Hassle-free motoring when travelling overseas

AFROM THE simply classics INSURANCE DESK

fter my last article we had some very interesting responses, especially from Australia. We are delighted to be of assistance to both individuals and groups from Australia who wish to be able to drive their vehicles here in New Zealand, although they are Australian-owned and registered.

The feedback we have had is very positive from the perspective that we are now able to supply a complete package, including comprehensive motor insurance, through our various connections.

We have found that when insuring cars for the overseas transit, and then whilst being driven in a foreign country, there are many pieces to the jigsaw puzzle. Fortunately for me I only have to deal with the insurance aspect but the people who arrange the tours need to take into consideration accommodation, carnets, passports, visas, medical issues and special diets of the participants etc.

My role is relatively simple and just requires a lot of attention to detail, such as having insurance proposal forms completed for each car, and pre-inspection forms for shipping completed prior to the vehicle being loaded into the container/ship for the ocean voyage to the foreign shores. The same process is completed for the return journey.

Thanks to GT Logistics we have this under control and we get the preshipment forms completed by them and returned to us before the ship leaves the port of loading. From an insurance point of view this is critical.

The comprehensive motor insurance here in New Zealand and Australia is relatively simple now. However for rallies in Europe and UK – and even for those across the northern continent – we do need to have time to arrange the Third Party Liability Insurance. It is again very important to have the correct information relating to the car and the drivers.

For the car we need; • A copy of the original ownership papers • Dates of the entry into Europe or Port on the eastern side of the northern continent from the time vehicle is unloaded from the container or ship. • Dates of departure.

This needs to be done well before departure date so then we can get you the Green Card. This document needs to be in your possession from the time you take delivery of the car overseas. The Green Card is your Third Party Liability Insurance. In Europe and the northern continent they have a different approach to liability than we have here.

We have also had the opportunity of expanding our service by not only providing a supply chain service (the shipping company supplying pre-shipment reports to us) but also involving Smith & Smith Glass and their sister companies world-wide. One of the biggest hassles for a car owner on a tripof-a-life-time is “what happens if I get a broken windscreen?”, “where do I go and who is going to do the repairs?” and “what about communication barriers and is the windscreen available?”

Asking the questions seems simple enough but it’s the delays and the days consumed, and the increase in stress levels over what you would normally deal with, that are the main concerns. These can be some of the annoying aspects of what would otherwise be a hassle-free motoring holiday.

With Smith & Smith Glass, in conjunction with the insurers, we have devised a system that eliminates this frustration, including the question of how the cost of the replacement windscreen is going to be paid for whilst overseas.

The other subject which is not often discussed when away on a holiday is breakdown of your car. What happens to the car? Is there any cover available? Some of our clients are members of the AA, which is international. Please check with them that your membership covers you and your car whilst overseas and what is the process. For those not members please contact us so we can put the cover together for you.

We also have another service available which is through a company called International SOS. This company provides emergency hospitalisation services and evacuation services worldwide. In addition they also provide a road-side assist so that should you or a passenger have a heart attack or another illness the company provides an on-line doctor who will give advice and instruction until the medical services get there.

Through Simply Classics Insurance we are seeking to deliver not only comprehensive, classic motor insurance but also comprehensive, classic valueadded risk services to make your overseas driving holiday hassle-free.

Any questions please phone John Barley Insurances Ltd.