Figuring out what car insurance you should get for your overseas road trip can be tricky – until you know what to look for. Here are the insurance plans every driver planning a cross-country trip should consider.
Road trips are a lot of fun (with the right people), but figuring out the insurance requirements can be tricky..
Since it is illegal to drive without proper insurance both in Singapore and overseas, and there are no dedicated car insurance plans specifically for cross-country driving, what should drivers do if they want to take an overseas road trip?
Luckily, securing proper car insurance for road trips and driving overseas is relatively easy. It largely depends on where you will be driving, as whether you’re using your own car or a rental vehicle.
For West Malaysia - Your existing auto insurance policy
First off, if you’re only going up to Malaysia (and a little bit into Thailand) in your own vehicle, you need look no further than your own existing auto insurance policy.
That’s because several auto insurance policies sold in Singapore also cover you when driving in West Malaysia, and up to 80 km from the border into Thailand.
So, if you’re planning to do a road trip in this region, you simply need to verify that your auto policy has this clause. If it does, you’ll enjoy the same benefits and coverage in Malaysia as in Singapore.
Because having your car break down or getting into an accident in Malaysia can leave you at a loss as to where to get help, car insurance plans that offer dedicated roadside assistance through a local partner may be preferable for the added convenience they provide.
That said, it is reasonable to expect that your insurer would be able to render some form of assistance should you require it in a geographical area that is covered under your policy.
As a general rule, the more comprehensive and broad your auto insurance plan, the better protected you will be on your Malaysian road trip. However, it may be worthwhile to have a reasonably high third-party liability cover, in case of property damage or bodily injury.
For other territories - Rental car insurance
For road trips taken in territories other than Malaysia and Singapore using a rental car, you’ll need to purchase rental car insurance. This usually comes bundled with the rental vehicle and is provided by the rental agency.
It is important to check the extent of benefits and coverage of the rental car insurance policy, taking note of any areas that may be lacking or excluded. It is also worth bearing in mind that auto insurance policies and standards differ from country to country. Thus, you should not take for granted that you will enjoy similar levels of coverage as with your regular car insurance plan.
Especially, be vigilant if the policy comes with high excess, deductibles or co-pay, which could stick you with a large bill should an accident take place.
Check to see if any excess waivers are offered – these will save you from having to pay the excess in the event of collisions or should the vehicle become lost.
Another option is to sign up for a separate rental car policy on your own, instead of going with the one offered by your rental agency. Providers such as RentalCover.com may be able to offer alternative policies with comparable coverage for your rental car at a lower premium.
In any case, it doesn’t hurt to shop around for the best plan you can get – in both coverage and cost.
For filling in the gaps - Travel insurance
Ok, so you can stick with your regular car insurance plan in West Malaysia, or rely on rental car insurance in other territories or when driving a rental. So that means you’re good to go, right?
Well before you zoom off, consider that your car insurance plan alone may not constitute a full suite of protection. For instance, third-party only plans, which are the barest minimum required in Singapore, do not offer protection against fire or theft. And, it also doesn't have personal accident benefits or medical coverage.
Even if your car insurance plan includes personal accident and overseas medical benefits, the cover may be insufficient, or may not extend to your family members or friends who may be riding with you.
Also, since most people do not drive around in Singapore with luggage in tow, your car insurance policy likely only provides limited cover for personal belongings, if at all.
As such, it is helpful to purchase a separate travel insurance policy to fill in any such gaps. A travel insurance policy can be used to cover your personal belongings and luggage. It can also offer useful benefits for other events that might happen during your road trip, such as minor illness and trip disruptions or cancellation.
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
FWD Travel Insurance undefined
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean) |
Yes |
Use the promo code ENDSEP to get 25% off on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans. Valid till 27 September 2023. T&Cs apply. Receive 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium $60). Valid till 3o Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. |
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance undefined
|
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean) |
Yes |
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 40% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 30 Sep. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 30th September, every 58th sign up scores a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, new customers get additional S$30 off on top of the discount with voucher code FREETRAVEL. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance undefined
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN) |
Yes |
Receive up to $50 Grab Vouchers and 35% discount plus an EXCLUSIVE Agoda promo code when you apply using the promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 30 September 2023. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean) |
Yes |
Get 35% discount and receive up to S$50 worth of Grab vouchers when you use the promo code G035. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN) |
Yes |
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 31 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. |
Singlife Travel Insurance
undefined
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN) | Yes |
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Single Trip: Enjoy a 25% discount when you use the promo code TRAVEL25. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Allied World Travel Insurance undefined
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean) | Yes |
Single Trip: Enjoy a 30% discount when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023. Annual Trip: Enjoy a 10% discount when you apply now! Valid till 30 Sep 2023. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean) | Yes |
Single Trip: Apply promo code SSTGD and receive up to $50 worth of Grab eVouchers! (minimum premium $100, fullfilment by AIG) Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Annual Trip: Get up to 6 Plaza Premium Lounge Access Passes with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Fulfillment by AIG. Valid till 30 Sep 2023. T&Cs apply. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean) | Yes |
Single Trip: Get an 20% discount when you use the promo code TSP20S. Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Conclusion
Car insurance and travel insurance may offer overlapping benefits, but this shouldn’t mean you should choose one over the other. Besides, travel insurance is generally quite affordable for the level of benefits it provides.
Pairing up car insurance and travel insurance is an optimal way to gain a full range of necessary cover for you and your family and friends while on your road trip.
Remember, it’s always better to have insurance and not need it, instead of needing insurance, but not having it.
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