Drivers seeking a break from the unpredictable eccentricities of the Great British weather might like to consider taking their cars across to the continent.
But driving abroad can be a tricky business – and making sure you are fully covered by the right insurance is crucial.
The good news is that all British motor insurance policies automatically provide the minimum level of cover required in any EU country or the minimum in the UK – whichever is higher. Any country signed up to the EU Motor Directives is also included, even if it is not a fully signed-up member of the European Union.
“Driving abroad does present extra challenges,” said Mark Bower-Dyke, chairman of independent insurance broker Be Wiser Insurance.
“Apart from the obvious hazards – like language barriers and remembering your bearings on the other side of the road – drivers need to be aware of a multitude of differences between UK roads and those on the continent. Road signs look different, territory is unfamiliar and speed limits differ and are measured in kilometres per hour – rather than miles.
“With so many extra things to remember and think about, accidents do happen. And when they do, having the right insurance in place can make everything feel just a little bit better.
“It is very important to understand that only the minimum cover required by law in any given country is provided automatically by your insurer. This is likely to be third party cover only – even if your policy is fully comprehensive in the UK.
“Unless you extend that cover for driving abroad, you will have to bear the cost of any damage to your own vehicle. Check the foreign travel section of your motor policy booklet to see exactly what cover is provided.
“Most insurers will allow you to ‘add on’ a fully comprehensive option for a limited period – usually between 30 to 90 days – but this can vary, depending on your insurance company.
Those planning to travel to countries not signed up to the EU Motor Directive should contact their insurance company to see if their policy can be extended to provide cover when driving in these countries. If extra cover is available for you to buy, you’ll need to ask for an International Insurance Certificate – commonly known as a ‘Green Card’ because it was always printed on green paper.
The Green Card is familiar to some police forces across the world and provides proof that you have insurance cover. Countries not currently following the EU Motor Directive directive – but who may recognise the Green Card system – include Albania, Belarus, Iran, Israel, Morocco, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine.
“As with insurance in the UK, any damage that is the direct result of riot, civil commotion, acts of war, terrorism and earthquakes is not covered,” he added.
Insurance oddities across Europe
Croatia – your motor insurance certificate needs to include cover for Bosnia Herzegovina because of a 20km stretch of road joining the north of the country to the south and travels through Bosnia.
Spain – It used to be law that if you were involved in a road accident the Spanish Police had the right to hold you and/or your vehicle.
You needed to pay a ‘bail bond’ to secure your release. You had to prove that your insurance policy covered this should the need arise. This is no longer the case.
Hungary – If you are involved in an accident with a Hungarian citizen, you need to report the incident to the Association of Hungarian Insurance Companies and the Hungarian police will write you a statement which you need to show upon leaving the country.
Turkey – Your motor certificate will be inspected upon arrival at the border. It needs to show that your vehicle is covered in both the European and Asian parts of the country – otherwise you will need to buy the relevant cover there and then.
Some parts of Europe – mainly Italy, Greece, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria – are particularly prone to earthquakes. So be aware of this when you drive in these countries.
“There are certain other things that may not be covered under your policy when you take your car abroad, so you need to be aware of these,” added Mark. “The ‘Driving Other Cars’ extension found in some comprehensive policies does not operate outside of the UK.
“And breakdown cover may not be included – so make sure you check your documents before you go. You should be able to add this cover to include European travel on your policy by contacting your breakdown service provider, insurance company or broker.
“None of us wants to be involved in an accident – in the UK or abroad – but making sure you have adequate insurance in place is absolutely imperative.
For more information about Be Wiser, call 0333 3210 692 or visit bewiser.co.uk
