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All
UK car insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the
minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries. The
minimum required is cover for your liability to Third Parties. If you
require more specialist protection click the 'Get Quote' link below to
obtain a new quotation.
International
Car Insurance
If you have
an accident, you may not be covered for medical or hospital expenses.
Always consult your car insurance partner or a motoring organisation before
leaving the UK to make sure that you are fully insured.
Are you planning
to take your own car abroad or possibly hire a vehicle whilst in a foreign
country? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then there
are some laws, regulations and tips which you need to know in order that
your journey can be made safely and legally.
Green
Card
A Green Card is an internationally recognised document which
serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover
required by law in the country being visited. A Green Card provides no
insurance cover in itself.
It is not
necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and countries
listed above (although if you do not take a Green Card, you should instead
carry your Certificate of Insurance). However, a Green Card can serve
as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in
the case of an accident when travelling abroad.
Insurers
do not charge for a Green Card. Where insurance is arranged through an
intermediary, such as an insurance broker, however, they may levy an administration
fee for arranging a Green Card for their client. If they do, they must
separately indicate the amount of the fee and its purpose.
Hiring
a car abroad
When hiring a car in the USA, insurance cover is sometimes limited to
the legal minimum in the State where you hire. You could be held personally
liable for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. So ask if your
tour operator or insurance adviser can provide top-up insurance to increase
your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.
Taking
your car abroad
Each year over 2 million motorists take their cars abroad. Whether you
are only making a day trip across the channel to France, driving on business
or holidaying overseas, it is vital that you have full insurance cover
before setting out. If not, you could find yourself unprotected and left
with an expensive bill if you are involved in an accident or your car
is stolen.
Accidents
If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your
insurer's representative in the country concerned. Many insurers issue
a European
Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events
are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability. Before
you travel check to see if your insurance company offers a 24-hour UK-based
telephone help lines in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure
you have these details with you when you travel abroad.
Breaking
Down
Even if you have extended your policy for driving abroad, this
will not cover your car against breaking down. Vehicle
Breakdown Policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately.
Check to see if your motor insurer can provide this cover.
Generally
the policy will cover the cost of hiring a car while your own is being
repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning
your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, together with emergency
accommodation if you are unable to use your vehicle. A monetary limit
will apply to each section of the policy.
Before
Your Leave!
Make sure your vehicle is serviced before you leave and that
you know about and comply with the vehicle requirements in the countries
you are visiting. Don't go without taking:
- A spare
set of keys.
- A GB sticker
and a set of headlamp converters.
- A fire
extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
- Registration
document, driving licence and passport. Check whether you need to take
an International Driving Permit with you.
- Your UK
motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of
any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency help
line numbers.
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