Driving in EU, do I need to tell my insurer when and where?

[Diveywivey]

I'll be off for several weeks to Spain and Portugal from the UK in a few weeks time. I've being doing this a few years and never informed my insurer up until my last trip at end of 2023. The only reason I did last time was because, when I contacted my insurer (Adrian Flux) about renewal, I said during the conversation that I was I about to go away. Then they wanted to know where, when and for how long so they could issue a "Foreign Use Confirmation cover letter". This is a pain as I don't have fixed start and end dates, or necessarily a fixed plan for the countries I'll visit.

Do I really have to do inform them ? My insurance certificate says it "takes the place of an International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card) and is evidence that the insurance extends to include the compulsory motor insurance requirements of: etc" so I can't see it's needed. I haven't found anything in my documentation that says i must inform them. I know I'm allowed only up to 90 days per insurance year: could this be why they want to know ? But again I've seen nothing to say I have to tell them about my travels.

 

[roadtripper]

If that's what your insurer requires then that's what you need to do? It's up to them how they want to run their insurance.

You may find if you don't that they cover you for the legally compulsory insurance in the country you visit but nothing else.

So for instance in the UK that would be Third Party only, no fire, theft or comprehensive cover.

 

[Bav]

Nowadays, the only time you, as a UK citizen, would need proof of insurance when driving within the EEA is if you get stopped by a member of the awkward squad - aka the French gendarme. For this reason alone, it's sensible to get a letter from your insurer that confirms (in several languages) you have the required minimum cover.

I doubt very much your insurer needs your exact dates and itinerary - they'll just want to ensure you're not exceeding any foreign travel limits stated in the policy; that you're not travelling to any country that needs an actual "green card" (or to any country that they don't provide cover for at all); and when you're likely to need the letter issuing. Your policy may also offer additional cover when abroad (e.g. increased personal effects cover) and they'll want to know the likely period that such clauses will be effective.

 

[True Romance]

The letter is to prove you have cover so worth the 2 minute conversion with your insurance.

 

[JumpShip]

Vehicle insurance

Rules on what motor insurance you need, what to do if you're in an accident, insurance for driving abroad, penalties for uninsured vehicles and drivers.

www.gov.uk

This suggest you dont need a green card but as mentioned it may be worth just having a conversation with your insurer.
Just tell them you dont have precise dates but you won't be exceeding your 90 days .

We came back in march after 90 days on tour and never needed to tell our insurer .

 

[archersam]

Mine don't care whatsoever and I can spend all year away if I want, however the only rule being I dont exceed the specific countries rules for foreign vehicles being in their country.

 

[Podge]

I was surprised to hear

I'll be off for several weeks to Spain and Portugal from the UK in a few weeks time. I've being doing this a few years and never informed my insurer up until my last trip at end of 2023. The only reason I did last time was because, when I contacted my insurer (Adrian Flux) about renewal, I said during the conversation that I was I about to go away. Then they wanted to know where, when and for how long so they could issue a "Foreign Use Confirmation cover letter". This is a pain as I don't have fixed start and end dates, or necessarily a fixed plan for the countries I'll visit.

I have my van insurance through Adrian Flux (Sterling). I was surprised to hear about this so I emailed them and this was their reply for anyone interested:

Thank you for contacting us.

We note your concerns, in regards to letting us know about any trips you may be taking abroad.

We do ask that you let us know about any upcoming trip, this is in order that we can issue a document to you which shows you have valid insurance and are covered while you are abroad.

You would be asked for this, as well as your Certificate of Insurance, in situations such as being stopped at the border, traffic stop by the police or in the event of an accident.

We understand that you may not have an exact return date in mind, or may not be totally sure on all countries you will travel through. In this case, we would ask that you let us know as much information as possible, but if you then extended your stay, you can send us an email at contact-us@adrianflux.co.uk just to update us. This will just give you peace of mind that you have full policy cover, should anything arise while you are abroad.

Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have a ny further questions. If you could also let us know your travel dates, we will issue you with the necessary documentation.

 

[whodat]

Sounds fair enough.

 

[DXX]

The cynic in me says that Adrian Flux (broker) isn’t purchasing the European cover until you notify them that you are travelling.
I’m insured with NFU, unlimited European cover, I get all of the documents when the premium is paid as I believe should be the case.

 

[archersam]

The cynic in me says that Adrian Flux (broker) isn’t purchasing the European cover until you notify them that you are travelling.
I’m insured with NFU, unlimited European cover, I get all of the documents when the premium is paid as I believe should be the case.

Yeh I am a cynic too as mine with CHUBB also unlimited comes with all the territories it covers on the reverse of the certificate.

 

[d8smt]

The cynic in me says that Adrian Flux (broker) isn’t purchasing the European cover until you notify them that you are travelling.
I’m insured with NFU, unlimited European cover, I get all of the documents when the premium is paid as I believe should be the case.

Similarly with A-Plan / Howdens. They ask how many days per year your are likely to spend abroad, then issue documents appropriately on renewal