Travelling Across Europe? Don’t Forget Your Insurance
These days it would seem that if you are intending on holidaying in Europe with family and friends; an increasing number will now take your car too. It’s estimated that around three million people have been taking their car to the Continent in recent times and this trend is definitely increasing. And, whilst remembering to drive on the right side of the road is important, so is having the correct insurance.
Whatever the level of car insurance you have in the UK; all insurers have to provide the legal minimum insurance – which is normally only third party cover — if you take your car to a country that’s a member of the European Union. The same rule applies to a limited number of other European countries that the UK has an agreement with (such as Iceland). However, you still need to take the correct documents as evidence that your car is insured.
If you have a comprehensive policy and are travelling in Europe, don’t assume that your insurer will automatically give you the same level of cover once you leave the UK; in fact, many will not.
Some policies will give comprehensive cover free of charge within most EU countries (and sometimes a limited number of non-EU ones as well), as long as you tell the insurance company before you travel. With such companies, cover is normally free of charge for between 30 and 45 days, however, it is advisable that you check this with your provider.
Furthermore, other insurers will only insure your car on a comprehensive basis free of charge for two or three days, and will then charge extra if the duration of your holiday is any longer. In addition, some insurers charge a premium for all comprehensive cover outside the UK. However, the amount you pay may be a flat fee or linked to the length of your stay, the type of car you own, and the country you are visiting.
In the past, it was rule of thumb to take a Green Card (a document provided by insurers) with you; if you took your car abroad, as evidence that it was insured. But, in recent times this is no longer necessary; your insurance certificate is all you need if you are travelling within the EU. And, some other countries, including Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, will also accept your car insurance certificate.
However, if you are travelling around Eastern Europe and visiting non-EU countries, you may still find a Green Card is compulsory and if you need one, contact your insurer.
It is important to understand that if you take the time and look carefully, you can get car insurance policies that include breakdown cover while you’re driving abroad – but they are in the minority. And, if yours doesn’t, you can upgrade your existing breakdown policy or buy a standalone one.
As with car insurance, the level of cover you obtain will vary. In fact, some policies have lower claim limits than others; some will arrange for your car to be transported home if it cannot be repaired while you’re away, and others will only pay for you to go back and pick it up.
Furthermore, it is also important to make sure your car has been serviced regularly; as you may be asked for evidence of this if you have to make a claim. Either way, by choosing the right insurance policy then travelling across Europe on your holiday can be a lot less stressful; the only worry you will have to do deal with is making sure you drive on the correct side of the road!
—
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
