Hi there,
Just have some questions about insurance when exporting my own car to Europe .
I am about to move to Luxembourg (>12months) and want to drive my car there. Surely it is regarded as export according to DVLA. I need to get my car registered there but it is very very time consuming. I can drive my car as a foreign one and keep my plate for 6 months and it would be sufficient for me to get a new plate. All I need is the advice about insurance for the period from leaving the UK to getting a new registration there.
Since I will not live in the UK (no valid UK address), is my insurance still valid? What if I ask Royal Mail to forward all letters to my new address then I won't miss any letter from insurance company?
Or can I buy a very short cover for my travel then find a new local insurance (not sure if there is anyone abroad for a UK plate)? Completely no idea about that and would appreciate your help!
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I think normal UK insurers will only insure UK residents. If you are resident elsewhere you will need to find an insurer in that country, or try to find a specialist UK insurer that insures expats. When I have been abroad I have seen UK companies advertising insurance (eg. direct line) so there may be a familiar insurer in luxemborg.
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The easiest thing to do is flog (or store) your motor and buy one there, I'd think.
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I have an AXA policy with these guys: www.stuartcollins.com
12 month renewable insurance with unlimited time in Europe.
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Theoretically you need to re-register your car. In practice however how does anyone prove when the car arrived in Luxembourg? The main issue is probably with a lack of UK address. This will be an issue for your driving licence too, assuming it's a UK licence. When we moved to France the DVLA refused to change our address to a French one. Since the change to a French licence was so easy we did that, and now have a licence with a photo on it and no stupid card plus paper. In France they don't give a hoot about whether the address on your licence is current, unlike in the UK, but they get very unhappy if the address on the car registration document is wrong. A bit off-topic but there you are.
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Thanks ipsfr for sharing your experience. I also consider to have a local license.
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Thanks for your information. Do you mean you got AXA cover in Luxembourg via www.stuartcollins.com
I can see some hope from their FAQ and will do more research.
--Do I have to be resident in the UK?
--No, as long as the car is registered in the UK, we will offer a quotation.
--What countries may I be based in or visit?
--Most countries on the CONTINENT of Europe with a few exclusions. You will be issued with an annual green card.
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For the costs involved (including changing headlights to LHD, and rear lights as well if you only have one fog light) - I'd seriously consider selling the car and buying over there.
Normal UK insurers may offer cover if you are travelling, but NOT if you are or intending to become a resident over there - which you will be. This may be sufficient to get your car re-registered though, could be a nightmare if you have a problem during the process, though.
Don't forget your driving licence. EU rules mean you do NOT have to change it, but photocard licences are only valid ten years, so you will have to change it if your UK address is no longer valid. Up until then, you can carry on using it BUT you will still need to register with their licencing authority.
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Thanks WellKnownSid. You know exactly what to do about the car modifications! I need sort them out before registration. Don't know how expensive it will be.
The main reason for me is the high price of local used cars there and my own is well maintained.
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In my experience motor insurers in France are happy to provide cover for a UK-registered car providing it is eventually re-registered within the six months. It would be worth finding out if it's the same in Luxembourg - I guess firms like Axa, etc, operate in both countries?
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Thank you Mike for providing the useful information.
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No I arranged my cover in the UK and use a UK address, perhaps you could register the car at a friends house while you are abroad. As long as you tell them this is what you are doing there should be no problem.
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