EU/Africa Land Cruiser insurance questions
 

Hi folks, not sure is this is the best place to post these questions, but here goes:

I am a Canadian citizen and US resident, with a IDP. I have purchased a 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser in Republic of Ireland. It is fully equipped for desert/Africa overlanding and is is at a Toyota dealer in Waterford waiting for me to pick it up Nov.1 2014. Our plan is to take the ferry to France, then drive down to Morocco, then on into Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Togo and end in Ghana (planning to ship it back to UK from there).

I am having trouble finding insurance. I understand that I need 3rd party liability to drive in EU. I contacted some Irish companies who told me that they cannot provide insurance unless I am a resident for 3 mo. UK companies say they cannot insure Irish registered vehicle. ADAC put me in touch with Assurantiekantoor Alessie in the Netherlands (I have CDP with ADAC). They said "We can offer you Third Party Liability insurance valid for European and African countries, however, Ireland will be excluded from coverage since we are not allowed to insure a vehicle for use in the country in which it is registered. It should be insured through a locally registered insurance company."

Seems like a bit of a Catch-22. They also told me they cannot provide fire/theft insurance for a 2001 vehicle. I have over $25000 USD invested and would like to have some insurance against total loss in Africa. Is this not possible? What have other people done? Any advice on insurance companies and possible options would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Rick.

Certainly here in the UK insurance companies are getting less keen to insure non residents. However, some will. I'm sure it's the same in ROI..Just keep working through the phone book or alternatively contact a broker.

I have used Alessie before for Green Card cover ie EU 3rd party cover. It is normal not to get cover in the country of registration but assuming you can get short term cover for ROI that shouldn't be a problem. Check what is covered as "Europe" often covers some North African and Middle Eastern countries and this will save you having to buy 3rd party cover at the border.

For comprehensive cover in Africa you could try Campbell Irvine. Google Campbell Irvine overland. They are the only company I have found who do it though I'm not sure they will cover an ROI reg vehicle. If not, they may have suggestions. Be warned International cover is expensive.

I did collect any vehicle insurance informations for us travellers here:

4x4tripping: world wide car insurance options

You will find severall options, maybe you should use the translate buttom on the right side.

There are severall insurance models to choose.

I suggest to only insure your car, not other involved cars.

They are mostly cheap to repair.

Surfy