What's the best car insurance policy to get for a vacation?
Are you going on vacation by car and wondering if your current auto insurance provides the right coverage? Your auto insurance offers the same coverage both inside and outside the Netherlands. However, exactly what your car insurance covers abroad depends on the specific terms of your policy. It’s therefore important to always read the policy terms and conditions carefully when purchasing car insurance so you don’t run into any surprises.
Car Insurance While on Vacation
The three standard types of auto insurance are:
Third-party liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others. Damage to your own car is therefore not covered under this policy.
Limited comprehensive auto insurance does not only cover damage to others. Damage to your vehicle caused by collisions with stray animals, hail and storms, lightning, fire and explosions, broken windows, theft, and attempted theft are also covered under limited comprehensive auto insurance.
Comprehensive insurance is the most extensive type of coverage. With this coverage, damage to your own car caused by collisions is also covered by your own insurer. In addition, vandalism damage is also covered under comprehensive insurance.
Another option is to rent a car while on vacation. The terms and conditions for rental car insurance differ from those for your own car’s insurance. What exactly do you need to know about insuring a rental car? Virtually every rental car comes with third-party liability insurance as standard, since this coverage is mandatory in most countries. The insurance policies offered by the rental company—such as liability coverage—are usually in addition to the standard third-party liability insurance. When insuring your rental car, make sure the car is indeed covered by third-party liability insurance. Also, be sure to ask about local regulations and use that information to determine whether additional insurance is necessary.
Vacation Car Insurance
Are you planning to take your own car on vacation abroad? If so, it’s a good idea—and in some cases, required—to bring your Green Card with you. A Green Card is an international insurance certificate that proves your car is insured. You receive a new Green Card every year. The advantage of a Green Card is that it has the same format throughout Europe, making it easy for authorities abroad—such as the police—to read.
In many countries, it is not necessary to carry your Green Card with you. However, there are still a number of countries where it is mandatory to carry your original Green Card. The originalGreen Card is actually green and made of paper. A copy is therefore not permitted. You can read here which countries require the Green Card.
In addition, the green card also lists the countries where your auto insurance providescoverage. Is your vacation destination not listed? In most cases, you can purchase proof of insurance at the border.
Additional Coverage
To ensure you have comprehensive coverage when traveling abroad, some insurers offer a special international travel module. This may include roadside assistance, replacement transportation, or reimbursement for the cost of an extra night’s lodging.
Do you have any questions about auto insurance? Please feel free to contact us—we’re happy to help! You can reach us by phone Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 088-6883700.
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