Maintaining Insurance Outside The U.S.: Overseas Insurance 101

Overseas Insurance

KEY TAKEAWAYS

U.S. Auto Insurance Rarely Covers You Abroad
Standard GEICO (and most U.S.) auto insurance policies typically do not protect you overseas. Research local laws and purchase host-country insurance before driving abroad.

Specialty and Expat Insurance Solutions Exist
For international assignments or long-term stays, seek expatriate or travel-specific insurance. Coverage varies, so consult experts and compare plans.

Documentation and International Driving Permits Matter
Organize all insurance paperwork and obtain an international driving permit. This reduces border hassle and ensures legal coverage in your host country.

Insurance Options for Military and Government Employees Abroad

If you’re a member of the Military or a government employee working abroad, GEICO Financial Services GmbH, GEICO’s affiliate in Germany, can assist with a variety of insurance policies to give you peace of mind at your home away from home.

“We have a lot of customers who insure through us because they know the name GEICO and know they can depend on it,” says Marina Froehlich, European Operations manager for GEICO’s overseas division.

Coverage for Vehicles and Property While Overseas

GEICO has a special arm devoted to Military personnel that can help with identity protection and customized property and auto insurance policies. Military members may be especially interested in marine transport insurance, and GEICO GmbH can assist in obtaining a policy that covers your vehicle while it is being shipped to another country.

A mother and son watching movers pack up boxes in a moving truck.

Keeping Your U.S. Policy Active While You're Away

Most importantly, GEICO provides low-cost storage plans—which helps customers retain their insurance while abroad. That means customers won’t have to cancel their insurance when heading overseas and start from scratch when they return home.

Although these policies are primarily available to Military and government employees, expatriates may also be eligible for coverage, depending on local regulations and requirements.

Support and Benefits for Overseas Customers

GEICO knows that being overseas can make simple tasks like paying bills a Herculean challenge, so members of the Military have the option of tailor-made payment plans. In addition, a hotline (1-800-MILITARY) is available where specially trained employees—many of them Veterans of the Armed Forces—can answer any queries.

For those who want to drive abroad, GEICO can also assist with overseas policies that usually include liability, comprehensive and collision insurance. Rental reimbursement is also available in some countries if a customer’s vehicle is being repaired due to a claim. And if a member member is insured through GEICO GmbH while overseas, they could save on insurance premiums when back at home. The overseas department can help with this transition prior to your departure to the United States.

Woman dressed in military fatigues, smiling in front of a home.

“With Military (personnel), the years that they’re insured with us—if it’s in Germany, Italy, the UK, or wherever—that tenure will help them get a better rate when they go back to the United States with GEICO,” Froehlich says.

Moving to a different country can be a challenge when English isn’t the official language, but GEICO makes the transition easier.

“There are local companies insuring the Military in some European countries, and most of their policies are in a foreign language,” Froehlich says. “All our contracts are in English, which makes a big difference.”

If you’re being deployed to another country this year, be sure to visit geico.com before you leave.

Traveling Overseas?

Explore coverage options designed for international trips.

Learn More

  • Insurance Options for Military and Government Employees Abroad
  • Coverage for Vehicles and Property While Overseas
  • Support and Benefits for Overseas Customers
  • Traveling Overseas?