Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Insuring a bike in Ireland for a non resident Insuring a bike in Ireland for a non resident
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Apr 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 38
I've learned waaaay more than I ever wanted to about insurance in the EU.

I think I have this right:

EU countries found that some countries were issuing insurance policies for much less than the country where the vehicle was registered. Apparently, some people were working the system and acquiring inexpensive insurance elsewhere plus the green card. So, now you can get green card insurance in some eu countries, but it won't be valid for the country where the vehicle is registered.

My only option: I'm buying green card insurance from a company in Germany, they'll mail me the card, I pick up my bike in Ireland and run for the UK border. I was going to tour Ireland, but the plan has changed to England, Scotland and possibly Northern Ireland, possibly part of the continent.

I'll return the bike to the storage in Ireland (again, getting to the storage place as quickly as possible)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Apr 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,120
Quote:
Originally Posted by little bike View Post
I think I have this right:

EU countries found that some countries were issuing insurance policies for much less than the country where the vehicle was registered. Apparently, some people were working the system and acquiring inexpensive insurance elsewhere plus the green card. So, now you can get green card insurance in some eu countries, but it won't be valid for the country where the vehicle is registered.
Are you saying that you've found a German insurance company that'll insure an Irish bike in every EU country apart from Ireland?

I'm no expert on EU insurance law (to say the least) but that doesn't sound right to me. As I understood it if you buy a policy in one EU country it has to cover the legal minimum in every other one. That may not be much in the way of cover and you may end up mired in paperwork for years if there's a claim but at least there's a legal policy in force.

This from the European Commission site -

"Under the Directive, subscribers to compulsory motor insurance policies in all EU countries are covered for motoring throughout the EU"

"Vehicles should be registered in the country of residence of the policy holder and/or vehicle owner. Provided their registration is in order, they may be insured by an insurer established in the country of registration or in any other EU country."
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Apr 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 38
The bike is registered in Ireland and I "have" an Irish address (where the bike is stored). I'm going to have to risk that if there is an accident in which I'm at fault there won't be an issue.

I'll be riding very carefully.

This has been beyond frustrating. You can ship a bike over and insurance is not an issue. But buying a vehicle isn't feasible (you can purchase, but you can't drive it due to not having insurance). Go figure. You would think that the governments would want travelers to be covered (even if the premiums were high, it would probably still be cheaper than shipping a bike)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
europe, green card, insurance

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BIKE Security:Parking, Bike Covers & General Paranoia mollydog Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 23 24 Jun 2014 17:35
Triumph Tiger 955i - to spoke or not to spoke? suffolk duke Triumph Tech 30 11 Jun 2014 22:30
Bike & dog friendly accommodation Burkina Faso - Ghana SauerkrautandTofuwurst Sleep and Eat, sub-Sahara 1 20 May 2014 16:54
Transfering Title In Buenos Aires kwelfl South America 7 28 Dec 2008 15:06

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top