Prudential

[coccinelle]

Has anybody else noticed that you're not covered for European travel if you're with the Prudential unless they are notified? Seems strange they didn't seem to want to let anybody know....

[rojash]

If you mean car insurance, then I think you'll find that that's quite normal.

[coccinelle]

Really? Doesn't any car insurance cover for European travel? Seems a bit odd each time you fancy a trip over to France or whatever you need to let your insurance know.

[bookbinder]

I beg to differ. I have car insurance with the Prudential, and I quote from their Policy Document: (page 11)
"This policy ... provides the minimum cover You need ... to use your car in:
>any country which is a member of the European Union;...
Policy cover abroad.
The territorial limits of the policy are ... extended to include any member of the European Union ..."
I do not see any requirement to inform the company of my intention to take my car abroad. However, I think that it may be wise to tell them of your intention to take your car abroad, just in case of problems if you have to make a claim. I have been driving since about 1968, and it used to be quite normal to tell the insurance company if I was taking the car abroad, because they would issue (and charge for) a Green Card. So they would charge an extra premium to cover the car whilst it was out of the UK.

[coccinelle]

The thing is bookbinder, UK drivers don't need a green card anymore so really don't need to let the insurance company know. I'm posting on behalf of a family member and they've issued him something (arriving in post so not sure what it is) with dates when he's away.

[bookbinder]

Yes, I know that Green Cards are not issued any more, but my view about informing the insurance company (whether they ask you to do that or not) is that, well, it is well known that some insurance companies will try to wriggle out of paying out if they possible can. So, don't give them a chance to avoid paying out on a claim, and tell them that you are taking the car abroad. They are unlikely to reject a claim simply because you have informed them of your intentions, but they might find a way of not paying if you didn't tell them. Cover yourself.

[coccinelle]

Yes, good advice really. It would be interesting to know if any car insurance has refused to pay out because they weren't informed of travel abroad. This family member travels abroad a lot and after years of being with Prudential has seen his policy changed last month (notifying insurance of travel abroad).

[rojash]

"This policy ... provides the minimum cover You need ... to use your car in:
any country which is a member of the European Union"

The important point is it provides the MINIMUM cover required to drive legally. In other words, it's not fully comprehensive, and won't cover damage to your own vehicle if the accident is your own fault.

[bookbinder]

The reply from rojash emphasises the point that it may be advisable to inform the insurance company of your intention to take the car abroad. A comprehensive policy that applies in the UK will not provide the same cover abroad. I repeat: cover yourself.

[ABerrant]

To reiterate and clarify the above points and more:

All EU countries and certain other countries comply with the first directive on motor insurance, which says that every insurance policy issued in the EU must provide the minimum insurance cover required by law in any other EU country.

Therefore all UK policies provide the minimum cover required by law in other EU countries (or the minimum cover required by UK law if that is greater). This cover doesn't automatically include theft or damage to your car. Most people want the same protection they have in the UK when travelling abroad, e.g. comprehensive or third party, fire and theft. Some insurers may automatically provide this extended cover for a specified period and often without additional charge, however it is important that you check with your insurer.

The Green Card is a document that is recognised in over 40 countries as proof that the minimum legal requirements for third party liability insurance in any country for which the Green Card is valid are covered by the insured's own motor policy. A Green Card is not required by law to cross borders within the EU and some other countries, however the countries that do need a Green card are:

Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Moldova, Morocco, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine.