European Car Insurance
Around eight million Brits take their cars to the Continent every year, but many wrongly assume their existing policy provides the same level of cover in Europe as it does here in the UK. Research into European car insurance from moneysupermarket.com found that 39% of motorists weren't aware that many insurers downgrade your level of cover if you take your car abroad.
What protection is available for driving in Europe?
Unless you take out a specific European car insurance policy, chances are you will only be covered for basic road traffic accidents or third party cover. Only a handful of insurers automatically extend comprehensive cover to travelling abroad and some only increase cover if you contact them, even if extended coverage is free.
The basic level of cover is known as an international motor insurance certificate, or a Green Card. If you are involved in an accident in several European countries including Malta, Romania, Poland and Andorra you will need to produce a green card to prevent your car being impounded. Most insurers will provide the Green Card on request, usually with first class delivery to your contact address.
However, the Green Card only provides the minimum level of cover you need for travelling in a European Union country – and in some cases this may be less than third party only cover in the UK.
How can you get the level of protection you need?
To extend the level of cover you get when you take your car abroad, you will usually have to pay an extra charge to your insurer. Many providers offer European insurance that matches the level of protection you have in the UK as an optional extra with cover for up to 90 days of travel in one policy year (coverage periods vary).
Be wary however, as some insurers that claim to offer European car insurance may still exclude certain aspects of coverage. For example, many insurers will not provide legal protection or breakdown cover while abroad. You should also consider the countries that are covered by the policy – insurers may only cover travel in member countries of the European Union.
Rates vary widely and you may need to shop around to find cheap European car insurance. Europe can be more expensive than the UK for repairs and part replacements, and many insurers take into account the type of car being covered and other pertinent factors. Consequently you should read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully before you travel.
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