Green card

[RWDpetrol]

I was shocked to learn (some months ago) that my insurance company don't automatically provide comprehensive cover in the EU. If I don't notify them and request a green card then I am only covered third party. What a potentially huge mistake that could be. It costs nothing to get the green card but just seems petty being part of the EU that insurance companies still look for loopholes. It wasn't like that when I was living in Germany driving elsewhere.

Fancied a day trip to France tomorrow , good thing insurance company offices still open!

 

[RWDpetrol]

Not an important subject so don't feel rushed to reply

But I am curious as to what others think/do especially frequent last minute travellers on the Chunnel?

 

[Giantvanman]

We were nearly caught out a few years ago and because of that, when buying a policy from a new company, EU cover is one of the stock questions. A couple tried to make it a pay option and when we suggested deal breaker, they included it.

I do wonder if some of them try it on just to squeeze more more or make up the margin because of discounts.

 

[moonloops]

I always read any documentation and understand the policy cover before signing it.

 

[flango]

My policy gives me full European cover as long as I am not away for more than 90 days at a time I would never have it any other way

Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK

 

[Spinal]

One of the cars is on LV= - they include 30 days or so "free" in the EU every year, but if you pay an extra something you get 180 days in the EU, which is what I went for.

That said, they wont provide a green card (tried asking and was told it isn't needed)

M.

 

[GP801]

NFU and Saga both include comprehensive EU cover with no time limit

 

[RWDpetrol]

Well, I will be looking elsewhere come Sept, currently with Directline who are UK Insurance Ltd and also underwrite policies for many other well known brands.

By the way they all provide EU cover, they have to legally, but the difference is what level.

 

[st13phil]

By the way they all provide EU cover, they have to legally, but the difference is what level.

As you say, it is mandatory for all UK motor insurance to include third-party liability cover in all EU territories, but it's not mandatory that they extend the full coverage offered by your policy in the UK.

For once, I think that's not unreasonable. I can conceive that driving outside the UK carries risks that you would not encounter here - for example it's incredibly easy for a UK driver to revert to their usual practice of driving on the left when setting off, and driving a RHD car on the right of the road means that visibility is compromised. As such - and much as it goes against the grain with me - I can see why a UK insurer may charge a modest additional premium to cover use in the EU outside the UK if they're pricing their policy to be competitive, as the vast majority of their customers won't take their car abroad.

Those policies which automatically provide full cover for driving in the EU outside the UK tend not to be the lowest priced.

 

[BTB 500]

The policy on our Vito gives comprehensive cover in Europe as standard (and happened to be the cheapest quote we got).

The VW Sharan we had before was insured with Direct Line and I had to arrange temporary cover each time we went to Germany. Not the end of the world though - I still do this with the RAC to get breakdown/recovery.

 

[BTB 500]

As an aside ... I've just re-insured the Vito today and virtually all the quotes I got included some degree of full European cover (30 days a year on the one I went for in the end). Maybe it's more common on van policies