| All UK car insurance policies
provide the minimum cover that is required by law in countries part of the European
Union. However, this cover will not automatically cover theft or vehicular damage
and sometimes not even totally protect you against liability to other people.
If in doubt, contact your car insurer before you go away and ask what cover they
advise is necessary whilst driving abroad.
Most UK car insurance companies can easily extend your car insurance for international
cover to enable you to drive your car safely in most places around the world.
Check with your insurer and make arrangements well in advance of your planned
departure. You can also procure a Green Card from your insurer which is a document
recognised internationally as proof of your insurance and which specifies that
your insurance meets local legislation. You might also want to take out European
breakdown cover for your protection whilst on holiday. Contact your insurance
company about this. Don't forget to take your insurers contact details with you
if going on holiday as in case of an emergency you will need to contact them.
If you are considering international car insurance, here are some useful tips
on legislation in Europe which might affect you:
- Austria - Drivers must be at least 18 years
old. Children under 12 must not travel in the front seat without a child restraint.
- France - Drivers must be at least 18 years
old. Children under 10 must not travel in the front seat.
- Germany - Drivers minimum age is 17. Children
under 12 or those measuring less then 1.5 metres in height are forbidden to travel
in the front seat without a child restraint.
- Italy - Drivers must be at least 18 years of
age.
- Luxembourg - Drivers must be over 18 years
old.
- The Netherlands - Drivers must be at least
18 and children under 3 must travel in the rear of the car with a suitable safety
seat or system. Children aged 3-12 may travel in the front if they have a special
safety seat.
- Spain - Drivers minimum age 18.
- Switzerland - Drivers must be at least 18 years
old.
International driving permits (IDP)
It is recommended that you obtain an IDP if you plan on driving abroad and
in some countries it is vital that you have one from the point of the law. International
driving permits preclude the need for an individual driving license for the particular
country you are travelling in. IDPs are available from some post offices, the
AA or the RAC, cost £4 and are valid for 1 year.
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