What car insurance when traveling abroad?

When you want to spend a stay abroad, it is essential to take certain precautions when it comes to car insurance. For what ? Because many countries require you to take out minimum insurance. So, what car insurance when traveling abroad?

Before any departure abroad, it is strongly recommended to inform yourself of the insurer about the extent of the coverage offered by the car contract. Please note that the territorial validity applicable to your vehicle’s insurance may vary depending on the country of destination. In addition, it is important to know the risks covered by the insurer when traveling abroad. And finally, you must know the documents to keep with you throughout the trip and/or the points of the contract to check with the insurer, before your departure abroad.

Your local insurance covers you abroad!

You should know that most car insurance taken out in France covers us in 47 countries. The list is mentioned on the back of the international car insurance card (the green card). It includes Switzerland, Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and the countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). As a reminder, the green card corresponds to the insurance certificate sent by the insurer, each year, to its insured when the contract is renewed. The insurance certificate is not to be confused with “the insurance certificate” which is the green sticker that is affixed to the windshield of the vehicle. Said document determines the countries covered by the insurer.

In all 47 countries, you are covered without any increase in contributions. At the border, no one will check your green card. However, it is essential to have it to prove that you are insured for civil liability in the event of an accident.

Note that there are certain exceptions. If the identification letters of certain countries are crossed out on your green card, be aware that you must take out border insurance issued by a French company in France or insurance issued at the country’s border. Remember that border insurance includes mandatory minimum guarantees for a limited period. For other countries, you must take out an insurance contract at customs upon entering the country.

As for countries that are not listed on the green card level, taking out specific insurance from your insurer, or even from a local insurer, will be necessary to be able to go there.

Does comprehensive travel insurance cover you?

When you are outside France, international travel insurance is a multi-risk contract designed to give you extensive coverage, whatever the purpose of your trip: vacation, business trips, internships, studies, etc.

Note that this insurance “protects” you, or even some of your property when you opt for the “baggage guarantee”. In the event of a car accident, for example, you will benefit from any guarantee provided by comprehensive travel insurance, namely:

Complete medical coverage: medical and/or hospitalization costs will be compensated by the insurer up to a certain ceiling;
Repatriation assistance: if your return to France is necessary following a car accident abroad, this option allows the insurer to take care of you, financially and logistically;
As a reminder, it is possible to add other guarantees to the foreign travel insurance contract. We cite for example legal assistance, assistance services, etc.

Attention ! Travel insurance is not intended to replace car insurance. The latter is obligatory. Thus, the private life liability guarantee provided by comprehensive travel insurance excludes damage caused to others due to the use of a vehicle.

Remember that travel insurance allows you to benefit from complete coverage abroad. However, if you plan to drive your personal car or a rental vehicle abroad, it is essential to take out car insurance.

International car insurance

The duration of the trip abroad has an impact on the driver’s auto insurance obligations, when he chooses to drive his personal car.

If the duration of your stay does not exceed 6 months, please note that you are still considered a French resident. In this case, your French car insurance remains valid in all European countries. Note that these are mentioned on the green card.

But if the stay lasts more than 6 months, it is essential to request foreign registration, and above all to insure the car in the host country. It is an obligation for every French person going abroad, whether for a personal or professional project.

In principle, the 6 month rule does not apply to international students. If the student goes to study outside France, he will not have to change his car insurance in Europe.

If you have taken out international car insurance with full coverage, remember to still ensure that you do not have to pay excesses in the event of a claim. The franchise represents a real financial burden, it is better to protect yourself.

Temporary international car insurance

Does your car insurance not cover you for a stay in a specific foreign country? Temporary car insurance is the best solution.

The protection provided to you by temporary car insurance abroad concerns:

Civil liability in the event of a disaster caused by you;
Legal protection;
If you (or the vehicle) suffer damage, this insurance does not cover you.

Fortunately, you have the possibility of changing the contract and having complete temporary car insurance. This can be interesting for anyone wishing to stay abroad or carrying out an import/export with a vehicle whose reliability you do not know precisely. Indeed, it is possible to have an assistance and breakdown guarantee in the event of a breakdown, or even a bodily guarantee for you and your passengers.

Please note that temporary car insurance is not available to people considered to be “young drivers”. Insurance companies require two to three years of license, with a minimum age of 21 at subscription. Remember that some insurers no longer agree to offer this type of insurance for drivers aged over 75.

To take out temporary insurance, three documents are necessary: ​​the registration document, a copy of the driving license and the information statement.

Compare international car insurance !

To choose car insurance abroad, it is strongly recommended to use the competition. Comparing the offers provided by different insurance companies allows you to choose the contract offering the best guarantees, in order not to spoil your trip. Now, naturally, an all-risk package with effective assistance comes at a cost.

To pay the right price, don’t hesitate to compare international car insurance. For this, it is preferable to use a comparator. It is your best ally since it allows you, in just a few minutes, to find the best offer.

The comparator helps you obtain several quotes so you can take the time to study the offer, the price, the nature of the guarantees, etc. This way, you will be sure to pay less while being fully insured to enjoy your trip abroad with peace of mind.