An increasing number of American citizens now want to go to Europe for their vacation. If they want to see as much as they can of what Europe has to offer in terms of magnificent churches, castles and palaces then it’s probably advisable to hire a car. If you do plan to drive when you are on the continent then you need to remember that the rules are rather different to those you are used to. You should also check with your auto insurer as to the legal issues you might face when you are driving through Europe.

Although Europeans can now drive to one another’s countries using the same driving licence as the one they use at home, this is not the case for non-EU member countries. Your insurer will probably advise you to get a green driving card, which is an international recognition that you are a licensed driver. You will probably given details of what you are covered for when you go to the car rental company, usually you are covered for fire and theft but if you have a collision then you could find yourself with a huge bill.
Your may be insured for the injuries and damage suffered by the other driver and their vehicle, but you’re probably not covered for the rental car.

Always check with your insurance company before you decide to go driving abroad, all the culture and countryside in the world won’t seem as good with a $30,000 bill for a rental car. Your insurer will be able to advise you on collision insurance which averages out at about $9-10 a day if you buy it before you go, but will cost you more than twice that if you buy it in Europe. Enjoy your driving holiday, but make sure you are well covered before you go.