Summer is here, and with it vacation plans in full swing. For some, it's a chance to hit the road and set off on an adventure in their own vehicle, discovering enchanting landscapes and different cultures. However, before getting behind the wheel, it's crucial to make sure your car is well protected against the hazards of a trip abroad. Insuring your car while on vacation in a foreign country is an aspect that is often overlooked, but which can have disastrous financial consequences in the event of an incident. In this article, we'll take a look at the essential elements you need to know in order to insure your car with peace of mind and enjoy your vacation to the full, without any worries. Whether you're planning a trip to Europe or to another continent, this guide shows you how to travel with peace of mind and guarantee optimum protection for your precious means of transport!
Insuring your vehicle: a must
For many travelers, taking their own car on vacation abroad offers the advantage of preserving a high degree of autonomy once they're there. This allows them to move easily from one place to another, without having to rely on public transport, and with the freedom to take everything they need with them (picnics, sports equipment, etc.).
As everyone knows, car insurance is a legal requirement in France. It provides essential protection for you, your vehicle and other motorists.
There are several types of car insurance, the most basic being third-party insurance. This covers third-party liability for your vehicle and, in the event of an accident for which you are responsible, provides compensation for bodily injury and material damage caused to a third party. In contrast, comprehensive insurance offers the most complete coverage, including, in addition to third-party liability, coverage for damage to the vehicle in the event of theft, vandalism, fire or glass breakage. It also offers breakdown assistance and legal aid in the event of a dispute with another motorist. Between these two types of car insurance, companies offer various intermediate formulas, including third-party liability and some of the above-mentioned coverages.
Car vacations abroad: check with your car insurance company
While it goes without saying that the cover provided by the car insurance you choose is applicable on French soil, what happens when you take your car abroad on vacation? When you take out car insurance with a company like GMF, cover is available in many foreign countries. To find out in which countries cover applies, simply refer to the green card and check the type of cover that applies and/or the cover limitations.
In case of doubt, before setting off abroad by car, don't hesitate to contact your insurance company. On the one hand, to check the application of cover, and on the other hand, to take stock of the latter. If you think you're going to take risks on a road trip that involves crossing several borders, now might be a good time to switch to a policy with better coverage!
Application of car insurance cover abroad: beware!
The application of car insurance cover while on vacation abroad (in countries listed on the green card) may be subject to certain conditions. For example, coverage may apply for stays of up to 90 consecutive days. Beyond that date, certain vehicle and personal assistance services no longer apply.
This is a criterion to be taken into account before taking unpaid leave for a road trip abroad. In any case, you should always check that all cover applicable in France is also applicable in the country or countries you are visiting. This depends on the insurance company involved, and will ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises in the event of a problem on the spot.
What to do if the country does not appear on the green card?
Motorists planning to drive in a foreign country not listed on the green cardhave several options:
- Opt for an extension of cover: some insurance companies offer temporary extensions of cover for trips abroad. Before you leave, simply contact your insurer to check whether extended coverage is available for the country you plan to visit.
- Opt for border or temporary insurance: in some countries, it is possible to buy specific border or temporary insurance for a short stay. This type of insurance is generally sold at border posts or local insurance agencies in the destination country
In conclusion, car insurance when you're on vacation with your own car abroad is a subject you should consider carefully before setting off. To avoid taking any risks, it's essential to check with your insurer, either by telephone or at an agency appointment.
