Knowing Your Rights Abroad

LG Insurance Group can help you to get coverage for driving in the US, and there are insurance providers out there who can even offer liability on rental cars when you’re overseas. However, you will also need to learn how to navigate the legal realities of visiting another country. Most importantly, you need to know your rights should you be ticketed, fined or even arrested.

Know How to Contact the US Embassy

Make a note of the address and phone number of the US Embassy hosted by your destination. Do this before you arrive. If you get into trouble, the US Embassy is there to help. Visit the US Embassy once you arrive, learn the names of the people you’ll need to talk to if you get into trouble, and get a list of English speaking lawyers in the area.

The First Amendment is Not Universal

In Ethiopia, a journalist is currently spending eighteen years in jail for speaking out against the government’s detainment of suspected terrorists. If you get a ticket or are fined or have other legal issues, you might want to be careful about how, when, and to whom you choose to speak out unless you know that you’re staying somewhere where you are allowed to criticize the government and law enforcement.

Nobody Wants an International Incident

If you feel that you are being mistreated by your host country’s government over a minor traffic violation, the next best thing to the US Embassy is the global media. People who are subjected to abuse by foreign governments are usually people who are seen as political opponents, you’re not likely to be targeted for rights violations because you didn’t use your turn signal. But, if a situation gets out of hand, using the media to draw attention to your situation may benefit you.

So You Need (or Want) to Take a Defensive Driving Course

Whether you were caught speeding (or worse), you’re looking for a discount on your car insurance, or you simply want to be a better driver, there are a wide range of defensive driving and driver improvement courses available in Georgia these days.

 

But, which is right for you? Here are five tips to help you decide:

 

  1. Check with your state or municipality. If you’re taking training to avoid a traffic infraction, not just any course will do. You’ll need to take an approved course – ask for a list before signing up.

 

  1. Check with your insurer. The same goes if you’d like to potentially save on your car insurance. Your carrier may only offer a car insurance discount for completing certain courses. Also ask how much your discount will be — this will help when it comes time to choose a course.

 

  1. Choose the type of course. There are online and classroom options, typically ranging from 4-12 hours depending on the course material. And, there are advantages to each. Online courses offer convenience (and sometimes a lower cost), while in-person settings can provide more interaction.

 

  1. Determine how much you want to spend. If you’re trying to avoid a ticket (and a potential increase in your insurance premiums), the cost might not be much of an issue. If you’re taking a course to receive an insurance discount, however, make sure the total discount you’ll receive is greater than the cost of the course.

 

  1. Check out the reviews. Online review sites, such as Yelp, can show you what others thought of a course. Keep in mind, people who felt “forced” to take a course might have a biased opinion, especially compared to someone who took the course willingly.

 

No matter why you’re considering a defensive driving course, we’re happy to help you weigh the pros and cons. The biggest pro being, once you complete your training, you’re likely to be a little more careful the next time you get behind the wheel. And, that always pays off!