Irish Insurance Cover in Europe: The Truth

FrCrilly

Hi All,

I have studied and worked in Irish motor insurance and I have noticed a bit of myth on this forum in relation to motor insurance cover outside Ireland.

All Irish motor insurance companies are subject to EU Directives, particularly The Third EC Directive on Motor Insurance 1992. This states all motor insurance policies issued in an EU member state (eg Ireland) automatically covers the policyholder to the minimum Third Party cover required of any other country in the EU (and certain additional countries). This means when you cross a border, you are automatically covered, to the minimum legal Third Party Cover of that country, without any obligation to inform your insurance company. There is also no maximum time period for this cover to be applicable (outside your policy going past it’s renewal date), ie you can legally go to Italy for 3 months the same way you can go to Donegal for 3 months.

To confirm this, read the territorial limits on your motorhome insurance policy document, which should state the entire EU and additional countries (eg Norway, Switzerland). Please note what I say is related to Third Party cover only. I leave you to discuss with your insurance company where you stand in relation to your fire, theft and/or comprehensive cover.

Some people request Green cards from their insurance company when they go abroad. I can tell you there is absolutely no need to do this. Your insurance certificate is more than adequate. However, if it gives you peace of mind, then go ahead.

Also in Spain, they have an exceptional system whereby in the event of a motor incident, everyone is automatically arrested. To prepare for this, you can request a Spanish Bail Bond from your insurance company which will get you out of jail in the event of an incident. This arrest is not in the same sense as a criminal arrest. (Please note I know this be correct as of 2002. Apologies if it has changed in the meantime).

Hope you all find the above of interest.

*Kol*

As far as I can remember the motorhome insurance from Dolmen covers all of europe to the full extent of the policy as if it were in Ireland including breakdown assist and vehicle recovery. Given the liklihood of a motorhome being used within the rest of europe it makes sense and would be of liitle use without all of the above.

I must re read my policy before I go on holidays this year just to check. Good info. Thanks for the reminder.

MicktheMan

I must read my policy too!
Thx for info:)

chrisblack

Just wondering if you need to have a European Health Insurance Card when going to Europe - or is that only applicable to those who hold a Medical Card?? In which case i presume that Travel Insurance will cover you?

Thanks

Chris

*Kol*

chrisblack wrote: »

Just wondering if you need to have a European Health Insurance Card when going to Europe - or is that only applicable to those who hold a Medical Card?? In which case i presume that Travel Insurance will cover you?

Thanks

Chris

Anybody can get and should have one of those cards with them. I think its called an E111 card?? I had one before. I'm not sure if I have an up to dateone now. Of course you can also use your private health insurance/travel insurance if you have it.

aerosol

I phoned Dolmens about this just last month before my renewal was ready.

The girl emailed my written confirmation that I was covered fully comp whilst in Europe(nothing can be said that can't be written as they say;) )

" Please refer to the attached wording in your policy document. Section 1 and Temporary use on the continent of Europe."

I'm sure all our Dolmen policies are basically the same,best still to check yourselves for peace of mind.

Chris, your best getting the new E111 card for when your in Europe

Angelandie

Is this true for cars also? Because I want to take my car to europe for a year but all insurance companies have been refusing me, telling me the limit is 90 days with the exception of one giving me 6months which is nowhere near enough. Though they have said to try brokers instead.

FrCrilly

Angelandie wrote: »

Is this true for cars also? Because I want to take my car to europe for a year but all insurance companies have been refusing me, telling me the limit is 90 days with the exception of one giving me 6months which is nowhere near enough. Though they have said to try brokers instead.

Yes, it is true of all motor vehicles, including cars. Again, I emphasise the automatic cover relates to Third Party only. Fire, Theft and Own Damage (Comprehensive) may be subject to the discretion of your insurance company.

Fanai

FrCrilly wrote: »

Yes, it is true of all motor vehicles, including cars. Again, I emphasise the automatic cover relates to Third Party only. Fire, Theft and Own Damage (Comprehensive) may be subject to the discretion of your insurance company.

Reading all of this, I am flabbergasted by the INSULAR MENTALITY of the Irish Insurance Companies...
The restrictions they have on their policies concerning 'out of the country travelling' is unheared of on the CONTINENT and maybe in the rest of EUROPE!

