Car Insurance Validity in Mainland Europe

onlypadog

I am relocating to Germany with my new job for 8 months in August, and having taken out my first car insurance policy in March I was wondering if I am covered to drive my car in Germany on my current policy (i'm with Direct Line).

If not, does anyone know the procedure for cancelling my insurance or extending it for mainland europe cover?

Much appreciated

stephenni1971

Not being rude, but why ask for the opinion of someone on this forum on this when you could just call your insurer and get a definite answer?

zkw29

They will only cover you if you're a permanent resident of the UK - which I doubt they would consider you to be when you're away for 8 months.

cogito

8 months is hardly permanent. As long as the car is taxed and registered in the UK it can be insured in the UK but insurers aren't compelled to offer cover. As the first poster said, check with your insurer.

I'm insured with Saga who are one of the few insurers to give foreign cover without restrictions except for parts of the Balkan peninsula.

raskazz

cogito wrote: »

8 months is hardly permanent. As long as the car is taxed and registered in the UK it can be insured in the UK but insurers aren't compelled to offer cover. As the first poster said, check with your insurer.

8 months might not be permanent, but it is longer than 6 months, the point at which you must register your vehicle in the country in which it is kept.

zkw29

Permanent resident of the UK.

The OP will not be resident in the UK for that time. As you are required to tell your insurer if you are moving (or keeping the car at a different address) the OP will have to call his insurer - who will not provide cover for driving in Europe for that length of time for the reason above.