European Auto Insurance
How to obtain vehicle insurance in Europe no matter how long you plan to stay
European car insurance is considered a necessity, whether you are visiting for a few months/weeks or moving there. Many people have no idea where to start when it comes to obtaining European auto insurance, or whether they are even required to do so.As a general rule, even if you are visiting Europe for one day and are renting a car, it is important to have some sort of automobile insurance in Europe. Typically, your current coverage will not cover your rental car in Europe. Here are some facts regarding most European car insurance providers when it comes to rentals:
- Liability insurance is usually included in any European coverage you buy.
- Theft and fire coverage might be included, but you need to check with the company to make sure.
- Collision damage protection is not usually included, so you need to purchase a "Collision Damage Waiver" (CDW) in order to not have to pay for any car damage or repairs.
Purchase the CDW when offered auto insurance from the rental company for short-term stays
One quick, easy way to ensure that you are covered completely when it comes to your rental car is to buy the "Collision Damage Waiver" from the rental car company. A few countries, like Italy, require you to purchase it from the rental company before driving, but in most countries you are given the choice. Although it can be expensive (about 10 to 25 euros each day), buying it when you first pick up the car will enable you to get it over with and be fully covered immediately. Taking this route is best when you plan to stay in Europe for just a few days or weeks.
Try: CarRentalExpress.com allows you to just pick the country in which you need car rental insurance and provides you with many options, while Gemut.com specializes in car rentals in a Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Get information on European car insurance if you're from the UK
If you are permanently relocating to another part of Europe for a job from the UK, you will need to purchase regular car insurance. European car insurance companies abound; you just need to find one with which you will be satisfied. There are also car insurance companies that provide insurance exclusively in the UK.
Try: Chubb Insurance Company of Europe offers car insurance for residents of the UK. Get a quote from PhaCar.com, which offers UK car insurance. CarInsurances.co.uk explains that for short-term stays in other parts of Europe, UK car policies are in effect.
Use different European car insurance providers if you are from the United States
Most U.S. policies will not cover you when you are overseas.
Try: Ezilon.com has a comprehensive directory of European car insurance providers. Budget Insurance is a good bet, as is AIG Europe, a reputable and affordable choice that offers insurance policies all over the world.
- You might have considered using your credit card company to purchase rental car insurance in Europe, but you should know that most credit card companies only provide coverage for up to 30 days and often limit coverage to only cheap cars. For this reason, using the rental or lease sources listed above is a better option.
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