Many collector car owners enjoy the thrill of a lifetime when they take their favorite classic overseas and drive the winding, scenic roads of exotic places like Southern France, Northern Italy, England or Spain. We’d like to share some general travel advice on protecting yourself and your car on your next international trip. Next month, we’ll offer tips on how to keep yourself — and your car — safe while in transit.

Protecting Your Classic Before You Go

• Vehicle Insurance Coverage — There are several ways you can purchase automobile insurance for your trip to a foreign country. You can purchase it in the country you’re planning to visit or purchase it in the U.S. before you leave. You can also add it as an extension to your U.S. vehicle policy if it’s available.

With the latter of these options, you need only confirm with your agent that your conditions will not change. With the first two, you’ll likely find that coverage will be written on an excess basis with limited physical damage perils such as fire, theft and collision only. Your claim will also be adjusted based on the laws of that particular country and in accordance with the typical insurance coverage offered in that country or less. Do you know what happens when you hit and kill a goat with your car in Nepal? Obviously, your best bet is use option three whenever possible.

• Transportation Coverage — Programs are available to provide protection while your vehicle is in transit via air or ocean. This issue is specifically addressed later in the article.

• Liability Coverage — You should purchase a policy that provides you with liability coverage in the countries you intend to visit. Some companies allow you to purchase this coverage in one-month increments. A general rule of thumb is to choose $500,000 combined single-limit coverage.

• Physical Damage Coverage — This includes comprehensive coverage for fire, theft, vandalism, and natural diasters, as well as full collision coverage for overseas touring.

• International Driver’s License — Many countries don’t require this anymore. Check with the country’s local embassy or travel consulate before you go. Some countries have websites that will answer many of your questions. For example, try the British Embassy for information about the United Kingdom.

Protecting Yourself Before You Go
• Make arrangements to have your bills paid while you’re gone.

• Have your newspaper and mail stopped or picked up by a neighbor. Consider having a friend e-mail you about anything urgent that shows up at your home or business.

• An automatic light system in your home is a good security practice.

• Take as little luggage as possible. Duffel bags and wheeled suitcases work great.

• Bring guidebooks geared toward your own travel style and itinerary. Do some background reading on the places you plan to visit. Learn a little of the language(s) if you have time.

• Leave a set of your important travel documents with a friend or family member back home in case you need them.

• Bring a telephone travel card with international capabilities. Many companies have a collect number you can call from abroad because 800 numbers don’t work overseas.

• Reserve accommodations and travel ahead of time. Get confirmation numbers.

• Bring a money belt for valuables and documents.

• Don’t forget health precautions such as spare glasses, prescriptions, contact lenses and solutions, deodorant, etc. The brand and type you use might not be available in the country you’re visiting.

• Mark down the serial number and bring copies of receipts for your laptop computer to avoid duty. (Carnet bonds can be purchased on this type of item as well.) Be aware of any differences in electrical current because the wrong current can damage your computer and electric appliances. Converters and adapters should be purchased here before you travel.

Advance planning will help increase the chances of a safe trip and full enjoyment of your tour overseas.

Hagerty Insurance offers Overseas Shipping Cargo insurance for your transportation needs. Please contact our specialist Rick Worm at rworm@hagerty.com or 800-922-4050 ext. 8729.