Its been a long time since I took my own car abroad however I head through France, Belgium and Germany on Friday. I have comprehensive insurance on the Mk2 albeit in an unlimited classic policy. Am I right in thinking that the green card is now a little redundant for these nations and that comprehensive cover will match the minimum third party abroad? I've been going through my policy booklet and its doing my head in.

 

 

Cheers

Give 'em a ring is the safest bet. I didn't need to inform Admiral unless it was greater than 30 days and I'm covered in the EU by default.

This guide has really good info, but currently isn't working...

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/

I've just got back from France and I definitely did not need a green card, but did need insurance certificate (including proof of cover abroad) and the V5.

Green cards have not been required within the EU internally for many many years, so no dramas there. You should have of course both parts of your UK driving licence, V5C (if not in own name with a letter from registered keeper authorising you to drive it (if they are not present that is)), current MOT certificate, in date tax disc, and certificate of motor insurance which today should have a part on it in multiple languages stating that it provides at least the min level of cover required of 3rd party only (which most default to when out of the UK). Then any equipment needed per country, high vis jackets in reach of the driver, warning triangle, beam benders etc etc. Your insurer may allow you to leave the UK willy nilly, but good few these days require you to notify them of when and where you intend to go. A classic policy may or may not be required to have full EU cover at min 3rd party only under EU law like normal motor policies have to now, so as said a quick call would be best. Certificate and schedule should inform you of all you need to know though. 

 

The AA's guides historically have been incorrect for many countries as to what is specifically needed, often confusing what is required for vehicles registered in said country which does not all apply to visiting vehicles, for example a fire extinguisher is required in all Belgium registered vehicles, but not for visiting ones. If you troll though all the different sites you will get a pile of inconsistencies in what they tell you. Easiest and best practice to carry all such things anyway as they can be useful. 

The AA's guides historically have been incorrect for many countries as to what is specifically needed, often confusing what is required for vehicles registered in said country which does not all apply to visiting vehicles, for example a fire extinguisher is required in all Belgium registered vehicles, but not for visiting ones. If you troll though all the different sites you will get a pile of inconsistencies in what they tell you. Easiest and best practice to carry all such things anyway as they can be useful.

I didn't know that... I also didn't know things like "high-vis jacket within reach". Oops...

By law, I understand that all motor insurance policies have to give you the minimum cover required in all EU countries.  I have to pay extra to extend the fully comprehensive cover when I'm abroad but I know some, such Oli3000's above, can include it at no extra cost.  Watch out if you go outside the EU though.  I went to Belarus two years ago and Churchill would not extend my cover for the visit.

By law, I understand that all motor insurance policies have to give you the minimum cover required in all EU countries.  I have to pay extra to extend the fully comprehensive cover when I'm abroad but I know some, such Oli3000's above, can include it at no extra cost.  Watch out if you go outside the EU though.  I went to Belarus two years ago and Churchill would not extend my cover for the visit.

 

Most policies have whatever the min period for policy time and buying the 'EU Cover' just extends the amount of time you can have the vehicle outside over the policy period. A scary number that does not extend to fully comprehensive though! Things like this become a pain in the hole for me as I live fairly close to the border with the Republic Of Ireland and roads thread back and forward across the border so your in and out all the time. I need to have insurance which does not require me to notify them every visit as it's impossible and impracticable. Then I have the level of cover on top of that, to get fully comp outside of the UK on any policy over the years has always proven to be excessively expensive and generally at least triples my entire policy price. :(  

I didn't know that... I also didn't know things like "high-vis jacket within reach". Oops...

 

Not all countries require it to be within reach but a most do. The idea being you wear it when outside the car to help you be seen etc and having to get out of the car without it to get it defeats the purpose to an extent. There are lots of weird and strange little things, like the warning triangle, what you actually need to do with it, different classes of roads can be different distances from the vehicle and in different countries these distances per types of roads can differ vastly too......... The Netherlands is a classic example of a weird law, you are not required by law to carry a warning triangle, but when you break down you are legally required to put one up at the prescribed distance. (ie you wont get done from the likes of a spot check by police, but could if you break down without one.....) then some require high vis for each person, some one for every passenger seat + driver, some one for driver but everyone upon exiting vehicle.......... and of course meeting EN471 with a label stitched in confirming this............ Easiest is just to buy a bulb/fuse kit, first aid kit and a pile of high vis vests, not a bad lot to have in any country, warning triangle is ok for UK too just not allowed on UK motorways, as the UK doesn't require people to walk back down the motorway towards oncoming traffic putting thir life at risk to try and build a mechano reflector............. then someone to go retrieve it after lol 

Contacted Peter James yesterday morning who confirmed that there is a 35 days driving abroad function within the policy. Also there is a green-card already written into the policy documents in every EU language. Sorted then! 

EU.... Switzerland... mmmm

Sorry, just me thinking aloud as I am off on Monday. I'll have to have a quick look through the docs to see if CH is covered as an exception.

Its not necessary for me to go through Switzerland, but there are several nice routes across the bottom corner north of Geneva which are convenient from my usual overnight in Pontarlier.

No. I rarely stop or buy anything.