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Adjusting Car Insurance for a Car Holiday and Road Trip
A good preparation is the key to a successful trip. This certainly applies to adjusting your car insurance for a car holiday and road trip. Your standard policy abroad usually does not offer the coverage you need in case of breakdown or damage. Discover what steps you need to take to avoid unexpected costs and surprises.
\n\nDo I need to change my car insurance for a car holiday?
\n \nIn most cases, you don’t need to completely change your car insurance. However, a check and potential additions are necessary. Your Dutch Third-Party Liability (WA) insurance (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid) is valid in most European countries. This covers damage you cause to others. Damage to your own vehicle or breakdown assistance is not included. A road trip places different demands on your car and insurance than daily commuting. The chance of an incident is statistically higher due to long distances, unfamiliar roads, and different traffic rules. Therefore, it is wise to critically review your current coverage and consider temporarily extending it.
\n\n\n\n‘ Some countries still require an original, paper copy, so print the card and keep it in your car. ’
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The Green Card: More Than a Formality
\n \nThe Green Card is the international insurance certificate proving that your car is insured. This card states in which countries your insurance is valid. Check well before departure if all countries on your route are listed on it. This is particularly important if you are travelling through countries outside the European Union, such as in the Balkans.
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- Check validity: Ensure the Green Card is valid for the entire duration of your trip. \n\n\n
- Physical copy: Some countries still require an original, paper copy, so print the card and keep it in your car. \n\n\n
- Border insurance: If a country is not on the card, you must take out temporary, local car insurance at the border. \n\n
Border Insurance Explained
\n\n\n\nIs a country missing from your Green Card? Then you must take out temporary, local car insurance at the border. This is called border insurance.
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Which Additional Coverages Are Sensible for a Road Trip?
\n \nA standard Third-Party Liability (WA) or limited comprehensive insurance usually offers insufficient protection during a car holiday. Consider the following additional coverages to set off with peace of mind.
\n\n\n\nBreakdown Assistance Abroad
\n\n\n\nWith breakdown assistance abroad cover, you are insured for help with car breakdowns. This includes towing your car to the nearest garage. On-site emergency repairs are also included. Sometimes, your vehicle is even transported back to the Netherlands if a quick repair is not possible. You can take out this cover through your car insurance, but also through travel insurance or a separate breakdown assistance service. Check your policies to avoid being double insured.
\n\n\n\nReplacement Vehicle in Europe
\n\n\n\nImagine your car can no longer continue after a collision or a technical fault. If repairs take longer than two days, cover for a replacement vehicle provides a solution. You will then be provided with a rental car so you can continue your journey. This option is often part of a fully comprehensive insurance policy or an extensive breakdown assistance module. The conditions, such as the number of days you are entitled to a replacement car, vary per insurer.
\n\n\n\nFully Comprehensive Insurance (All Risk)
\n\n\n\nFor the most complete protection, fully comprehensive insurance is advisable. This covers damage to others and damage to your own car. Even if you caused it yourself. Think of a collision, driving off the road, or vandalism. Especially in unfamiliar territory or busy cities, this offers a significant degree of certainty. Many insurers allow you to temporarily upgrade your policy to fully comprehensive for the duration of your holiday.
\n\nWhat Does Extra Cover for a Road Trip in Europe Cost?
\n \nThe costs for extending your car insurance depend on several factors. Your insurer, the chosen coverages, the duration of your trip, and your destinations all play a role. Breakdown assistance cover for Europe typically costs a few tens of euros per year. A temporary upgrade to fully comprehensive can range from a few euros to several tens of euros per month in additional premium. The most reliable way to determine the costs is to contact your insurer directly. Request a specific quote for your travel period and requirements. This will give you a clear picture of the investment in a carefree trip.
\n\n\n\n‘ The challenge lies in the high excess for damages. ’
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Damage with a Rental Car: What About Insurance?
\n \nIf you rent a car at your destination, it is standard Third-Party Liability insured through the rental company. The challenge lies in the high excess for damages. This amount can exceed a thousand euros. Rental companies usually offer additional insurance to reduce or completely waive this excess. This is a safe, but expensive option. An alternative is to take out external \”rental car excess insurance\”. This is usually more affordable and offers the same certainty.
\n\n\n\nProper preparation of your car insurance is a small effort that can make a big difference. By tailoring your coverage to your travel plans, you can relax and enjoy the freedom of a car holiday. On the Traveler Tips website, you will find much more practical information for planning your ideal road trip. Think of the most beautiful routes and the mandatory equipment per country. Discover how to travel smarter and more comfortably.
\nFrequently Asked Questions
\nThe countries covered by your car insurance are listed on your Green Card, which is valid in almost all European countries. For countries outside this list, such as some non-European destinations, border insurance is required. Specific limitations may relate to breakdown assistance or replacement vehicle cover outside the Netherlands, for which additional coverages may be needed. It is essential to check if all countries on your travel route are included in your insurance and if you have taken out additional coverages such as breakdown assistance abroad and replacement vehicle in Europe to avoid unforeseen costs.
\n\nWhile your Third-Party Liability (WA) cover is often valid in most European countries, it only covers damage you cause to others. For extra peace of mind and protection, especially during road trips, additional cover such as Fully Comprehensive or WA+ is highly recommended. This cover also compensates for damage to your own vehicle and often provides important extras such as breakdown assistance and a replacement vehicle. This way, you are better prepared for unexpected situations abroad.
\n\nFor breakdown assistance and repatriation abroad, it is essential to adjust your car insurance; standard coverages do not always apply abroad. You can choose additional coverages via your travel insurance (e.g., ‘Breakdown Assistance and Replacement Vehicle’) or your car insurance (‘Breakdown Assistance Abroad’), which will then cover towing costs, emergency repairs, and transport to the Netherlands. Check your Green Card for validity in all countries on your route and avoid duplicate insurance by reviewing your existing policies. Fully comprehensive insurance with breakdown assistance is recommended for road trips.
\n\nThe Green Card is a mandatory insurance document in almost all European countries and proves that your car insurance is valid abroad. It is crucial to carry the original, physical card, as a digital version is not sufficient everywhere; in countries like Serbia and Montenegro, it is even compulsory. For countries not listed on the Green Card, such as certain non-European destinations, you must take out border insurance. Always check if all countries on your route, for example through the Balkans, are covered by your insurance and request the card from your insurer in good time.
\n\nIn the event of an accident or damage abroad, it is essential to have your Green Card with you, which proves the validity of your car insurance abroad and lists the countries covered. For countries not listed on the Green Card, border insurance is required. It is advisable to extend your coverages, such as breakdown assistance and replacement vehicle, prior to your trip and to check whether these are also valid abroad. In case of breakdown or damage, contact your insurer’s emergency centre to initiate the claims process. Always check your policy conditions and avoid duplicate insurance.
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