Will This Work? - Temp Cover + Green Card Insurance

Marv02

Hey,

I've been wondering about this for some time and wanted to ask if it was possible.

OK, I'll be getting a car soon (2001 Golf TDI) and the yearly insurance for me will be £900. The first thing I wanted to do with it is go abroad, and I've been planning on going to Istanbul, Turkey, to visit some family that have moved there.

Now, the question is... Is it possible to buy a 2 day temporary insurance policy to use to drive through the EU, then get (at least I think its called) green card insurance once I get to the boarder? If this is possible, what happens when the temp cover runs out? Will the green card insurance also invalidate? Or will it stay running until I leave the country?

Would anyone care to explain how the whole process works?

Thanks!

missile

No that will not work - unless you intend driving without valid insurance? Most insurers will provide a green card on request, but it is only valid for the duration of your insurance policy.

You do not need a green card for travel in EU, but you will need it for Turkey. See here > http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067624

Marv02

missile wrote: »

No that will not work - unless you intend driving without valid insurance? Most insurers will provide a green card on request, but it is only valid for the duration of your insurance policy.

You do not need a green card for travel in EU, but you will need it for Turkey. See here > http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067624

Yes, I am aware of the above, I was wondering if its possible to purchase green card insurance from another company in Turkey once I hit the boarder...

And yes, I thought green card insurance was separate from the insurance policy you took out, that's why I asked.

epninety

You need to check your policy to see which countries are covered, some non-EU countries like Norway and Switzerland are covered on many policies automatically. If not automatically covered then they can, if they wish, and usually for a fee, issue a green card to cover the additional countries required. Some companies can be awkward about some countries, so have a planned list of countries on your route when you speak to them.

Once you are leaving the European area, I believe it's usually possible to buy insurance at the border. A few places I've been over the years I'm sure there's been offices at the crossing zone but the only place I've ever actually bought car insurance there was from a man under a shady tree in Zimbabwe.

I remember in Bosnia, the office was closed when we crossed, causing problems for the people I was with who were relying on it for their insurance. That was a few years ago though.

Fairly certain there was an insurance office at the crossing from Romania to Bulgaria though they are both EU now so maybe not any more.

Also remember to check if you need an International Driving Permit to go with your licence.

getmore4less

So do you know this car well, thats a long way without being sure it is in tip top condition.

Why not fly and delay insuring till you get back and will you need a car in the city?

missile

Marv02 wrote: »

Yes, I am aware of the above, I was wondering if its possible to purchase green card insurance from another company in Turkey once I hit the boarder... Ask your Turkish friends about insuring a UK registered car.

And yes, I thought green card insurance was separate from the insurance policy you took out, that's why I asked. There is no such thing as green card insurance and the link I posted tells you what a green card is.

I would suggest it is rather optimistic to attempt to drive from UK to Turkey in two days.:rotfl:

epninety

missile wrote: »

I would suggest it is rather optimistic to attempt to drive from UK to Turkey in two days.:rotfl:

Very true, it took me 3.5 days, to southern Bulgaria, but it was snowing most of the way.Should only be one day outside the EU and 'normal' insurance though.

nenad

Try to google for daily cover. There is plenty websites to offer up to 28 days cover, but you need to check T&C to see if you are covered outside the UK.

Also, you could try with PAYGO insurance (ecarinsurance), but they do one month minimum.

As far as I know no insurer in the UK will issue a green card, so you would need to buy short term insurance on border of any country outside EU. With (almost) all insurers in the UK you are covered within EU plus few other "western" countries. However you should tell your insurer before you leave the UK (it just info for them, no extra charge for that)



You need to plan your trip carefully and consider following issues

- You route - over Hungary and Romania or Balkan countries.

- Legal requirements for each country you are going through (winter tyres, spare bulbs, first aid kits....)

- Road taxes



Also, are you going to drive the car back to the UK or re-register it in Turkey? In that case you need to declare your car as exported in the UK.



Because your car is oldish, you should think about EU roadside recovery (around £40 for 3 weeks)



It is not going to be cheap anyway, and also count for risk to be blocked by weather conditions. Two days is very optimistic in my opinion, however over 90% of your trips will be motorways, including congestion near big European cities.



If I were you I would think again about the trip during winter months and with used car new to me. At least do major service before the trip.

I wish you safe journey

Marv02

missile wrote: »

I would suggest it is rather optimistic to attempt to drive from UK to Turkey in two days.:rotfl:

Why not? My old man and his friend made it in just over 25 hours... And that was a first try attempt. It's only 1,600 miles away.

Thats an average of 66mph. And don't forget the German Autobahn. (130MPH+ Speeds FTW!)

Not sure what type of 'save the trees' car your driving, buts its extremely do-able.

I only said 2 days for the sake of not having a co-driver, and wanting to "take it easy" travelling relaxed.

knightstyle

You will probably/certainly need a French address to purchase insurance in France. But it will cover you for full, not just 3rd party, insurance for the whole EU. You can also get breakdown insurance for all the EU for about 30€. It works well, my French car broke down last week in the UK, they tried to repair it at the side of the road, then took it to a garage of my choice and asked if I needed transport back to my home in France, good value!

olly300

Marv02 wrote: »

Why not? My old man and his friend made it in just over 25 hours... And that was a first try attempt. It's only 1,600 miles away.

Thats an average of 66mph. And don't forget the German Autobahn. (130MPH+ Speeds FTW!)

Did they have the problem of snow though?

I know other countries in Europe are better equipped for snow than the UK, but even then they expect and often have a legal requirement that you drive slower in Winter. You will not be driving at 70mph let alone 130mph if it's snowing on the autobahn unless you want to crash.

Plus you will have the issue of having to have winter tyres - in some European countries if you don't have them they will not only fine you on the spot but won't allow you to drive the car until you have them on.

You won't have an issue with road taxes if you car is fully legal in the UK i.e. has a valid MOT and insurance.