There is no better way to see a country than to drive through it. When you travel by train it is all too easy to miss some of the best scenery and architecture on the route. Many Americans who decide to take their vacation in Europe and drive around the continent know little about European auto-insurance, or the fact that not all European countries have the same rules regarding driving and insurance.

The first thing that you should check before you decide to drive in Europe is what documentation is needed. Although some European countries will accept your domestic driving licence, others require you to carry an international licence. However, you can get these from the AA or similar body for around $10. If you plan to rent a car when you get there rather than drive your own then you should check their regulations regarding a driver’s age first. People of eighteen and over can drive in most European countries, but not all and many of the car hire places will only rent vehicles to people over the age of 23 or even 25. If you are under this age then before you set off you need to find a car rental agency that will rent you a vehicle.

Most car rental companies provide the customer with third party or basic liability insurance but this does not cover you or your car, just any damage to another person and their vehicle. You should check how much the cover is worth or you could find yourself with a massive, unexpected bill if the claim is higher than the policy payout. If that person makes the claim some companies will require you to stay in Europe until the claim is settled, which could take months so you need to check this out before you go.