Time Limits of Insurance Cover Abroad

HELP DESK: PADDY COMYN answers all your motoring queries

From BN: We wish to take our car to Europe this summer and motor around for a couple of months; however, our insurance company has informed us that we will only be covered for a maximum of 30 days. We are shocked, for, as far as we know, there are no restrictions like this in the rest of the European Union countries. What is the reason for this and what can we do?

Stephen Doherty from Dave Doherty Insurance Brokers told us that the majority of insurance companies would only allow for 30 days of cover; some of them will allow up to 45 days. He did tell us that in the past they have got cover for drivers for a longer period than this for an additional premium but that it depends on who the insurance company is and that each company has its own policy endorsements.

According to the European Commission's own website, "wherever you are travelling in the EU, your car insurance policy will automatically provide the minimum cover (third-party liability) required by law". This also applies to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover extends to travelling in other countries. A green card is not obligatory when travelling in the EU but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to settle claims arising from an accident. If you do not take a green card with you, you should carry your certificate of insurance. The green card system currently covers 44 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. Their website gives further details about the green card system and its objectives.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country. EU rules make it easier for road accident victims outside their own country to get speedy compensation. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also to accidents between two EU parties in a country outside the EU belonging to the green card system.

From MC: Having bought a Toyota Aygo with about 9,000 miles on the clock I noticed that after driving in heavy traffic with the air- con on it starts to shake noticeably, with engine revs varying, to the extent that it is uncomfortable to rest an elbow on the door.

The shaking diminishes considerably when the air-con is turned off and restarts if it is turned on. I have to say that Toyota (UK) were somehow unable to replicate this "characteristic" although one of their test drivers was unable to remember whether or not he had driven the car with the air-con off or on! I wondered if any of your readers were experiencing the same "characteristic" and if any could suggest a remedy?

From looking through the various used car guides and websites, we have been unable to find any reports relating to the problem you mentioned. We contacted Toyota Ireland who had this to say on the matter: "It's difficult to comment on individual cases without having seen the vehicle but this problem is not a familiar occurrence. We would recommend the customer take the vehicle to an authorised Toyota dealer for assessment and recommendation."

We understand from talking to you that the car is in the UK but will be in Ireland later in the year. Perhaps you can take it to a dealer in Ireland who may be able to take a closer look at the problem.

From JLP: My 1969 Mercedes will be 30 years old in September of this year. Will the road tax automatically be reduced to 48, or do I have to produce documentation in advance?

We contacted a tax office on your behalf and were told that if the vehicle is already in the system and there is road tax being paid on it currently then it is possible for them to verify its age, but you will need to fill in an RF111 form prior to it being taxed again, which will reclassify the car in a new tax class of vintage. It is also helpful, but not necessarily essential, that you have the car's original logbook when doing.

Once the car has been reclassified then it will automatically be issued with the lower rate of tax.

(c) 2009 Irish Times. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All rights Reserved.