Car insurance?

[SteveEarwig]

Hi! I'm dissapearing off to Croatia next month, I have a mate living out there who is a Croat and I'll be helping him build a house before I even start looking for one for myself. Sadly, I'm beginning to think I've bitten off more than I can chew

My problems started because I was hoping to buy a car, stick a trailer on the back and drive my stuff over there but when I started looking into insurance all the companies I went to wouldn't help me. I ended up talking to Norwich Union who tell me that no-one is going to insure me on an English car driving in Croatia. Ok, I'll rent a van and buy a car over there. Can't be done either apparently - van rental companies think I'm going to swap it for a Kalashnikov or something and my friend tells me I can't drive a HR car on a UK licence.

Martin Westby tells me I can drive a UK car over there because people do it all the time and suggested I post the problem on this very board. Ok then, here I am - how's it done?

Cheers,
Steve

[Marija]

I think Saga does long term insurance for driving abroad. Go to their website: www.saga.com

[Graham - Bosmere]

Speak to an insurance broker who spees in business car insurance. I used to have a policy that enabled me to drive anywhere in Europe with no limit on duration ( now on a 90 day limit as I am too poor to spend longer these days ) I seem to remember the insurer was Norwich Union which rather dampens their bonfire if they are now saying you can not do so. I still drive to Croatia on a regular basis and my insurance is fine so long as I do not exceed the 90 day limit. Me thinks someone is taking the mick out of you.

Your main concern however would be a MOT cert as your insurance would be invalid without one and therefore you would have to get back to the UK at least once a year to renew it.

Another option is if you are in the Istria area then register a car in Italy and just get it taxed and insured there.

As to not being able to drive a HR registered car on a UK licence, I think that there is a limit to the amount of time that you can do this for. If you were not able to do so it would kill the car rental business.

Try and have a word with Peter Ellis as I am sure he solved a problem similar to yours and as he is in Zagreb he will have the up to date info.

[Limey]

The Croatian Embassy in Washington, DC told me to apply for a residency permit, get a Croatian driving licence, and then I could obtain Croatian insurance and register my car (from wherever) without a problem. Apparently, this is all relatively new stuff and he had to speak to someone in Zagreb to get the latest information.

Have you considered an international driving licence?

Good Luck

[Rich]

how can i obtain an international drivers license?

thanks

[Limey]

You can obtain an international drivers licence from the AA (Automobile Association) in England. I believe you need a copy of your current licence, photo (from a kiosk at the supermarket!) and a form from the AA. I think it takes about two weeks to process and you do not need to be a member.