The whole legal system seems to be 'Victorian'...:(

derry

I had friends in Spain with British reg cars campers and bikes and the police conficte the cars campers and bikes
The Spanish police are a law onto themselfs.They have police check points all over the place.
Basically if the insurance isnt in Spanish they get upitty and conficate the vehichle until you pitch up with a spanish translated version.Storage costs are huge and often you need to replace the wheels and stuff which get stolen
They also view dimly vehicles that are not spanish reg that stay in spain more than a few weeks.With number plate readers on motorways linked into the Police computer they seem to know how long the vehicle was in Spain. Best I can figure they lose the plot after 3 months in Spain
Staying in Spain for long duration easier and better to change the plates and pay the registration cost some 1000 plus euro and import tax if the vehicle has big value and then Spain and spanish police are more happy and less likely to make life tricky

However others may know more info
I am bringing my 10 year old car there changing the plates and changing to Spainish insurance but will ride the dual system for the first three months in case I change my mind so need to know how to get insurance to translate the policy .The Insurance refused saying its a green card for 30 days and no mention of even 90 days.

So any feed back shoot

Derry

Aidan_M_M

on the roadside assist.... A good friend living in the UK had his clutch let go on the roadside in his twin axle Hymer . The AA truck came out , took one look and said " Tough luck matey , we don't cover vehicles over 4.0 tons or that lenght" , and left him where he was.... and apparently after much irate phone calls it's in very small print on his policy.... So be warned .

Angelandie

My insurance covers 90 days in Europe fully comp. We managed to get them to underwrite another 90 days for an extra cost of €75. We'll be in Europe for a year but this was the best we could get so we're hoping that we have no trouble and are relying on the fact that insurance has to cover you under the EU Directives as stated by the OP. Brokers were no use. I'm with One Direct. Have been traveling for 4 months, stopped once or twice by police but have had no problems with them, are generally waved on. Hope this helps

FrCrilly

Angelandie wrote: »

My insurance covers 90 days in Europe fully comp. We managed to get them to underwrite another 90 days for an extra cost of €75. We'll be in Europe for a year but this was the best we could get so we're hoping that we have no trouble and are relying on the fact that insurance has to cover you under the EU Directives as stated by the OP. Brokers were no use. I'm with One Direct. Have been traveling for 4 months, stopped once or twice by police but have had no problems with them, are generally waved on. Hope this helps

Again, I state, what I originally posted relates to Third Party Cover only. Fire, theft and own damage (comprehensive) may be your own liability.

zagmund

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

on the roadside assist.... A good friend living in the UK had his clutch let go on the roadside in his twin axle Hymer . The AA truck came out , took one look and said " Tough luck matey , we don't cover vehicles over 4.0 tons or that lenght" , and left him where he was.... and apparently after much irate phone calls it's in very small print on his policy.... So be warned .

I almost had something similar with the roadside assist yokie provided via the Dolmens policy. I've written it up here before, but basically you need to make really sure (think deaf auntie and SHOUT REALLY CLEARLY DOWN THE PHONE) that they know what a Ducato is. It is not a Bugatti, because they look like this and could probably be carried on my roofrack - . I know from previous experience that the AA and other regular tow people won't tow anything as big and heavy and long as a campervan with their normal trucks, so you have to make sure they know it's big and they're going to need a bigger tow truck.

z

GarMani

HELP!

Interesting and informative thread, thanks. I need to get new car insurance by Tuesday and it only occurred to me yesterday that I've to make provision for my plan to drive to either Italy, France or Switzerland for nine to eleven weeks in the Spring. While I'm at it I'll be trying to get breakdown cover.

Most insurance companies seem to cover you for a month in Europe but no longer, although the knowledgable FrCrilly says that this is bull, and that they must cover you 3rd Party. Few have the option of comprehensive cover for more than about a month...I'll need nearly 3 months.

If I end up in Switzerland (not in EU) for approx 10 weeks, where do I go for car insurance and where do I go for breakdown cover?

It would seem prudent to get a combination package.

AAireland.com were quoting me €211 for five star breakdown cover in mainland Europe for 46-90 days...that's a lot of money if, Monday next, I get insurance that covers me throughout Europe, but with breakdown cover that excludes places like Switzerland and have to pay twice for breakdown cover because the one thrown in with my car insurance doesn't cover non EU Switzerland (that is, if I chose to spend the 10-odd weeks in Switzerland).

breakdowncover.ie seem only do maximum of 30 days


Tis all a mess.

All advice and relevant facts appreciated.

Ta

GM

corkbuoy

GariMani

ADAC are a German automobile company similar to AA. They provide annnual breakdown cover for about 80 euros which covers all vehicles that you drive, see info from them below.

"The ADAC membership protects you when driving your own and other party's vehicles in Germany following a breakdown, accident and theft.

Beside the tried and tested ADAC membership there is the ADACPlusMembership: it combines the traditional club membership with ADAC Euro-Schutzbrief.

