Car insurance

Beware of Temporary European Car Insurance Mistakes that Can Cost You BIG!

by Shena Hamingway

There is a fairly large percentage (12%) of UK drivers who travel to Europe every year, completely unaware that their car travel insurance is below what it needs to be. Many UK based insurers downgrade the insurance cover of vehicles taken to Europe, meanwhile thousands of UK motorists continue on driving, assuming they are completely covered. It is a law that these insurers must provide a minimum level of coverage, however, they do not have to directly, and therefore, it is usually by 3rd party.

To simplify, there are two types of insurance coverage for temporary European car insurance. One of these is suited to temporary visitors, usually on holiday or taking a short trip. On the other hand, there is a more in-depth policy which is designed for people staying for a longer period of time.

Some insurance companies insist on knowing all of your information before you embark on your trip- they want to know the details, such as departure dates, and trip duration. They will usually also tell you about any additional coverage options and how much free insurance you are entitled to, if any.

Other insurers do not wait for your input, and automatically offer a more comprehensive insurance coverage, usually for up to a period of 90 days, valid in any EC country. Usually the driver doesn’t need to inform the insurance agency of the travel dates or trip duration, which is perfect for people going on holiday or for short term visits. Some companies charge more for their comprehensive coverage, and others do not.

One thing to be aware of is the European Breakdown Coverage, which can be extremely expensive if your vehicle gets into an accident or stuck somewhere outside of the UK, especially if there are no garages suitably equipped in the area. If you, say, have to return your car to the UK because the parts are unavailable in Europe, it will cost you several hundred, if not thousand, pounds. Definitely not a dilemma you want to find yourself in.

The utmost important document you have to make sure you have on you at all times is your ‘Green Card’. Technically, it is no longer a legal requirement, however, it can (and will) make your tourist life that much easier in the unfortunate event of an accident. It is an internationally recognized document which certifies that you have all your documentation and policies in order. Consider it a kind of back-up voucher.

Of course, if you are planning on spending an extended amount of time in Europe, it would serve you well to look into longer term insurance policies, or perhaps invest in an international car insurance policy that will cover you all over. It is best to speak with your insurance broker about this subject, as they can give you the most pertinent advice tailored to your situation.

Source: Beware of Temporary European Car Insurance Mistakes that Can Cost You BIG!