Overseas insurance cover to the rescue
In order to avoid paying the difference out of one’s own pocket, fleet managers are well advised to take out an overseas insurance policy for their international fleets. The providers of this supplementary insurance generally also handle the required communication with the opposing insurance company as well as the processing of repairs. The driver, all passengers, their luggage and load are also insured. There is always one requirement though: The fleet’s vehicle user is not the one who causes the accident. Some insurers offer the option of optionally booking (emergency) international roadside assistance to ease the onward journey and make it more comfortable.

Providers often build in a validity period into the policy as a restriction. The vehicles should generally not be travelling abroad for more than twelve weeks at a time so that the insurance can take effect. If the company car is predominantly used in a foreign country, most of our neighbouring countries prescribe local registration and insurance anyway.

Good to know: The green insurance card is only being issued against a white background since 1 January 2021. It can therefore also be sent conveniently in PDF form and company car drivers can print it themselves. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV, Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft e.V.), however, drivers are still obliged to carry a paper copy of the “green card” – simply presenting the PDF on a smartphone is not accepted as proof of insurance.

What vehicle users should know
Even if the fleet manager has negotiated adequate overseas cover, an accident while abroad is still an unpleasant experience for the driver. To protect themselves, they should inform the police even in the case of seeming “trifles”. The emergency number throughout Europe and beyond is 112. Emergency personnel can also be notified on this number. Where cars have an e-call system, the driver simply needs to activate the relevant button in the vehicle, eliminating the need for a phone call, which may frequently be in a foreign language.

Foresighted fleet managers also give their vehicle users copies of a European accident report for their journey. This contains all the necessary details concerning the accident process, damages and insurers. The layout is familiar throughout Europe and can facilitate communication. It is also advisable not to sign anything locally and not to provide excessive detail. Instead, it is best to first consult the fleet manager or the insurer. Photos and video recordings of the scene of the accident and all damage as well as a copy of the policy report likewise help with further processing.