If you have recently purchased a car insurance contract, your insurer must provide you with a document outlining the key elements of the agreement at the time of signing.
This document is known as the Insured Vehicle Memo and contains information such as: the insurance company’s name and address, the contract subscriber’s name, first name, and address, the insurance policy number, the document’s issuance date, the effective date of the guarantee, the vehicle registration number, the make and model of the vehicle, and whether the contract guarantee covers both a motor vehicle and its trailers or semi-trailers.
This document is issued only once, except in case of loss, and is not renewed annually. For existing policyholders, the document will be accessible in their personal online accounts.
Traveling in Europe
If you are driving to any of the countries listed below, you do not need to take any additional steps.
Similar to France, your license plate serves as sufficient proof of your insurance coverage.
Here is a list of the 35 countries where this applies: Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Serbia.
Holidays Outside Europe
For travel outside Europe, you will need to present the International Motor Insurance Certificate at the borders of countries like Albania, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Moldova, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. This certificate is equivalent to a paper-based insurance document.
If you lack this document, you will not be permitted to enter these territories, unless you purchase local insurance at the border.
If your car insurance does not cover the country you are traveling to, contact your insurance company to discuss options such as extending your coverage or obtaining temporary insurance for the specific country.
Understanding Your Coverage
If your vehicle is only insured for third-party liability, you will be covered only for damages your vehicle may cause to others.
If you have purchased additional guarantees or the comprehensive insurance package, their application may be limited depending on the country you visit. You should therefore consult your insurer to understand which guarantees apply and which may be limited in your destination country.
This confirmation is crucial in the event of theft or an accident involving your vehicle, enabling coverage for towing costs, passenger repatriation, accommodation costs, etc.
No “e-constat” Abroad
The amicable report or European accident report is valid within the European Union. The “e-constat,” which allows you to digitally file a report using your smartphone, is not functional for accidents abroad.
The amicable report must be completed thoroughly to the best of your ability. Being standardized at a European level, it can be completed regardless of the language.
If you have any doubts, contact your insurance company to report the accident and receive guidance on further steps.
**Your Car Insurance Abroad: Essential Tips for European and International Travel**
Going on a road trip? Whether you’re driving across Europe or venturing further afield, understanding your car insurance coverage is crucial for a smooth and worry-free journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you stay informed and protected while driving abroad.
**Understanding Your Insurance Documents: The Insured Vehicle Memo**
Upon taking out a car insurance contract, your insurer must provide you with a vital document: the **Insured Vehicle Memo**. This document serves as a proof of your insurance and contains all the essential details of your policy. Below are some key elements found within this memo:
- Name and address of the insurance company
- Name, first name, and address of the contract subscriber
- Insurance policy number
- Date of issue of the document
- Effective date of the guarantee
- Vehicle registration number
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Information on whether the insurance covers both the motor vehicle and its trailers or semi-trailers.
It’s important to note that this document is typically issued only once, except in the case of loss. It’s not renewed annually. If you are already insured, you can usually access your Insured Vehicle Memo through your personal space on your insurer’s website.
**Travel in Europe: What You Need to Know**
For most European countries, proving your insurance is as simple as having your license plate visible. This means you don’t need to carry any specific document in many cases. Here’s a list of the 35 European countries where this is applicable:
| Country |
|---|
| Austria |
| Principality of Andorra |
| Belgium |
| Bulgaria |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Switzerland |
| Liechtenstein |
| Cyprus |
| Czech Republic |
| Germany |
| Denmark |
| Spain |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| Great Britain |
| Greece |
| Hungary |
| Croatia |
| Italy |
| Ireland |
| Iceland |
| Grand Duchy of Luxembourg |
| Lithuania |
| Latvia |
| Malta |
| Montenegro |
| Norway |
| Netherlands |
| Portugal |
| Poland |
| Romania |
| Sweden |
| Slovak Republic |
| Slovenia |
| Serbia |
**Traveling Outside Europe: International Motor Insurance Certificate**
If you’re planning a road trip outside of Europe, you will need to obtain an **International Motor Insurance Certificate (Green Card).** This certificate serves as proof of your insurance and is required at the border of many countries. The Green Card is a small, paper document that provides details of your insurance policy in several languages.
Here are some countries where you will need to present your Green Card at the border:
- Albania
- Azerbaijan
- Morocco
- Moldova
- Republic of North Macedonia
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
If you do not have a valid Green Card, you may not be able to enter these countries. In some cases, you may be able to purchase local insurance at the border.
**Mind Your Cover: Checking Your Guarantees**
Before you embark on your journey, it’s crucial to review your insurance policy carefully. Understand the scope of your coverage and ensure it’s suitable for the countries you’ll be visiting.
- **Third-party Liability:** This coverage is usually the minimum requirement and protects you once morest damages caused to another person’s property or vehicle by your car.
- **Additional Guarantees or All-Risk Formula:** If you have additional guarantees or comprehensive coverage, check how they apply in the country you plan to visit. Some guarantees may have limitations in specific regions.
It’s essential to clarify the following points with your insurer:
- **Coverage limits:** Are there any limitations on the amount of coverage that applies in the destination country?
- **Exclusions:** Are there any specific events or situations that are not covered by your insurance in the destination country?
- **Assistance services:** What assistance services are available in case of an accident, theft, or breakdown? (e.g., towing, repatriation, accommodation).
**No “e-Constat” Abroad: Handling Accidents in Europe**
While the “e-Constat” app can be used for amicable reporting in some European countries, this feature is not available for accidents abroad. You’ll need to use a traditional **European Accident Report, also known as the Amicable Report.** This report is standardized across European Union member states.
Here are some key points to remember:
- The report must be completed in full and as accurately as possible.
- Although the report is standardized, it might be written in a different language from your own.
- In case of any doubt, contact your insurance company to report the accident and seek guidance on next steps.
By being informed and prepared, you can enjoy the freedom of your road trip and ensure you’re properly protected while driving abroad.
