Am I covered to drive my car abroad?
Your 123.ie insurance policy will cover you in most EU countries for up to 30 days however the level of cover depends on where you are going.
What cover is provided when driving abroad?
The cover provided for driving outside of Ireland depends on which countries you will be driving through. We can break this into 3 categories:
1. Territorial Limits
Full policy cover is in force when you are travelling with your car anywhere in:
- Republic of Ireland
- Northern Ireland
- Great Britain
- Channel Islands
- Isle of Man
- Channel Tunnel
- Whilst in transit by sea between these places
There is no need to notify us in advance of travel to avail of full policy cover. Breakdown Assist is only available on the island of Ireland.
2. EU Member States
We will provide you with the minimum level of cover required to drive your car in any EU Member State or the minimum level of cover required to drive in Ireland, whichever is greater. All you need to do is bring your insurance certificate, disc and driving licence with you when you are driving abroad.
If you notify us in advance of your journey, we will provide you with the full policy cover you have here in Ireland, up to a maximum of 30 days for free. Breakdown Assist however is only available on the island of Ireland.
If you are travelling for more than 30 days, there may be an additional premium for this cover. If you choose not to pay the additional charge, you will still have the minimum level of cover in any EU Member State.
If you are travelling to Spain, you may require a Bail Bond. A €12.00 charge may be applicable if you decide to purchase this.
3. Outside of the EU
If you are travelling to a country that is outside the EU, you will need to check if this country is party to the “Green Card” system. This means if the country you are travelling to complies with EU Directives on Insurance of Civil Liabilities, then we will provide the minimum level of cover required to drive in that country or the minimum level of cover required to drive in Ireland, whichever is greater.
There are some countries outside the EU where we will provide full policy cover other than breakdown assist. Please contact our Customer Care team for details in advance of your journey on 01 524 6029. There may be an additional premium for this cover and a €12.00 fee may be applicable for a Green Card.
For full details of cover, limits & exclusions, please refer to your policy pack which was issued to you when you purchased or renewed your policy. Our current policy booklet can be found here.
Who do I contact if I need to claim while using my car abroad?
The level of cover you have while travelling is dependent on the country you’re travelling through, the duration of your stay and whether you’ve contacted us beforehand.
The full process for taking your car abroad can be found here.
Should I carry a copy of my policy with me when travelling?
For Car Insurance customers, if you are driving your car abroad, you will need to take the following documents with you:
- Driving licence
- Insurance certificate and disc
- Green Card (where applicable)
Can I use my Irish Driving Licence while driving abroad?
All valid Irish driving licences should be valid while driving in the EU however it is always best to do your research on that country’s drivers licences rules as well as their driving rules, speed limits, priority rules and road signs before you depart for your trip.
Tips For Driving Abroad
Be researched
If you're planning to drive a long way to your destination or even to go on a driving holiday, work out your route in advance and make sure you have the relevant maps. If you plan to use a satnav, make sure it works wherever it is you're travelling, as some only have certain pre-loaded maps.
Be lawful
In France, for example, drivers must carry a high-visibility vest in their vehicles. In Vienna, it's illegal to use your car horn, while it’s against the law to run out of fuel on an autobahn in Germany. Most European nations recommend carrying a spare bulb kit which will allow you to change your headlamps in the event of a problem. If you're heading to Spain or France you must carry this spare bulb kit by law.
Be insured
Your 123.ie insurance policy will cover you in most EU countries for up to 30 days but make sure you let us know where and when you’re going as you need to contact us to extend your cover before you take your car with you.
Be seen
When driving on European roads, motorists must use headlamp converters by law. This is due to the fact vehicles travel on the right-hand-side - the opposite side of the road to Ireland and the UK - meaning motorists could dazzle oncoming traffic with cars designed for Irish and British roads. Fitting headlamp converters will reposition the angle of your beam, ensuring the safety of other road users and giving you the right visibility of the road ahead.
Be compliant
A Euro sticker number plate may appear to be quite a small car accessory to be worrying about, but it is compulsory to have this displayed on your vehicle when traveling on the continent.
Be careful
While abroad, you will need to bring warning triangles with you to alert other drivers to the fact you are stationary - the number required or recommended depends on which country you will be traveling in. A warning triangle is required in most European nations, except the Netherlands and Germany, where it is recommended. When driving in Spain, the law states motorists should use two warning triangles.
