clarification needed Forums

bulgaria

I need to clarify something about these export plates along with the basic insurance issued in germany. Is this insurance valid on uk roads if you are still within your 30 day time limit . Just as a point of interest can you obtain comprehensive insurance anywhere else in europe apart from the uk. Where do our fellow european motorhomers get their insurance from.Im looking to see if i can find comprehensive insurance on a MH in bulgaria , only thing is its the vehicle that you insure and not the driver,so it could be a problem.

Mollythedog

My understanding is that the German insurance ends as soon as you get on the ferry and before you get to the UK. You should arrange UK insurance before you return to the UK. You will need to give the insurance company the chassis number of the vehicle at that time. Somewhat interestingly you may find yourself uninsured whilst on the ferry as UK insurance normally doesn't kick in until you land in the UK.

As soon as the DVLA provide a UK number plate, contact the insurance company again with this information.

I found insurance in the UK very reasonable (Swintons or Saga are very good) so you may not find any real savings in going abroad.

I had a really good time in getting my motorhome imported a few months ago and saved a lot of money. It may sound complicated but with a bit of planning it's remarkably easy.

Good luck!

Kevin

gaspode · Moderator

Hi Bulgaria

According to the German export insurance it is valid in all states of the EU, so the answer to your first question is yes - it is valid in UK. The problem is that it is basic legal cover only so if you want "real" insurance you should cover on a UK comprehensive policy from when you disembark. Also if you're thinking of using the M/H after importing but prior to UK registration, the DVLA wouldn't be impressed. Officially you should really have the vehicle transported from the ferry (or move on trade plates) although most people drive them home. You're not allowed to drive them on a UK road (except to and from an MOT station) until after registration - and the DVLA will only accept UK insurance policies when you register the vehicle so really you're stuffed in every direction! Can you get comprehensive cover in other countries? Of course you can - if you reside in the country in question.
The German cover on the export plates is quite good if you think about it, imagine you were a German coming to the UK to buy a RHD car (as if....) - where in the UK would you buy some short term insurance to cover you on the journey to the ferry?