August 4, 2024, by Sanne Carbaat

Car insurance abroad

Road trip
August 4, 2024, by Sanne Carbaat

Car insurance abroad

If you cross the border with your car, it is important to know what your car insurance is like abroad. Whether you are going on holiday or temporarily staying abroad, make sure that your insurance is valid and provides the correct cover.

Is my car insurance valid abroad?

Is my car insurance valid abroad?

To start with, you should check whether your current car insurance policy offers coverage outside the Netherlands when you take your car abroad. Dutch car insurance is often valid in the European Union, but this is not always the case. On the international insurance certificate (green card) you can see in which countries your car insurance is valid. Always take the green card with you, both within the Netherlands and abroad, as proof of insurance for your car.

Coverage of your car insurance during a holiday abroad

Coverage of your car insurance during a holiday abroad

You also need to know what your car insurance abroad covers. This depends on the type of coverage you have chosen:

  • Third party car insurance: this is obligated and only compensates for damage that you have caused to others.
  • Limited comprehensive car insurance: in addition to damage to others, this also reimburses damage to your own car due to fire, theft, storm, hail, collision with wildlife and broken windows.
  • All-risk car insurance: this also reimburses damage to your own car if you are responsible for the accident.

Breakdown assistance and alternative transport abroad

Breakdown assistance and alternative transport abroad

It is also important to check whether your insurance covers breakdown assistance abroad. This is useful in case of car trouble during your holiday or stay abroad. In addition to breakdown assistance insurance, additional legal expenses insurance for your car can be useful. An accident abroad is unpleasant, especially if the other party does not cooperate. With legal expenses insurance you get help with arranging and recovering damages.
Furthermore, make sure that replacement transport is covered by your insurance. This covers you for a replacement car abroad if your vehicle is no longer usable due to damage or theft.

Rules for other drivers and young people behind the wheel

Rules for other drivers and young people behind the wheel

In addition, you may be wondering: what if I let someone else drive my car during my trip abroad? Make sure that this person has a valid driver's license, is 18 years or older, and has your permission. Please note that drivers under the age of 18, who are allowed to drive in the Netherlands via 2toDrive, are not allowed to drive abroad according to European legislation.

Temporary car insurance abroad

Finally: temporary car insurance is necessary if you go to a country that is not on the green card or that has been crossed out by your insurer. Avoid paying too much for temporary car insurance. From research by the financial comparison site Geld.nl it turns out that premiums between car insurers differ considerably. The difference between the cheapest and the most expensive premium quickly amounts to hundreds of euros per year. Compare car insurance on Geld.nl and immediately find the cheapest car insurance that best suits your situation. This way you save an average of €237 per year on your car insurance!

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