June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Should you buy rental car insurance?
The answer's almost always yes — but it's especially important to have rental car insurance overseas. Why? Because:
The OneTrip Rental Car Protector from Allianz Global Assistance provides up to $50,000 in coverage for just $11 per calendar day — and, with few exceptions, covers you anywhere in the world. It’s a collision damage waiver, which covers costs associated with rental car damage or theft. (This is different from liability coverage, which is typically provided by the rental car company.) And unlike your personal car insurance policy, there’s no deductible.
While you should get this protection anytime you rent a car, it’s doubly important if you’re traveling to any of the following countries where driving is risky, according to tourists.1
The U.S. Department of State puts it bluntly: “Travel by road in India is dangerous. India leads the world in traffic-related deaths, and several U.S. citizens have died in recent traffic accidents.”2
India has only 1% of the world's vehicles, yet sees almost 10% of all crash-related deaths, according to a World Bank study.3 Why is driving in India so dangerous? Speeding and drunk driving are common. Road infrastructure is poor. And traffic laws aren’t widely obeyed. “Expect heavy traffic, including overloaded trucks and buses, scooters, pedestrians, bullock and camel carts, horse or elephant riders, bicycles, and loose livestock,” the State Department warns.
It's probably best not to drive there at all, if you can avoid it. But if you do, rental car insurance for India is a must.
Venezuela is another country where tourists really shouldn’t drive. Traffic rules are rarely obeyed, gasoline shortages are common, and the traffic jams in Caracas are epic. Crime is a major problem as well. Armed motorcycle gangs target drivers stuck in traffic, and criminals set up fake road checkpoints to rob or kidnap victims.4
Given the danger and chaos, you may need to avoid traveling to Venezuela at all. Check the State Department’s most recent travel advisory for Venezuela; if it’s red, or level 4, you should not travel there.
Driving in Zimbabwe—especially at night—is like playing a video game on hard mode. You’ll have to avoid pedestrians, animals, cars with no lights, and potholes everywhere. Plus, you’re driving on the left-hand side of the road.
While the main highways may be in decent shape, they usually don’t have passing lanes, reflectors, lights, and other features.5 If you must rent a car in Zimbabwe, be careful… and don’t forget the rental car insurance.
Renting a car in Morocco? Pay attention to seasonal conditions. From July to September, Moroccans living abroad return from Europe, adding thousands of cars to the road. And in the rainy season from November to March, severe flash flooding sometimes washes away roads and vehicles in rural areas. Be especially careful if you’re driving a scenic route through the Rif and Atlas Mountains, where the roads are “steep, narrow, windy, and dangerous.”6
Thailand has one of the world’s highest traffic-related fatality rates—although it’s important to note that almost 75% of those deaths are people on motorcycles and motorbikes.7 Cars are a little safer, but anyone renting a car in Thailand needs insurance and quick reflexes. Speeding, wrong-way driving, and illegal passing are common. Scooters and motorbikes often swerve onto the sidewalks when traffic is heavy.
When you’re driving a car in Tunisia, anything goes. People don’t follow traffic laws, even when police are watching, and traffic signs and signals are often ignored. You’ll see drivers on the wrong side of the road and going the wrong way on one-way streets, so be ready for anything.8 And always protect your vehicle with rental car insurance!
There’s one unofficial traffic rule in Brazil: The fastest driver has the right of way. Expect other drivers to tailgate, flash their high beams, or swerve around you if you’re going too slowly.9 Add heavy traffic and bad roads, and driving in Brazil can be a challenge.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for U.S. travelers in Brazil. But here’s some good news: Brazil has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, which has reduced its accident rate significantly.10
Colombian drivers can be more aggressive than Americans expect, and they don’t always pay attention to traffic rules. Also, Colombia has thousands of miles of rural roads that may be poorly maintained, damaged from heavy rains, and missing guardrails and other safety features.11 Don’t be surprised if you meet a herd of cows or goats in the road! Drive defensively and make sure you have a solid rental car insurance plan for Colombia.
“Malaysia is one of the most dangerous countries to drive in,” the U.S. State Department says. The main cause of accidents? Motorcycle and motor scooter operators who drive without regard for anyone’s safety, whether theirs or others’.
Locals’ best advice: Try to be hyper-aware of where the motorcycles are on the road, and assume they will make sudden (and often reckless) moves.
American visitors are often nervous about renting a car in Mexico, but driving there is easier than you think. Rule number one: Avoid areas known for robberies and high crime rates. The U.S. State Department lists each region’s risk level. Also, look at Travel Weekly’s map of places tourists should avoid in Mexico, including highways where carjackings take place.
Once you know where you can and can’t go, driving in Mexico isn’t too different than driving in the United States. One tip: People use turn signals to tell the driver behind you that they can pass. If you have a breakdown, dial 078 for Los Ángeles Verdes (The Green Angels), a government-funded, bilingual motorist assistance service.
Remember that the OneTrip Rental Car Protector includes 24-hour assistance for help with any emergencies you encounter while traveling. Access help quickly with the Allyz® app. Plus, you get trip interruption and baggage coverage. And best of all, this rental car coverage is typically cheaper than the plan the rental car company offers. Get a quote for your next trip!
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