Whether it is a holiday or a business trip abroad, the question of car insurance arises when you plan to use your car. Caution should be exercised in this regard, as we are never immune from a glitch. Let us be reassured, France has concluded agreements with most European countries that protect drivers who take out insurance in their country of residence. But if you are leaving from outside the European Union or for a very long stay, there are some things to keep in mind when leaving with your car with a light mind
Travelling by car in the European Union
Running your French car insurance is the easiest way to insure your car for a trip abroad. The available green insurance card mentions the countries concerned. These are the countries of the European Union, Switzerland, Iceland and Norway, to name but a few. As a result, no steps need to be taken in the event of departure, your car automatically benefits from your insurance, whether it is simple civil liability coverage or third-party insurance, intermediary or all risks. In order to compare the prices of the different types of insurance for your vehicle, you should not hesitate to go to the LeLynx.fr car insurance comparator and see which companies offer the best rates and the most suitable insurance, all at a given time. However, it should be borne in mind that your French insurance is only valid for a departure to a country listed on the international motor insurance card for a maximum period of six months. During this time, you are still considered as a French resident
It should be noted that it is also possible that the identification letters of some countries may be crossed out on the card, in which case it is necessary to subscribe to a border insurance, an approach that can be made in France or at the border of the country concerned. This insurance allows you to have the mandatory minimum guarantees, all for a limited period of time. In any case, do not forget to keep your green card with you, it is important to always be able to justify your situation in case of control or accident. And then before leaving, it is advisable to check in with a professional from your insurance company who can review the various details of the insurance taken out and advise you on the precautions to take.
Travelling with your car abroad outside Europe or in Europe for a period of more than 6 months
It may be that, in the context of a professional activity or, for example, a sabbatical leave over a long period, it may be decided to go abroad for many months, more precisely beyond six months. If you leave in the European Union or in one of the countries listed on the Green Card for more than six months, or if you leave for a country outside the EU, it is mandatory to take out local car insurance, not to mention the countries to be crossed to reach the final destination. This subscription represents an additional cost and this amount is to be paid to a local insurer. The contact details of one or more insurance companies in the country concerned can be provided by your French insurer, so do not hesitate to ask him/her. On the spot, it is also possible to obtain contacts via the embassy or consulate, but it is better to be predictable and talk about it with your insurance company before departure. It is really essential to be insured, at least for a minimum, when leaving for more than six months in Europe or in a country outside the EU, because it is risky to find oneself in breach in a country whose legislation in this field is not well known. It is therefore better to be cautious, both with regard to insurance and when driving your vehicle.