Being an ADACPlusMember constitutes a major extension of services in Germany for you. Furthermore, we offer you financial safeguards in other European countries. In the event of illness and injury we will even protect you worldwide. The costs of medical treatment by a doctor or in a hospital on journeys, however, are not covered by the ADACPlusMembership.

The attractive service package of the ADACPlusMembership protects you and your spouse/partner when driving your own and also other party's vehicles in Germany and Europe-wide following a breakdown, accident and theft. In addition each other driver may claim the same services, when driving a vehicle that is registered in your or your spouse's name. With the following services we will help you, if the protected vehicle is no longer mobile owing to an accident or if it was stolen:

- Breakdown and accident assistance (Paragraf 23) to EUR 200.-
- Assistance with lost or defective car keys (Paragraf 24)
- Towing (Paragraf 25) up to EUR 200.-
- Off-road recovery (Paragraf 26)
- Accommodation costs after vehicle loss (Paragraf 27)
- Transfers after vehicle loss (Paragraf 28)
- Travel expenses after loss of driver (Paragraf 29)
- Vehicle transportation (Paragraf 30)
- Passenger transport 'Pick-up' (Paragraf 31)
- Spare parts despatch (Paragraf 32)
- Vehicle customs clearance and scrapping (Paragraf 33)

The person-related PlusServices following illness and injury are even provided to you, your spouse/partner and your minor children on journeys worldwide, regardless of the means of transport chosen. The PlusServices following illness and injury include:

- Medical repatriation (Paragraf 12)
- Accommodation expenses (Paragraf 13)
- Hospital visit (Paragraf 14)
- Escort service for children (Paragraf 15)
- Non-scheduled return (Paragraf 16)
- Assistance in special emergencies (Paragraf 17)
- Repatriation of pets (Paragraf 18)
- Medication and spectacles despatch (Paragraf 19)
- Assistance with the loss of travel documents (Paragraf 20)
- Interpreters service (Paragraf 21)
- Vehicle recovery in the event of vehicle loss in Europe
(Paragraf 22)
- Credit services

The comprehensive safety of the ADACPlusMembership is available to you for an annual fee of EUR 79,50.

The ADACPlusMembership protects all vehicles regardless of the vehicle type, which do not exceed the following measures and dimensions:

max. vehicle length 10,- m
max. total length 2,55 m
max. total height 3,- m Motorcaravans max. 3,20 m
max. admissible total weight 3,50 t Motorcaravans max. 7,50 t
max. number of persons (incl. driver) 9 persons

The insurance covers free of charge the towed one-axle trailer which includes the above mentioned dimensions and weights (including cargo). Trailers whose axles are less than 1 m apart are regarded as one-axle trailers.

For motorhomes exceeding the defined maximum dimensions, the following benefits shall be excluded:

- Off-road recovery (Paragraf 26)
- Vehicle transportation (Paragraf 30)
- Passenger transport 'Pick-up' (Paragraf 31)
- Vehicle customs clearance and scrapping (Paragraf 33)

I send you with this email a application and information in english via pdf-file. Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions that arise.

Yours sincerely,

Stefanie Schleifer

Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V. (ADAC e.V.)
Mitgliederservice (MBE)
Mitgliedschaft + Versicherungen
Tel.: 089 7676 2636
Fax: 089 7676 2332
http://www.adac.de/impressum "

peasant

ADAC is pretty good, but be careful if your insured vehicle is older.

They will assess the vehicle on its second hand value (according to some list that doesn't necessarily reflect its real value) and if you have an expensive repair or repatriation looming they might might decline and simply offer

- Vehicle customs clearance and scrapping

leaving you with nothing.

derry

FBD insurance claims to do europe all year long

This year I took out insurance with FBD as I only wanted third party no frills like fire and theft or comprehensive and so far seemed to me they were the only one that did that for me

The car is just your typical 1998 low milage less than 40k miles junker fiat Bravo SX that a neighbour gave me when my last 98 low mileage Suziki Swift was robbed and burnt out in Limerick a few months ago
The system with AXA to get comprhensive was so complex I just gave up as my mates reconed I would be lucky to get back E200

Comprehensive looks to be a waste of time for older cars
Fire some people will tell you can cost 5000 euros if the fire brigade is called out
Well I am a involved with "tir na soir " www.tnsradio.com and www.freemanireland.ning.com
There they look the law and simple if you didnt ring the fire brigade and make a contract with them to put the fire out then there is no legal contract and they can take a hike when they send you bills
So why spend money on something you dont need like fire and theft

There was a automatic frill it claims covers europe all year long EG they clearly see that they have to cover euroe all year long so threw it in as so called frill

This year I expect to spend maybe as much as 6 months in europe so will let you know how I got on

However for Spain its seems it is still a good idea to have a copy of the policy translated into Spainish in the way that is acceptable to the Spainish cops as they are notorious for putting non Spainish cars in the lock up @E100 per day until the papers arrive translated into Spainish


Derry

Desperate driver

Help Fr.Crilly!

