scotty_15

My friend says that he will lend us his car while we are in Portugal and that we are fully insured because the vehicle carries the insurance not the driver.
Can anyone tell me if this is true?

gedscottish

Yes if its a Portuguese car with Portuguese insurance....thats how it works here!

hello to regulars on here(nomad, hot Val and lusty Lippie etc).....not been here for a while

Cleri

Hi Ged
Lippie has gone to pastures new
Hope you are well sweetie x

jsprehp

It's my understanding that it is illegal for non residents to drive a Portuguese registered vehicle not owned by them or rented to them.

Cleri

I thought it was ok,if you had a signed letter of permission from the owner,but not sure

jsprehp

Only if you're a resident I believe

Cleri

you are probably right

gedscottish

Hi Cleri all fine with me, and hows life in Portuguese Portugal?

On the back of the "carta verde" there is a bit to sign for "visitantes do Reino Unido e Irlanda" so Brits and Irish visitors can drive legally!(at least on Fidelidade "carta verdes".....#6 on the form next to where owner signs)

I am not a resident and I have been stopped many times by both GNR and traffic Police and not a word was said(Carta verde has not even been signed) maybe I just was lucky.... I better go sign our carta verdes today while i remember!

p.s I would guess the Police in the south are wiser to the foriengers...here its a bit of a novelty for them to stop a Scotsman

jsprehp

Confusing. Information provided by AFPOP is that non residents can only drive PT registered vehicle which is owned by or rented to them. Maybe it's changed recently and become more flexible.

gedscottish

Rather that im talking s#it.....which would not be the 1st time

Certainly on the Fidelidade "carta verdes" there is a place for visitors to sign and has been for the 4 years I have been here. AFPOP? whats that?! Reliable source?! information in Portugal can vary from one place to the next

Mike

We have asked this question of our insurers and the response is that any driver with a valid licence is covered. Some insurers now allow you to restrict the drivers to reduce the premium so make sure it is an any driver policy first!

jdr

Check for age criteria, as some excess may be added on collision claims while younger drivers are at the wheel.
If you an oldy like me you will be OK. ;-))

jsprehp

AFPOP is Association of Foreign Residents and Property Owners In Portugal. They issued clarification of position on their website in February 2008 which confirmed my understanding ,but don't know if anything has altered since

kentaylor

normally for any driver over 25 years

Mike

Not all insurers stipulate an age so probably best to check with insurer/broker.