Published on : 06 August 20193 min reading time

All vehicles must be insured, whether they are on the road or simply parked without being used. In England as elsewhere, car insurance is compulsory, even if it is limited to third party insurance (civil liability). However, it is preferable to have more extensive insurance. But what about car insurance abroad? If you take your car with you abroad, make sure you have adequate car insurance. This is essential. It will allow you to be covered even outside French territory.

In order to avoid any risk of duplication, it is important to contact your insurer to check if you do not already benefit unknowingly from an appropriate car insurance policy for driving your car abroad. If this is not the case, then ask if you can have this additional coverage. It is always better to extend your insurance than to take out another one.

Things to do

If your car is new or very expensive, make sure that your contract provides for compensation at the purchase price in the event of theft.

It is important to find out about the destination country before insuring your car. It is sometimes mandatory to take out local insurance in that country. If you are faced with such a requirement, check with a French insurance company that may have a branch in that destination country.

Before signing your contract, make sure you know your insurer’s policy in the event of a malus. This little information could save you a considerable amount of money in the future. Also make sure to ask if your insurance company will pay the reimbursement amount to your bank in local currency so that you do not have to pay the bank charges out of your pocket.

Things not to do

It is strongly discouraged to underinsure your car. Third party insurance is very tempting, but insurance that also covers you for damage is much more useful in the event of an accident if you find yourself in a hospital. It is also strongly discouraged (because it is illegal!) to drive without any car insurance.

The rates

Your international car insurance premium will depend first of all on your country of residence and that of destination. Because, according to insurers, some countries present more risks. Then, your personal history will be taken into account. If you have a long list of violations to your credit, the premium will logically be higher.

Car insurance for expatriates

International companies and expatriates often benefit from more flexible coverage and coverage will be more protective. The insurance contract itself will often extend over a longer period than that of an individual residing in a given territory.

What information will you need to provide?

Often information about the make and model of the vehicle is requested, as well as the age of your car, the type of fuel used and evens the type of on-board alarm. Then, you will have to provide more personal information to establish your profile (age, sex, place of residence, details of your permit). Your insurance history and the type of coverage you want will also be part of the information to be provided.