I'm in Spain, having driven here from Ireland. I was here before in 2001 and had insurance for a full year. However, Broker and Insurance Company tell me I'm only insured till the end of Dec! I departed Ireland 15th Oct. Are the European Directives that you refer to still in place?

niloc1951

My insurance : Dolmen (AXA)
5 months in Europe : yes
Roadside breakdown assistance, in Europe, over 3.5t. : Yes
Accidental damage, in Europe : yes

All above personal experience this year.

Remember, for breakdown cover you may need to show that the vehicle has been serviced according to manufacturers recommendations, that is it's not been neglected and is overdue a service.

Desperate driver

Many Thanks niloc 1951,

Have been on to Dept. Of Transport and IIF in Dublin but Insurance Company adamant that they won't cover me.

Will try Dolmen.:)

GarMani

MISLEADING:
Turns out that Tesco Finest insurance whose advertising on their details table shows a tick for
Tesco Breakdown Assistance (Europe)

This is wrong...the fine print says basically EU...not Europe. My visit to Andorra and possibly Switzerland by car won't be covered for breakdown insurance.

I also asked if they would cover the cost of AA Five Star breakdown cover in Europe (Actually most of Europe..not just EU) but they wouldn't. I asked them to stop the misleading advertising but haven't yet.

DISAPPOINTING
I asked AA for Five Star breakdown cover, but they won't cover me for more than 90 days. I assumed that if I bought it they would cover the first 90 days, but obviously they don't want the business, otherwise they'd have proportionally increased the charge and duration of cover.

derry

GarMani wrote: »

MISLEADING:
Turns out that Tesco Finest insurance whose advertising on their details table shows a tick for
Tesco Breakdown Assistance (Europe)

This is wrong...the fine print says basically EU...not Europe. My visit to Andorra and possibly Switzerland by car won't be covered for breakdown insurance.

I also asked if they would cover the cost of AA Five Star breakdown cover in Europe (Actually most of Europe..not just EU) but they wouldn't. I asked them to stop the misleading advertising but haven't yet.

DISAPPOINTING
I asked AA for Five Star breakdown cover, but they won't cover me for more than 90 days. I assumed that if I bought it they would cover the first 90 days, but obviously they don't want the business, otherwise they'd have proportionally increased the charge and duration of cover.

I also inquired about aanual AA cover while in europe and it was limited to thirty days
Best I can see It was to pricy anyway

I went online at the time ~2008 and looked the price for AA clone type services cover in spain for the year and from memory it was cheaper to do Spainsh AA in spain for the full year than 5 star in Ireland limited for 30 days However the AA type clones services in Spain seemed to me with my Babel fish translator there was a lot of teckincal restrictions on the policies which could cause issues for older makes of cars or if you were pulling trailers or caravans which I was interested to at that time
Also I risked not to have AA cover while going through France if I Did a Spain AA clone type service so would have to go through UK and take ferry to spain and try to get AA policy for the UK and not bother with Irish AA policy

Best I can see its the AA who want if your more than three months in say spain to take a spainsih AA service out probably to keep the spainish AA monoply happy at our expense .
Its probably anti competive in the EU regulations so you might win a case if you took the AA up on this
However you might find if you took out a spainish 5 star policy that they would cover you for the year in spain and 90 days in Ireland which might suit you and probably be cheaper than irish AA policy. I didnt have time to check out that as the plan to travel was scrapped from family issues but figure this april I hopefully will do maybe ~9 monhts in Spain

@Desperate driver

My understanding is even if the company refuses to cover you in Europe they actualy are legaly obliged to cover you for third party for all EU for all the year
However they might be able to get out of fire and theft and Comprehensive section of the Insurance policy.
Me I only do third party and not even fire and theft with FBD

There is the issue it will be very messy if the cops in spain contact the company and they say your policy doent cover you particulary if there is a accident as the spainish cops prefer to lock you up first and sort the issue after.That also appies to cops from places like Greece Portugal and even France have been known to favour the jail solutions while they wait for the mess to be sorted out and that can take sometimes weeks in some regions of Europe.

Feed back reports I get from Spain are they still get ratty with non spainish people who stay beyond two months and dont register the car as a Spainsh registered car . Some people have registered the car as a Spaainish car taken out the spainish insurance for long stays and change the plates back to Irish plates and Irish insurance when they return to Ireland rather than have the greif with the Spainish cops .While in Spain they suspend their irish Insurance policy and switch to Spainish insurance policy and spainish number plates .Problem is the first time registering car is expensiveoften more than 600 euros and then you need to take the spainish NCT tests as well (cant remember are they annual or bi annual NCT tests )

This year I might just opt to buy car in spain and leave it there and leave Irish car in Ireland
Havent run the numbers yet to make the decision but a left hand drive car in spain would be more handy than my 55,000mile 1998 fiat SX Bravo worth ~E500 at best .
Second hand cars in Spain are not cheap when I looked online my Bravo worth ~E500 is asking about ~E1200 euros for the same version in LHD spainsh plated in Spain
It might be cheaper and better to buy a LHD car from say Germany and re register it as Spainsh than buy a spainish car
The cheapest place best I could see online if your looking to buy new LHD cars was Italy .
Belgium and Germany seemed cheapest for older second hand cars . Some of these cars were write offs in Germany or Belguim but often could pass Irish Spainish and French NCT as the German and belguim NCT can be very strict

I ight opt to rent a car in spain for the first two months April and May as the car rental in Spain in those months can be quite low less than ~E100 pw

Keep you posted
Whats are you Spainish plans

Derry

Technoprisoner

have you tried these? http://www.adac.de/

i know they are german but they cover the whole of europe, have 17 milion members and use the aa in countrys like ireand and england. they are cheaper too!! they even have there own fleet of air ambulances just incase they are required for their members and have been known to send their jets into countrys where there members are stranded due to natural disasters.

now thats what you call a service

Break all ties

http://europa.eu/travel/gettingthere/index_en.htm

Motor insurance

Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will automatically provide the minimum cover (third party liability) required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover extends to travelling in other countries.

A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card with you, you should carry your certificate of insurance.

The green card system currently covers 44 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. Their website gives further details about the green card system and its objectives.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.

Further information on motor insurance rules in the EU.

Someone should be telling Quinn Direct and other Irish insurance companies this. I was told in no uncertain terms by QD that their 3rd party cover is only valid for 90 days outside of Ireland. This is clearly untrue.

Similar to the spanish situation here in Bulgaria the local cops get uppity about foreign registered vehicles hanging around for long periods. I changed onto BG plates after 6 weeks as the cops were stopping me regularly for document checks. I have had no hassle once I put the wagon on BG plates and took out BG insurance. The cost of insurance in BG is a pittance compared to Ireland. A years 3rd party costs about €120 with a full green card valid in 45 countries including Russia and Iran. :eek:

When the EU say that a green card is unnessasary in the EU, that is not true at all. I doubt I would get far beyond Bulgaria with my Bulgarian documents which are in Bulgarian only. Could you imagine the reaction of an Irish Garda to my Bulgarian insurance card written entirely in Cyrillic? A green card is really needed as it is often the only document foreign cops understand.

niloc1951

Just bought ADAC cover for coming year, €83.50 :D includes:-

Vehicle related
Full breakdown, recovery, parts location and delivery, replacement key location and delivery, customs and taxes payment in the event of total loss ++++++ all the stuff as in the AA and other 'quality' policies.

Non Vehicle related
All the usual health cover including escorted repatriation of children, chauffeur for vehicle and occupants if driver incapacitated, lost/stolen travel document replacement ++++++ all the stuff as in the AA, VHI and other 'quality' policies.

Cover includes spouse/partner and children and ANY vehicle being used, the non vehicle cover also extends to holidays using public transports (flying etc)

The coverage includes, geographic Europe, Canaries, Azores, Madeira and non-European countries bordering the Mediterranean.

zoltar_boi

You woz robbed. I paid them 79.50 on 18/4 for the same cover :D

niloc1951

zoltar_boi wrote: »

You woz robbed. I paid them 79.50 on 18/4 for the same cover :D

wazzent robbed, I paid extra for GP cover and a few other extras ;);)

zoltar_boi

Suppose I'll let you off with misinformation this time.

GarMani

GarMani wrote: »

MISLEADING:
Turns out that Tesco Finest insurance whose advertising on their details table shows a tick for
Tesco Breakdown Assistance (Europe)

This is wrong...the fine print says basically EU...not Europe. My visit to Andorra and possibly Switzerland by car won't be covered for breakdown insurance.

The misleading Tesco ad has now been corrected to read "Tesco Breakdown Assistance in the European Union"

niloc1951

GarMani wrote: »

The misleading Tesco ad has now been corrected to read "Tesco Breakdown Assistance in the European Union"

How much do Tesco charge for that 5/8th policy.