Going on holiday abroad with your car is still tempting. It is indeed an opportunity to be autonomous and to be able to move freely from one country to another. However, be careful: depending on the destination(s) chosen, it is essential to check the elements present in the car insurance contract. Because if in France, insurers offer coverage in the countries of the European Union, as well as in certain other territories, it is necessary to take precautions for the countries where the French insurance does not cover the possible expenses. What guarantees should be provided? For which profiles? How to save money on car insurance for travelling? Here are the elements to consider to take the road serenely.
How to know if the car insurance works in a foreign country?
If it is essential to subscribe to an insurance to be able to drive on the French roads legally, it is necessary to know that the covers can apply to other territories. When you take out car insurance in France and you want to drive to one or more foreign countries, the first thing to do is to check the green card. The countries in which you are covered are indeed mentioned on it. These are the 28 member countries of the European Union as well as certain other territories such as Switzerland and Andorra.
On the other hand, we also notice that on the green card, some countries are crossed out, which implies that the cover of his insurance contract is excluded. For these countries, as for all those which do not appear on the green card, it is then necessary: either to subscribe to a specific car insurance with your insurer, or to subscribe to a car insurance with the customs authorities when crossing the border.
If you are in doubt about the application of cover abroad and the steps to take before leaving by car, it is always advisable to check with your insurer. It is indeed difficult to master all the aspects of the contract.
Which coverage for which drivers?
There are three main types of car insurance in France. There is the minimum insurance, known as third party insurance (it covers damage caused to a third party, but not damage to the car), comprehensive insurance, which covers almost all damage that can be inflicted on a third party as well as that which can be suffered, and finally third party insurance plus, which is a sort of compromise between these two types of insurance.
In parallel, there are also different types of drivers. On the one hand, there are the experienced drivers, who have been driving for many years and on a regular basis. As a result, they may be tempted to leave with their insurance without an extension of cover. On the other hand, there are novice drivers, who take out a young driver's insurance policy in France, and who are advised to be particularly vigilant in the event of a road trip abroad.
In any case, it is highly recommended to experienced drivers insured with a third party policy, as well as to young drivers, to opt for an extension of coverage when travelling abroad. It is the best way to be protected since the logic says that the more you drive, the more risks you take. By requesting an extension of guarantee covering all risks during a trip outside of France, all drivers are certain to be covered and assisted, whoever is responsible for the accident. The points on which it is very important to be covered during a stay abroad with one's own car are the theft, the repair of the vehicle on the spot or even the repatriation of the persons and the vehicle if necessary.
How to save money for a car insurance abroad?
Today, the Internet has become a valuable ally for drivers who wish to benefit from car insurance adapted to their driving and lifestyle. It is therefore advisable to use online comparators. As their name suggests, these tools allow you to compare different quotes and choose the one that corresponds to your financial capacities. But they also make it possible to compare several offers for specific guarantees as well as the formulas to be privileged according to its profile and its needs. This includes car insurance for a trip abroad.
