NataHH

We own, like many (non-resident) UK driving licence holders, a Portuguese registered car. As I understand in Portugal and I guess in Spain it is the car not the driver that is insured? Therefore should the car insurance company be informed that we do not hold a Portuguese licence? Also do we have to pay an extra premium if we take the car to Spain for a couple of weeks? I think we need 2 triangles or do I get it mixed up with France?

Alan PT

Not sure exactly what you mean by "the car not the driver", but (as far as I understand) standard Portuguese policies are not "any driver". For example, I am currently getting quotes for a policy - in doing that, I need to give them the car details and my details, such as date of driving licence (since the premium, much like the UK, is based on the combination of those things). If your insurer doesn't specifically ask for your driving license number or nationality you could mention it to them anyway, just to be certain that they couldn't quibble about anything in the event of a claim.

Whilst it's not mandatory to have a green card for travel between EU countries it might be sensible to have and some insurers might charge (a small admin charge) for it. In any case, you should verify the level of coverage with your insurer as it's only mandatory for the policy to provide the minimum third party cover in other countries.

GrahamF

I notified our broker in writing that we are on UK licenses and it doesn't seem to be a problem with insurers. You're correct that all cars have to be covered third party for any driver as a minimum but comprehensive cover can be taken out and I think the comprehensive content can be restricted to named drivers. We just have third party and the certificate has a green section at the bottom, listing countries covered. Only one triangle needed plus high viz waistcoat.

NataHH

Thanks for your replies.

riv

For my info : anyone have any idea what sort of premium I would be paying to insure a Portuguese plated car ( new, worth €25 grand ) , based in Portugal, whilst owner is Uk national with UK main residence ? Totally clean DL ( UK issued ). Retired. Age 70. Ideally I would like insurance to cover any person ( UK or Portuguese nationals ) I permit to drive.
Any suggestions for an Insurance provider who has a John Lewis type reputation for reliability, reasonable pricing, and fair dealing if ever one needs to claim ?

Does one have to predict the number of kms one expects to be driving during the year to come ?

Alan PT

That's a relatively unusual combination of things for the Portuguese general market, so I think you'd be best talking with one of the brokers who specialise in expats, for example https://pt.inovexpat.com/en/car-insurance-in-portugal/

SgtTroy

We bought our car while still non-residents.
Didn't make any difference regarding the insurance as far as I remember.