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Driving overseas isn’t quite as simple as getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. Depending on your destination, an Australian driver’s license might not qualify you to drive and your car insurance might not cover you. Also, if you plan on taking a car outside of Australia, you’ll need to know about customs duties.
You’ll also need to be aware of the differences you’ll encounter on the roads and what to do if you have an accident. This guide explains what you need to know before hitting the road in countries other than Australia.
The most important forms of cover you need are medical cover and personal liability cover. Travel insurance will generally be the most cost-effective way of finding these types of cover, but you should check the policy to make sure it includes cover while you’re driving.
International car insurance policies are available, but they can be difficult to find. Fortunately, it might not be necessary depending on your circumstances.
Not all countries will recognise an Australian driver’s license. If you are pulled over in one of these countries and don’t have an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may be treated as if you were driving without a license. IDPs are universally recognised and will let you drive legally almost anywhere in the world.
IDPs are valid for 12 months and require you to have a full Australian driver’s license.
Which countries require an International Driving Permit?
What you need for an IDP. IDPs are valid for 12 months and have the following requirements:
Where to get an IDP. You can get an International Driving Permit through Australian Automobile Association affiliates. Nationwide, you can get an IDP from any of the following providers:
You can think of a Carnet de Passages en Douane, or carnet for short (pronounced car-nay), as a passport for your car. You will generally need one if you’re temporarily taking a car outside of Australia. Without it, you will need to pay customs duty, in the local currency, when bringing an Australian car across a border.
When you get a CPD carnet in Australia, the Australian Automobile Association will pay these custom duties on your behalf with the fee it charged for the carnet.
If your vehicle is from Australia:
Driving overseas carries significant risks and you should exercise great caution on unfamiliar roads. Worldwide, more than a million people die on the roads each year, and over 90% of these deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
Statistically, you can expect more dangerous roads in almost any other country and should anticipate certain hazards. Depending on your destination, the following are some of the main hazards to watch out for:
Consider your need to drive and whether it’s the right way to see each country. In addition, keep the following information in mind:
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I am from Australia traveling around Europe, I brought a car in England and would like to insure it in Europe. Can you help.
Hi John,
Thanks for getting in touch!
While you are using your car in Europe, you would need international car insurance and you can get find them from the European car insurance providers.
Aside from this, you would need an international driver’s permit and you can get them from the Australian Automobile Association. The last thing you need is a Carnet – which serves like your car’s passport and you can find information on how to get a carnet on the information above.
As a friendly reminder, carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement of the product before applying. You may also contact the insurance provider should you have any questions about their policy.
Best,
Nikki
My wife and I will be travelling to Italy in a couple of weeks. We will be staying with friends and borrowing their car to drive around in. We will be away for a period of 7 weeks. Both of us have Australian and IDP’s licenses. No accidents in last 10 yrs. Both over 60 yrs of age.
Third Party Ins is compulsory in Italy and they have it. However, it does not cover repairs to the car we borrow and I would like to obtain this type of cover if possible. The insurer in Italy does not offer this kind of cover – only Third Party. Our Travel Ins company (Covermore) do not provide it. Neither do a number of other Australian insurers I have spoken to. I am seeking advice as to whom I can get such cover from, even if it means taking out a fully comprehensive policy. Any suggestions about who to turn to?
Hi Peter,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
I understand that you are looking to get a car hire excess insurance Although we don’t provide specific recommendations or suggestions, our page about rental car insurance excess might help. You may use the table for your reference on which provider offers car hire excess insurance in Australia. You can compare them in terms of international or domestic cover, eligible driver age, features, and starting price per day.
You may click the company name to be redirected to our review page and read further details about how they work including their coverage. Once you are ready, just click the ‘Get quote’ button and request a quote from the main page of the insurance provider.
As a friendly reminder, please ensure that you read the insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement or Terms & Conditions for additional information before taking out a policy and consider whether it is right for you.
I hope this helps.
Have a great day!
Cheers,
Jeni