Auto insurance comes in handy when you get into an accident. What happens when you are in a different country and your car is involved in an accident? Normally, your insurance might not cover you, and you become liable for all accident costs incurred.
This is why many people ask whether their New York State auto insurance policy can [1] cover them when driving in Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other countries. So you have finally decided to take that summer road trip that you have been waiting for a while.
Hopefully, you are not planning on vising the in-laws in the countryside. However, whichever place you plan on touring, you need to ensure that your NYS auto insurance covers you. A New York State auto insurance covers you in all the other states. Other places you will be covered include:
● Puerto Rico
● Canada
It is straightforward as your auto insurance covers you anywhere within the 50 United States, the U.S Virginia Islands, and Guam.
Driving in Canada with an NYS Auto Insurance
If you plan on visiting Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, you don’t have to worry about your auto insurance. Your U.S insurance also works in Canada, and you will be protected in case of any accidents during your visit. Regardless of whether you are driving a rental or a personal vehicle, your insurance covers you as long as you are driving in the Canadian chilly weather, enjoying the beautiful snow views from your closed windows.
You also don’t need to notify your insurer that you will be traveling to Canada. if you had packed some tacos or a slice of cheesecake as your midday snack, forget about enjoying it while cruising down the Canadian roads as it will get you in trouble with the authorities.
New York Auto Insurance in Mexico
Driving in New York is similar to doing so in Mexico just fewer potholes, well-lit roads, and fewer cases of night carjackings. However, Mexico compensates for the few flaws with less hectic traffic on their bumpy roads.
If you wish to take a trip to Mexico with NYS auto insurance, there are a few things you need to know. Whether your insurance will cover you, in this case, is a maybe. If you are driving north of the border into Canada, you will be well covered.
However, the same does not apply to when you head south as Mexican auto insurance policies are stricter. While your insurance company might offer you limited coverage, it is not recognized by the Mexican’s requirements. Therefore, your insurance will not cover you while in Mexico.
The country will require you to get a minimum amount of auto insurance through a Mexican provider. Therefore, consider buying a temporary insurance cover for driving within the Mexican borders. That could be special car insurance from a Mexican provider for your trip.
Alternatively, if your New York State insurance is from a major car insurance company, they partner with Mexican insurance providers to offer you and other tourists special coverage for when you are driving south of the border. you can purchase this kind of coverage in advance of your road trip.
Taking a Trip to Puerto Rico with a New York State Car Insurance
Driving on Puerto Rico’s roads is a wonderful experience. It is similar to driving in Jersey or Staten Island, just more humid, and less smelly, and with more rum.
All in all, there are numerous picturesque attractions to visit while on vacation. Appease your sense of smell with the sweet scents of Puerto Rico’s native flowers, freshly brewed coffee, and the bold aromas of their delicious cuisines.
If you are worried about driving in Puerto Rico with your New York State auto insurance, rest easy as it is sufficient. Since Puerto Rico is a possession of the United States, your NYS insurance covers you well while within its borders.
If you are used to the organized driving in New York, where drivers follow the highway code, you are in for some fun while driving in Puerto Rico. Drivers in this country have degrees in reckless driving, and they are proud of it. To ensure that you don’t have to worry about your car insurance cover, follow these three simple steps while driving in Puerto Rico.
● Always stay alert
● Expect the unexpected
● Drive defensively
Don’t plan to drive through the city during the rush hour, on weekends, or during a holiday as your vacation might only involve counting how many similar-colored vehicles are on that highway. However, you might get some entertainment from watching irritated kids and parents throwing tantrums while stuck in traffic, assuming that you are not also traveling with young ones. There might also be some furry friends sticking their tongues out the windows to keep you distracted from the long traffic as you enjoy a beautiful sunset, hoping that you will eventually reach your destination the same day or night, whichever works.
With so much craziness going on on Puerto Rico roads, you better have up-to-date auto insurance before leaving the states as you have to expect the unexpected.
How Car Insurance Works Outside the U.S
Whether you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or Puerto Rico, you need to have valid car insurance. You can use New York State car insurance to drive in most US possessions, including American Samoa, Gawm, US Virgin Islands, and even Canada.
Remember that you will not get any coverage if you get into an accident while in Mexico if liability insurance from a Mexican insurer is not in force at the time. Also, if you rent a car in US possession, you don’t require extra coverage. Your NYS car insurance will provide coverage under your policy’s property damage portion.
However, your New York state insurance policy does not cover you in most of the rest of the world, including Europe.
As with all car insurance policies, check with your insurer or call us for any questions regarding auto insurance in New York.
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