Green card for Serbia

chokolat2

Hi everyone.

I'm a little bit confused, maybe someone can help me out? or knows a bit more details?

I'm planning to travel by car from UK to Greece via Serbia

My Car insurance (Sainsburys) have said that since Oct 2011 they no longer cover Serbia even on the green card.

I've also checked the MiB website here
http://www.mib.org.uk/Customer+Services/en/General+Cross+Border+Information/Countries+covered+by+Green+Card.htm
and
http://www.mib.org.uk/Customer+Services/en/General+Cross+Border+Information/FAQs+Green+Card.htm

and both state that a green card is no longer required.

But what does this actually mean? No longer required because all EU insurers cover Serbia ? How comes Sainsburys are not covering this then?

Sorry if this is confusing...just dont want to be in a position to be having to pay at the border, since the prices there are a scam!

neilmcl

Have a read here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/serbia

chokolat2

neilmcl wrote: »

Have a read here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/europe/serbia

Thanks.

I've read that too. It stated
However, the requirement to hold a green card is no longer in effect from 1 January 2012. You are advised to confirm that your insurance company recognises that your policy covers Serbia.

And this is what gets me confused...I understand its no longer required - but my car insurance Sainsburys are saying they do not cover Serbia.

So how do I get insured?:o

nenad

You do not need green card for Serbia since 01/01/2012 as Serbia is now part of some European insurance association. They will accept any EU insurance certificate, and if your insurance is valid in EU (and it should be by default), it is valid in Serbia too. Your insurer may not know this, as Serbia is not popular destination for UK motorists.

I would advice you to have have a english copy of EU accident report during the trip, it makes things easier in case of an accident.

Some more tips:

- you must have first aid kit
- Car lights must be switched on at all times - whenever you start your car switch light on
- Be preapared for careless driving through almost whole East Europe
- Also, top-up your fuel tank before you cross Serbian border, specially if you use premium fuel - quality of petrol and diesel in serbia is not great and varies.

Feel free to ask, if you have more questions as I am planning the same trip and I am from that part of Europe :-)

neilmcl

nenad wrote: »

They will accept any EU insurance certificate, and if your insurance is valid in EU (and it should be by default), it is valid in Serbia too.

Not necessarily, the insurer is free to exclude any destination they see fit according to risk, as seems to be the case here with the OP. OP, why not look around for an insurer that will cover you, albeit on a temporary cover whilst you're there.

mikey72

neilmcl wrote: »

Not necessarily, the insurer is free to exclude any destination they see fit according to risk, as seems to be the case here with the OP. OP, why not look around for an insurer that will cover you, albeit on a temporary cover whilst you're there.

Do you have a link for that. As far as I'm aware, an insurer must offer the minimal cover required in any eu country, on any eu issued policy. In fact, to quote page 22 of Sainsbury's t&c's - This policy also provides the minimum cover you need by law to use your car in: • Any country which is a member of the European Union; http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/library/default/pdf/standard_car_insurance.pdf

nenad

neilmcl wrote: »

Not necessarily, the insurer is free to exclude any destination they see fit according to risk, as seems to be the case here with the OP. OP, why not look around for an insurer that will cover you, albeit on a temporary cover whilst you're there.

Serbian border agency will accept the certificate as valid. They will not check small prints, but if insurance company refuses to pay for damage or teft - that is different matter.

I know it is catch 22, but the best thing to do is to sort things with your insurance company.

neilmcl

mikey72 wrote: »

Do you have a link for that. As far as I'm aware, an insurer must offer the minimal cover required in any eu country, on any eu issued policy. In fact, to quote page 22 of Sainsbury's t&c's - This policy also provides the minimum cover you need by law to use your car in: • Any country which is a member of the European Union; http://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/library/default/pdf/standard_car_insurance.pdf

Sorry, you're right third-party insurance will be valid across all EU countries but it'll be down to the insurer whether they will give you comprehensive cover.

Having said that though Serbia isn't in the EU as yet which gives Sainsburys a get out.

mikey72

Not just the eu countries, bit of a mis quote by me there sorry. From the sainsburys t&c's - Any country which the Commission of the European Community approves as meeting the requirements of Article 7(2) of the European Community Directive on Insurance of Civil Liabilities arising from using motor vehicles (number 72/166/CEE). - Which if as Nenad says they accept eu insurance policies, should be clarified with someone at sainsburys who knows the correct info. But minimal cover eithher way.

sergeivuk

any news ???

agde

I would like to travel this summer from UK to Serbia and Macedonia.
Could you please let me know which UK car insurance covers this countries for comprehensive cover apart from AXA?
many thanks