I am moving to France next week and will be taking my British registered car. I rang my insurers who told me that they would only insure me 'up to the ferry' and after that I'd have to get French insurance. Surely there has to be a buffer with the insurance which protects you until you get to your new residence or the like. I know with travel insurance you are protected until you get back to your home - not as soon as you land in Dover or Heathrow! I don't want to drive uninsured - has anyone else got any experience of this matter?
2006-10-02 09:01:29 · 6 answers · asked by lellyki 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
Hi
Under an EU law passed about 1990, you are able to drive in any EU or similar (switzerland, eastern Europe - the list is on your insurance document) country and benefit from the minimum legal cover required in that country. This will be basic third party only cover in the case of an accident. You won't be insured for theft, or any fully comprehensive risks, injury to yourself nor for any legal expenses. It's as basic as it comes. Your insurance company cannot get out of this, they MUST pay up in the event of an accident. They will tell you that you need a green card (to sell you a more expensive policy) and you do for fully comprehensive risks, but not for the legal minimums. However, if you've told them you're moving abroad, they may decline cover for you as you no longer live at your stated address in the original contract with them. Don't forget that you're unlikely to be talking to an insurance expert when dealing with a telephone helpline. I got confirmation of this with my insurers only after holding for about an hour and the telephone helpline person grudgingly admited I'd been right all along. You can live in France (domicilled) but be legally British (residency) for insurance reasons. The rules on this are woolly and unclear. Easiest to keep your mouth shut unless asked.
I live in France and have done so for about 15 years but remain a UK resident for tax and legal purposes. I actually live in a camper van for 8 months a year in whichever countries I decide to visit. This is how all us ex-pats get around the insurance problem but you can only drive cars you can afford to loose if you crash them or they get stolen! Trying to get French insurance is costly and difficult as they have a 17 year no claims system and they won't regognise your UK no claims nor are happy about UK registered vehicles though AXA will consider them.
Interestingly, should you have any third party accident, the insurers have to pay by law whether you have lied, have no tax or MOT or are blind drunk. The part they won't pay is the fully comp risks as they are not compelled to do this under law. The third party bit will always be paid (injured persons or damaged property). True, the insurers can come after you for the money later but in practice they don't as it's too expensive and bad PR for them.
Hope this is useful
2006-10-02 22:47:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just get your green card from your current insurer -- same as if you were going on holiday. Notify them of the change of residence once you're settled in France and have French cover.
Did this myself on a move to Germany a number of years ago. No problems at all!
2006-10-02 11:24:39 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should have 60 days per year europe cover, look at the policy again and take it with you. you will pay higher insurance in france for a right hand drive, cant you sell it and buy one over there?
2006-10-02 09:10:17 · answer #3 · answered by Rolfe66 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get insurance quotes
2014-12-25 06:15:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I no how to talk french i and in school takin it if u need help then contact me 4 french words
AIM - Dramaqueen10204 !!!
2006-10-02 09:05:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
im not sure about this, maybe ring DVLA, maybe they can help?
2006-10-02 09:08:19 · answer #6 · answered by dopeydora2001 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