Guam · 6 min read · Published Jun 2025
Guam Tourist Car Accidents: What Visitors Need to Know
Guam welcomes millions of tourists each year — and unfortunately, many of them are involved in car accidents. Rental car insurance is confusing, Guam's traffic laws differ from the mainland, and filing a claim from thousands of miles away can feel impossible. This guide is specifically written for tourists and visitors who were injured in a Guam car accident.
Rental Car Insurance: What You Actually Have
Most rental car companies in Guam offer a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI). The CDW covers damage to the rental vehicle; SLI covers your liability to others. If you declined both, your personal auto insurance policy from the mainland may extend to Guam — but many policies exclude international territories. Your credit card may also provide secondary rental car coverage. Review your coverage before assuming you are protected. If you were injured by another driver, their liability insurance is your primary source of compensation regardless of your rental coverage.
Guam's Mandatory Liability Insurance Requirements
Guam law requires all registered vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance: $10,000 per person / $20,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. These minimums are low — a serious injury can easily exceed them. If the at-fault driver's policy limits are insufficient, you may be able to pursue your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage if your mainland policy extends to Guam.
How to File a Claim from the Mainland
You do not need to be physically present in Guam to pursue a personal injury claim. An attorney can handle the entire process remotely — gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and filing suit in Guam Superior Court if necessary. You may need to return to Guam for a deposition or trial, but most cases settle without a trial. The key is to act quickly: evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and the statute of limitations clock is running.
What to Do at the Scene as a Tourist
Call 911 and request police and medical services. Even if you feel okay, get checked out — adrenaline masks pain. Photograph everything: the scene, vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, and any traffic signs. Get the other driver's name, license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Get witness contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before consulting an attorney. If you are leaving Guam soon, tell the police officer and ask how to get a copy of the report remotely.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm your rental car and personal auto insurance coverage before assuming you are protected
- Guam's minimum liability limits are $10,000/$20,000 — often insufficient for serious injuries
- You do not need to be in Guam to pursue a personal injury claim — attorneys handle it remotely
- Get a police report and photograph everything before leaving the island
- Guam's 2-year statute of limitations applies to tourist injury claims
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue in Guam if I live in California?
Yes. If your accident occurred in Guam, the lawsuit must generally be filed in Guam Superior Court. Your attorney can handle this remotely. Guam courts apply Guam law to accidents that occur on the island.
What if the at-fault driver was also a tourist?
You can still pursue a claim against their liability insurance regardless of where they are from. If they were driving a rental car, the rental company's SLI policy may apply. An attorney can identify all available insurance sources.
Does my travel insurance cover car accident injuries in Guam?
Some travel insurance policies include emergency medical coverage that can pay for initial treatment costs. However, travel insurance typically does not cover pain and suffering, lost wages, or long-term disability. A personal injury claim against the at-fault driver is separate from and in addition to any travel insurance benefits.