08:18:05","date_gmt":"2018-09-09T22:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/slingadventures.com\/?p=24319"},"modified":"2018-09-22T09:00:30","modified_gmt":"2018-09-21T23:00:30","slug":"renting-a-car-in-the-usa-what-insurance-do-i-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/slingadventures.com\/destinations\/usa\/renting-a-car-in-the-usa-what-insurance-do-i-need","title":{"rendered":"Renting a Car in the USA – What Insurance Do I Need?"},"content":{"rendered":"The USA is designed to be explored\u00a0behind the wheel. The freedom to hit the highway on an epic road trip or explore your chosen destination independently makes renting a car in the USA a popular choice. However, getting behind the wheel of the car in the USA is not only a cultural experience but adds a certain amount of responsibility.\u00a0As a foreigner renting a car in the USA it is important to know you are covered should the worst happen.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nInsurance options when renting a car in the USA as a foreigner is like stepping into the wild west. There is no clear law or set of guidelines that will keep you protected. A patchwork of insurances and waivers combine to cover you from damages and theft to personal and third party injury. It is important to know what you actually need in advance rather than be bamboozled into paying for what you don't need at the rental counter.\r\n\r\nI know most people would rather stick pins under their fingernails rather than read pages of insurance fine print. So this step by step guide should keep you better informed, better protected and also save some money. You can then sit behind the wheel with the confidence you are covered.\r\n\r\nDisclaimer: This is provided as general advice and I encourage you to check the specific policies you take out relevant to your personal circumstances. This information simply comes from my own personal experience and research.\u00a0<\/em>\r\n

Having a valid driving licence and permit<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nFirst things first, you need to check you are eligible and covered to drive a car in the US. Most national rental companies in the USA (think Alamo, National, Thrifty, Hertz, etc) will rent a car to someone over the age of 25 with a license from their home country. Smaller independent rental companies may have some issues with foreign\u00a0licences. But, for the most part, to drive a car, this is all you technically need.\r\n\r\nHowever, even though the rental company hands you the keys doesn't mean you're officially licensed. The police may wish to see more than just your foreign license. Also, to ensure you are covered medically in an accident where you are the driver at fault, most travel insurance policies require you to be licensed for the vehicle you are driving in both your home country AND also in the USA.\r\n\r\nApart from sitting a driving test in the USA (much too complex for short visits), the only other thing that will extend your driving license to the USA is an International Driving Permit (IDP). I was sceptical of these for years until I read the fine print on my travel insurance policy. For instance, if you are hiring a motorbike or scooter in the USA you also must have a motorcycle license in your home country.\r\n\r\n
\"International

An International Driving Permit (IDP). Required to ensure eligibility to drive internationally and keep your travel insurance valid.<\/p><\/div>\r\n\r\n

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Step 1<\/h2>\r\n

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country before you leave. Contact the government agency that issues your regular driving licence for information on how to get one.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n

Travel Insurance & Car Rental<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nGetting travel insurance is almost essential for travel to the USA regardless if you are are driving or not. In terms of car rentals though, travel insurance really only comes into play to cover your own personal medical expenses in case of an accident. Still, there are a few other minor covers to check, including:\r\n