Green Cards - Insurance

[Lee_D]

Just called my Insurance providor to get a Green card for the Hols.

Told I no longer need one and just take the insurance policy note.

Anyone else had similar experience or cast any light?

Lee

[Big Watty]

I take it you're going to Europe - my insurancesaid the same thing - make sure you research the equipment you need.

In Spain I think you need two warning triangles and it's an offence to drive past an accident without offering help.

You will also need some reflective clothing and a set of spare bulbs

Have a good holiday

Chris

[DaveS]

On the certificate it should say something to the effect that the insurance meets the requirements... in french, spanish etc. It does on mine.

You need logbook MOT etc as well as your drivers license.

[Sider]

In Spain, you only need 2 triangles if the vehicle has a Spanish reg. Foreign vehicles are only required to carry 1. However, it is a good idea to carry 2.

Spare bulbs are mandatory, as well as a piece of reflective clothing for each passenger (if you are stopped, do not even put your foot out without hi-vis, it is an offence).

It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving, and that includes headsets. Unless the hands-free is vehicle based, don't touch it.

You must ALWAYS carry your passport and driving licence with you. You could be required to produce it at anytime, and it is an offence not to have ID with you, or if driving, not to have your licence with you.

If you wear glasses, you must have a spare set in the vehicle. If stopped, you could be asked to produce them, and fined if you don't have them.

[gtomo2]

In Spain, you only need 2 triangles if the vehicle has a Spanish reg. Foreign vehicles are only required to carry 1. However, it is a good idea to carry 2.

Spare bulbs are mandatory, as well as a piece of reflective clothing for each passenger (if you are stopped, do not even put your foot out without hi-vis, it is an offence).

It is an offence to use a mobile phone while driving, and that includes headsets. Unless the hands-free is vehicle based, don't touch it.

You must ALWAYS carry your passport and driving licence with you. You could be required to produce it at anytime, and it is an offence not to have ID with you, or if driving, not to have your licence with you.

If you wear glasses, you must have a spare set in the vehicle. If stopped, you could be asked to produce them, and fined if you don't have them.

Thanks for the head up on that lot. As i am off to spain in october but using a hire car. And it got me thinking i have never seen a hi-vis jacket in a hire car or spare bulb set. Me thinks i will have to ask the question before i pick the car up at the airport.

[Sider]

Happy to help.

Remember one more thing, though. Speed cameras don't have to be advertised. Most Gatso-like are hidden at the side of the M-way, and Traffic vehicles in Spain are not as visible as the ones here, and they tend to hide behind hedges anyway. Bottom line is, don't speed, The penalties are quite severe, and police officers are authorized to impose on the spot fines.

Oh, yeah, and never, never, NEVER argue with a Guardia Civil. If you feel the temptation, just remember that their ranks are the same as the army's, for a reason.

[tomarse]

yeah, you just need an insurance certificate/cover note. read the stuff on the back and i think it should say it is valid in most of europe.

Dont forget your health card too! (used to be the E111 i think but it is now a card). Free and you just need to send of for it.

chuck me an email if you have any urgent questions and ill ask the parents  (who drive to france once a month now)

[DaveS]

The health card is a must, without it hospital treatment is very expensive! ( I always have travel insurance too)

The fixed cameras in France are shown on recent road maps, they also tend to put out warning signs before the camera areas.

The french police are very hot on speeding and drink driving , as it has succesfully reduced the accident rates.

The gendarmes sit at the side of the road in their blue traffic cars with radar guns!

I have seen them on the autoroute not far from the channel ports-catching brits speeding.

On the spot fine I believe-they will escort you to a cash machine!

Don't use a radar detector-large fine and they confiscate them!