Most countries require a driver to have an additional policy or extension of their standard car insurance policy for cover when driving their vehicle abroad.

If a client of a particular country intends to travel abroad for any length of time, it can be difficult or impossible to find temporary cover from insurers in the destination country.

Many standard car insurance policies may already partly or fully insure a vehicle up to a limited duration, for example 30 days. However if longer term international insurance is needed, then a specialist policy may be required. For indefinite vehicle cover for an indefinite period of time, bespoke international car insurance for driving abroad can be obtained. This is useful for any individual and for the following:

• Expatriates;
• Diplomats and politicians;
• International businesses and employees;
• International charities and charity workers;
• International schools and colleges;
• Humanitarian organizations;
• Religious orders.

Though bespoke international car insurance is useful for driving abroad, it is important to verify which borders will be crossed on the duration of the stay as local laws of each country may vary and this will need to be pre-determined to assume the correct cover and premium to be paid. In addition, some countries may require that the driver is insured by local insurance companies in addition to any cover bought in the country of origin. This is usually due to damage or loss of the vehicle which may not include third party liability. Local laws and regulations of the destination country may also state that repairs are arranged locally.

For these reasons, prior to travel, it is a necessity to confer with the Foreign office for advice of local laws. It is likely however that a specialist in international car insurance will be aware of local laws governing car insurance for most major countries.

As a bare minimum, when driving abroad, the following should be areas in which cover be included:

• Collision damage;
• Accidental damage;
• Fire damage;
• Theft;
• Windscreen breakage;
• Vehicle accessories as well as tyres and wheels;
• Protection for armed robbery, hijacking and civil commotion;
• Cover for natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes;
• Serious damage and stolen payment protection;
• Multiple vehicle and fleet insurance if required.

Variables in international car insurance for traveling abroad vary for many reasons such as the regulations from country of origin, regulations and laws in countries of travel, age, sex, vehicle type and duration of cover.

If traveling abroad, a specialist car insurer is recommended as they can help with local laws to provide cover for all eventualities of liability.