Discussion
Most UK insurance companies will offer around 30days European cover if you phone up in advance and arrange a Green card. I have just had a little look here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicl...
The following, from said website, seems to suggest that a Green card isn't actually required:
"A Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the European Union and some other countries. This is because all EU countries and certain other countries comply with the first directive on motor insurance, which says that every insurance policy issued in the EU must provide the minimum insurance cover required by law in any other EU country.
The countries that don't need a Green Card are:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland"
Would I be right in assuming then that, as long as an insurance policy is in place, a car can be driven 365day per year in Europe without the need to contact your insurance company first?
The following, from said website, seems to suggest that a Green card isn't actually required:
"A Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the European Union and some other countries. This is because all EU countries and certain other countries comply with the first directive on motor insurance, which says that every insurance policy issued in the EU must provide the minimum insurance cover required by law in any other EU country.
The countries that don't need a Green Card are:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland"
Would I be right in assuming then that, as long as an insurance policy is in place, a car can be driven 365day per year in Europe without the need to contact your insurance company first?
Edited by Richie200 on Sunday 24th October 08:38
Scotland's not on that list?
I'd contact my insurance company to double check. If you think the U.K is hard on uninsured drivers wait until you see what the Belgians do to your car/licence/sphincter. Also it's good to have the paper work with you because a UK numberplate anywhere in continental europe is a target for "ze plod". Unless it's a driving holiday like a trip to Spa or the ring, get the train and a hire car when you arrive.
I'd contact my insurance company to double check. If you think the U.K is hard on uninsured drivers wait until you see what the Belgians do to your car/licence/sphincter. Also it's good to have the paper work with you because a UK numberplate anywhere in continental europe is a target for "ze plod". Unless it's a driving holiday like a trip to Spa or the ring, get the train and a hire car when you arrive.
Liquid Knight said:
Scotland's not on that list?
I'd contact my insurance company to double check. If you think the U.K is hard on uninsured drivers wait until you see what the Belgians do to your car/licence/sphincter. Also it's good to have the paper work with you because a UK numberplate anywhere in continental europe is a target for "ze plod". Unless it's a driving holiday like a trip to Spa or the ring, get the train and a hire car when you arrive.
I have been driving throughout Europe for the last 6years without returning to the UK, from Finland-Spain and all countries in between; not once have I been pulled by the BiB. I can't re-register the car in each country as often I am only staying a month or two hence the original question.I'd contact my insurance company to double check. If you think the U.K is hard on uninsured drivers wait until you see what the Belgians do to your car/licence/sphincter. Also it's good to have the paper work with you because a UK numberplate anywhere in continental europe is a target for "ze plod". Unless it's a driving holiday like a trip to Spa or the ring, get the train and a hire car when you arrive.
I think you'll find that without the green card cover reduces either to third party only (so no cover for your car) or even less than that to the bare legal minimum covering injury to other people but not their car. There are companies who give an annual green card (Saga for instance but that is for the over 50s) and Chubb but they charge for it. As for Scotland, you didn't mention Wales either but since there is no passport control you are covered 
You would be best confirming with your own insurer that they are happy to insure the vehicle abroad for a full year, the directive says minimum requirement so you may end up paying fully comp and get third party only cover which they may even attempt to reclaim costs for if you don't speak to them before going abroad for the year.
lowdrag said:
I think you'll find that without the green card cover reduces either to third party only
This.ETA.. Reread your post. I don't see why you should have a problem if you were to drive in Europe for the whole year. This first directive thing gives every insured driver the minimum of cover all over Europe so you're using it for the reasons it was introduced.
ETA again.. I can't help thinking though that it may be cheaper to get a minimum cover policy in Europe, rather than a full comp insurance in England. Or, reduce your full comp insurance to third party if there is much of a saving to be made, your European cover would remain the same.
Edited by Larry Dickman on Sunday 24th October 10:16
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