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UK truck Insurance expired and stuck in Austria! UK truck Insurance expired and stuck in Austria!
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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UK truck Insurance expired and stuck in Austria!
Ok,

I am not sure if I should start a new thread but can not find the specifics of my question in any other.

My UK insurance for my motorhome only grants a four week period in Europe (this is because it is a historic military vehicle). I have one week left of my insurace but want to stay two more months.

I can not get an extension.

Is there an insurance company that can be recommended to cover for two more months??

Phil
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  #2  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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Or perhaps I can drive anyway and if get pulled over say that I have arrived on the continent 'only one week ago' (and fingers crossed I dont have an accident).

Not too keen to try this one though...
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  #3  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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I use ebike for motorcycles (they are also branded as ecar, evan etc - you get the idea).
All business is done online without even a phone number, so they might be worth a look.
Like all insurance brokers, they have a range of underwriters.

My motorcycle(s) are covered for riding in Europe 365 days per year (and 366 on a leap year) - that is why I am with them; the UK insurance brokers use the issue of the channel as a marketing tool to get more cash out of the customers.
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  #4  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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I would add that getting insurance through standard large insurance companies is near impossible as I always fail to meet pone or other condition.

i.e.

My motorhome is a self build (I built it)
The truck is not from the EU (its Russian)
There is no MOT (it is exempt)
It is classic (1970 reg)
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  #5  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by autonomy View Post
I would add that getting insurance through standard large insurance companies is near impossible as I always fail to meet pone or other condition.

i.e.

My motorhome is a self build (I built it)
The truck is not from the EU (its Russian)
There is no MOT (it is exempt)
It is classic (1970 reg)
It's probably best to stay with your current insurance broker (OR at least the underwriter if they are identified) and pay up for the extra time.

See this thread for one example of a small broker which came up with a solution to a particular problem:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...iences-63707-2
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Old 3 Sep 2012
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Thanks Dave,

I shall wait for more advise then chase up my broker (Footman) to see if they can extend the stay for two more months. My insurance is dirt cheap (£150 fully comp for a year) as they do not expect us historic military vehicle drivers to take our vehicles out much. As such there is this 30 day cap on EU driving.

Fingers crossed they can renew!

Phil
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  #7  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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If i understand you correctly you are saying that your insurance underwriter has stated that you are not insured after a specified period in the EU.

Take a look at the M I B website Welcome to the Motor Insurers' Bureau
which gives information regarding the law.

I have been told that a Green Card is not necessary for travel in Europe. Is this true?
It is correct that a Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the European Union. This is because every EU country complies 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 above is taken from the green card FAQ, so you are insured just the legal minimum for the EU country you are in, you will not be fully comp.
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  #8  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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This is my understanding too. They can't avoid giving you the minimum 3rd party cover in Europe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by owle View Post
It is correct that a Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the European Union. This is because every EU country complies 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.
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  #9  
Old 3 Sep 2012
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A couple of points to add:

For many folks it is the comprehensive version of vehicle insurance that they want - this goes way beyond the basic cover and so an extra premium can be charged.

In the case of the "basic" EU cover, I think this becomes a murky subject because there exists (in the UK) RTA cover = Road Traffic Act cover.
The insurers don't publicise this fact, and they certainly don't try to make a hard sell of it, so the usual product on offer "below" fully comp is cover for TPF&T (Third party, fire and theft) - this goes beyond RTA cover and so, again, an extra premium is requested.
In my case, last time around, I paid an additional £19 for 365 days of EU cover.
(You can have some great conversations with your ins broker when renewal time comes around!)
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  #10  
Old 5 Sep 2012
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Very interesting...

So as I understand it - my fully comp insurance expires after 30 days BUT I am still insured in the EU for 3rd party as EU insurance companies are obliged to cover for the entire EU.

In which case I do not need to worry about driving around after the 30day period as I am technically still insured to EU legal minimum requirements.

cool! That will save a few hundred Euros!

"Why is it necessary to extend my UK Insurance cover to visit an EU country?
As explained above, your UK insurance policy provides the MINIMUM cover required by law in every EU country, and in many EU countries the minimum cover required by UK law, if that is greater. This may not, however, provide the same cover as exists for the vehicle within the UK (e.g. you may have comprehensive cover) and for peace of mind most people regard it as desirable to make sure before traveling that such an extension is arranged. If you are in any doubt as to the cover under your policy, contact your insurer or agent to confirm the position." (quote taken from the MIB)
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  #11  
Old 5 Sep 2012
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Just to clarify as someone else mentioned it. It's actually the minimum legal cover known as Road Traffic Act and not 3rd Party as is commonly known. You will be legal but you are only covered for damage you may cause to other people and not their vehicles (I'm not sure about property - should you be unfortunate enough to demolish a building)
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  #12  
Old 5 Sep 2012
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Yes,
Thanks for the clarification ...

Good enough for me.

Fingers crossed and always drive with care.
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