Driving Abroad

Please consider these suggestions when hiring a car abroad.

1. A Green Card

This is an internationally recognised document that serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, though a broker may levy an administration fee for arranging it.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers website for details), though if you do not take one you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance. However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident, when travelling abroad.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Details of these countries can be found on the ABI website.

2. Accidents

If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned.

3. Hiring a car

When you hire a car abroad, insurance cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum in the country or state where you hire. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your Think Delta or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

4. Protect against car thieves

Some tips:

• Lock all doors and the boot when leaving the vehicle as well as closing windows and the sunroof.
• Park in a well-lit place.
• Avoid leaving possessions in an unattended vehicle. If you have to leave property, make sure it is in a locked boot. In a hatchback, the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car, cover up property with a sheet or blanket.
• Don't leave car ownership and insurance documents in your car when parked.
• Use an anti-theft device.
• Take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay.