Green Card insurance for driving in Europe

[Fran]

A timely reminder for those going to the Classic and early planning for next years LM24.

It seems not be generally known that (most) UK insurance policies only cover you for third party in Europe and that you need to upgrade to get a green card if you want your fully comp UK policy to be extended.

I know from talking to JPC that he hadnt been aware of this till speaking with Doris just before this year's trip and he had taken the extra cover just before travelling down - good job too! 

A couple of other CA'ers I talked to this year hadnt realised this was the case and had never got a green card on any of their visits.

It only costs around £20 for a week and could save a lot of expense if you have an accident (or your car gets keyed as a few did this year). 

Different insurers might have different cover of course, but its something worth checking before you head off to LM next time. 

F   

[termietermite]

I used to be insured with Direct Line and the fully comp upgrade was free - but you certainly still had to inform them and apply for the documents.  The accident report form (which is issued with the "green card") is useful too as if you have a coming together with a French driver, they'll expect you to have one on you.

[Gordonwr]

Speaking to my insurance before I left, I was told that for europe it wasn't necessary and that I had full cover. Although I agree you will need to check it out with yours.

[jpchenet]

Good idea to remind everyone Fran!

As Fran says, it was only by me talking to Doris at about 3.00pm on Wednesday that she told me she had arramged her green Card that made me check whether I needed one. I am with Direct Line and I was told that I did. IIRC, it was £22.05 and is probably the best money I have ever spent having written the car off at 10.30 the following morning!

[Pastis_JPC]

Wise as well as beautiful eh Fran!  And I bet you still don't know who the hell I am!?!?!?   

[Fran]

And I bet you still don't know who the hell I am!?!?!? 

I have got you noted down in my little green book this time Pastis - no excuses next year!

F

[Lorry]

Isn't it on another thread that most insurers will just give very basic cover abroad, and to extend the fully comp, you need a green card, for which they cannot charge, just a £20 admin fee (the thieves).

For me, its well worth the money, as I'm easily confused, and tend to drive up the wrong side of dual carriageways.

[geoffd]

My classic policy with AON includes the same level of coverage for Europe as UK, I just have to let them know dates of travel.  The "Classic owners everyday policy" I have on my TVR does the same too.