Car Insurance for address in France, car reg in UK

Mila_in_France

Hello,

We have recently moved to France in December and sold our flat in London. We are in the process of registering the left hand drive car in France but the process is taking longer than anticipated. I understand that the insurance we have right now can be void if it turns out we have not given correct information - the address given is still our old address in London. I am afraid our current provider will cancel the policy unless we have a permanent UK address. Should we just try to extend our current cover in Europe from 30 days to 90 days to buy more time or switch to a provider who can offer longer cover in the EU? Or is there a provider who could insure us with a French address until the car registration goes through?

Any advice appreciated

ThinkingOutLoud_2

Ok so it is likely that your UK Car Insurance requires that you be a UK resident. So if you are not, you have to figure that the policy is already void unless you get agreement for cover to continue from your UK insurer.

You might argue that your insurer cannot know that, but then you should have notified the DVLA in respect of your car and driving licenses too.

So whichever - you are dead right to want to sort it pronto...

So there may be more insurers but one definitely does - http://www.france-insurance.co.uk/car_insurance.html and one broker who claims to help (in/from UK) - https://www.hertsinsurance.com/expats/

There are a few rants on this but also some practical experiences related...
http://www.survivefrance.com/t/keeping-a-uk-registered-vehicle-in-france/6206/10

Bon chance.

mattk_180

I think you need to either check the policy wording very carefully or bite the bullet and ring the insurer in case the policy states you need to be a permanent UK resident, in which case the insurance may be void, which it might already be as you've not advised them of a change of material facts.

dacouch

Try Stuart Collins who specialise in this (It won't be cheap), also ask any ex pats in your new local area for recommendations

bobincharente

You can get insurance in France using a french insurance company on a UK registered car no problem. We did that when we moved 10 years ago. You will have get the car re-registered within a month.

Regards Bob

ThinkingOutLoud_2

bobincharente wrote: »

You can get insurance in France using a french insurance company on a UK registered car no problem. We did that when we moved 10 years ago. You will have get the car re-registered within a month.

Agreed - although the link I posted above the Allianz agency was suggesting they allow up to 3 months for you to re-register which may help.

Placitasgirl

You need to act quickly on this as I'd say you've already invalidated your current policy as you haven't advised your insurer of a change of details, i.e. the fact that the car is no longer kept at the address you provided for it in the UK, you no longer reside at that address etc. It's highly likely you're driving uninsured at the moment.

It's vital that insurers are notified immediately of any and all changes, and those you have made are major changes which would most definitely affect your policy and premium, even if your current insurer could cover you in France, which many won't. This is clearly stated in all correspondence from insurers both when obtaining quotes, buying policies and in any contact during the term of the policy.

If you had "European" cover on your policy for 30 days, do also note that this is intended for drivers who visit Europe and would not cover relocation.

You are at serious risk of your current insurer cancelling your current policy for non disclosure of these changes and that will have a major impact on your ability to buy insurance (and not just motor insurance) in the future. Contact your current insurer today to make them aware of your move to France and do not delay.