jimnjudy said:
I don't know about the U.S. but some Canadian insurance companies are refusing to pay claims when their insured has an accident in a foreign country if the do NOT have an I.D.P. which is an international permit honoured by most countries in the world. The attitude of the insurance companies is that, even though the country you're in may accept your driver's licence, it is not a valid permit for that country - but - an IDP...International Driver's Permit IS . They are available from CAA or AAA for around $30 and are a good investment.
That's very interesting position take by your Canadian Insurance companies because an IDP is not really a "permit" at all - it is an "identification document" that translates the information on your driver's license into 10 different languages. There are 150 different countries that accept it as a valid form of ID and certification that you have a valid driver's license. The IDP in and of itself does not give the holder the ability to drive unless the holder's actual driver's license accompanies the IDP. Many of the 150 countries that are party to the IDP Agreement waive or do not require IDP for short term visitors.
Regarding OP's question on insurance for rental cars - even if your personal policy will cover you for liability and/or you rely on your credit card company for collision if you have an accident the car rental company may require you to pay for any damage or claims "up front" before you leave the island. You will then be responsible for filing a claim with your credit card company or your insurance company to seek reimbursement when you get back home.
