Think about what you plan to take with you, what you need to ship and what coverage you need to help protect your stuff.
Cover more with Personal Property Plus.
This policy offers protection beyond what a renters policy covers.
It can help protect your sports equipment, bikes and e-bikes, and stuff you have with you while deployed (Deployment page). Plus, there's no deductible.
For more details, call us.
From within the U.S.: 800-531-8722
From within Italy: 800-971-707
Or, our European landline: 00-800-531-81110
Get covered before you move in 3 easy steps.
Steps to complete Get covered before you move in 3 easy steps.
Need to transfer an existing USAA policy?
We can get you a policy that helps protect you in Italy. We’ll make sure you don’t lose your coverage when you need it most.
Call the policy service number for your location to get started.
Learn the basics of driving in Italy
Safe Driving in Italy
Video Duration: 2 minutes 24 seconds
5 key things to know: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [0:00]
Driving in Italy has its own set of rules and customs that may be different from what you're used to in the United States. Here are 5 key things you should know before hitting the roads in Italy.
1. Different signage
Be aware of road signs, especially “zona traffico limitato” or ZTL, signs. These signs indicate restricted traffic zones, often found in city centers. Entering a ZTL without a permit can result in hefty fines. Pay attention to parking signs as well to avoid fines and towing. Some areas have resident-only parking zones, so be sure to read the signs carefully.
2. Narrow roads
Many Italian towns, especially in rural and historic areas, have very narrow streets. These roads might not have dividing lines, so navigate them carefully. Always check your mirrors and blind spots for other cars and motor scooterists.
3. Roundabouts
Roundabouts are more common in Italy. When entering a roundabout, give the right of way to vehicles already in the circle. For multi-lane roundabouts, the inside lane is for vehicles continuing around, while the outer lane is for those exiting. Use your turn signals to indicate your exit and stay in the correct lane. Always be cautious and yield when necessary.
4. What to do during an accident
If you get into an accident, make sure that you and your passengers are safe first. If there were any injuries, call 112, the European emergency number, and wait for the police to arrive. Traffic triangles and a reflective vest are required by law. Use them to stay safe and alert other drivers. Take photos of the scene and use the European Accident Statement to make notes of what happened. If there were any witnesses, it’s wise to write their names and addresses down.
5. Italian driving culture
Be flexible and adapt to the Italian driving culture. Keep in mind honking isn’t always aggressive. Drivers might use their horn to alert other drivers in tight spaces. They might not always use their blinkers.
These tips can help you hit the roads in Italy with confidence. No matter where you're driving, always drive defensively, stay alert and respect the rules of the road.
End: Elapsed time 2 minutes 24 seconds [2:24]
Italy overseas insurance FAQ
License plates and registration
There are 3 types of license plate registrations available through in-country vehicle registration offices:
- Military Allied Forces Italy, or AFI, plates and cover plates — available from a U.S. military motor vehicle registration office
- Diplomatic plates — available from the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate
- Local civilian plates — available from the local seller of the vehicle
We no longer insure new vehicles with local civilian plates. You’ll need to get coverage from a local provider instead.
Report your license plate number on usaa.com or the mobile app or call us as soon as you have it. Failure to do so could result in a fine and seizure of your vehicle.
Italian law requires us to report your license plate number to a vehicle registration database. Local police forces and insurers use the database to verify coverage.
Proof of insurance
We'll email you a certificate of insurance as your proof of insurance for the term of the policy. You’ll get a renewal every year the policy remains active.
You're required to carry a valid certificate of insurance in the vehicle.
We’ll also issue you an international motor insurance card, or green card.
Yes. The following taxes may apply:
- Insurance Premium Tax
- Contribution for Emergency Treatment
- Solidarity Fund
Tax amounts depend on the type of license plate you register. All taxes are payable upfront for the full term of the policy.
Refer to your declarations documents for details.
Your auto coverage
If you’re shipping your car, keep your overseas policy until it arrives. Then we can help you transfer your coverage to a stateside policy. You just need to contact us USAA contact us page.
If you’re not taking your car, remove your name from the registration and your insurance papers from the car. After that, you can cancel the policy. You’ll need to pay a premium for any coverage you’ve received.
Your renters coverage
Keep your overseas policy while your stuff is in shipment. That way you still have protection for any covered losses on the way.
When you and your stuff are back in the U.S., we can help transfer your policy. When you’re ready, contact us USAA contact us page.
Before you drive
- Most countries will require you to complete an accident report form. In your vehicle, you should carry a blank copy of the European Accident Statement (PDF of European accident statement) Opens in a new Window.
- Many countries require you to have warning triangles, reflective vests and a first-aid kit in case of an accident. Check local driving regulations to find out more.
- Keep a copy of your green card handy as proof of insurance.
At the scene of the accident
- Dial 112 for emergency service in Europe. You may need to contact the police if there are injuries, you're in a hit-and-run, or the other party is uncooperative and at fault.
- Don't sign anything except the European Accident Statement. This lets each driver explain what happened but doesn't assign blame.
- Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles, including license plates. If possible, get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, address and phone number. Also get the name of their insurance carrier, policy number and vehicle registration.
- Use a translation app to help communicate in the local language.
- In a one-car incident, find the owner of any damaged property to complete a report. If you can’t find them, leave a note at the scene and report it at the nearest police station.
Filing a claim after an accident
You can file a claim on the USAA Mobile App main page. Or you can file online (USAA claims main page). As soon as possible, contact a USAA claims representative USAA contact us page.