Conference rocks::euro_motoring

    It's been a couple of months since anyone wrote in here, so I hope
    someone is still reading this!
    
    I need to insure a second car in Brussels, and I'm currently looking to
    but a UK car in bring it out rather than go through the registration
    hassles etc.  Can anyone advise me of a good UK based insurance company
    or broker for this?  I've seen a couple of entries in here, but they;re
    pretty much out of date.
    
    My own car is a UK lease car, and my last UK insurance lapsed 3 years
    ago.  I've also been non UK resident for 3 years, so I'm really looking
    forward to some nice loadings :-)  No accidents or convictions though!
    
    Any ideas/recommendations?
    
    Chris
    
    
    

    Chris,
    
    I'm still readiong this conference!
    Whe I moved out here - I brought over the U.K registered car - now I
    just went to a local insurance agent, and got (reasonable) insurance on
    a car with U.K plates. Have you looked at doing something similar over
    there?
    
    Simon

    I use Colin Ryan in Ipswich, and have done for years. They understand
    the requirements of a long-term non-UK resident using a UK car abroad.
    Ring 01473-343434 and ask (specifically) for Robin Belsom. You can
    mention my name if you like.
    
    Cheers, Laurie.

    RE:.17
    
    Simon,
    
    Be careful about how long you're keeping/driving the car in France -
    unless they've changed the law over the last few years...
    
    Dave

    I was looking at a Saab 9000i 16v, and tried General Accident in
    Belgium, and they gave me a reasonable rate, but refused to insure it
    for theft, stating that they 'do not insure sports cars for theft'
        
    Saab 9000 a sports car?  I ask you.
        
    When I had someone look at the Saab for me, they advised against it,
    and I'm now looking for something else.  When I find it, I'll
    compare local GA rates with the service proposed by Laurie in .18.
    
    Thanks for the replies
    Chris
                                                                     

    Chris,
    
    I still have a UK car insured in Belgium, and I can tell you that it's
    horrendously expensive. It's a Peugeot 405 Estate GLDT, 1993 vintage,
    and costs 1300 GBP pa. fully comp with full discounts. I've just
    insured a UK-registered, brand new Peugeot 806 for 360 fully comp, with
    a 1 year G/C. The 405 is insured with Commercial Union Belgium, through
    a broker, a nice English-speaking German called Cornelius Nahrgang. he
    can be reached on Brussels 657 5935.
    
    Cheers, Laurie.

    I was quoted 20,383 BeF for Third party risk for the Saab 9000i with 
    11 years bonus.  The bonus was granted with an old UK renewal
    certificate plus a letter from DEC for the last few years.
    
    As my wife's Cavalier Sri (insured in my name) used to cost me about
    200 GBP with full NCD, lady driver, and low mileage discounts, I didn't
    think the above rate was too bad.  Now you've got me thinking.
    
    As I said before, I have someone in the UK checking a car for me (in
    this case a 1991 Subaru XT), and I will need to compare quotes before
    deciding to buy, and going ahead.
    
    Thanks once again for the input.  Any other tips on living in BRO and
    around gladly received by mail.
    
    Chris  
    
    
    

    Chris,
    
    20K BF is 400 quid! Watch the NCD too. It's a common practice in
    Belgium to only certificate time served for out-going NCD. For
    example, you bring in 11 years NCD, stay with the company 2 years, and
    leave with... 2 years NCD to take back to Blighty. Save the proof!
    
    Cheers, Laurie.

    Well thanks to Laurie and .18, I have now arranged insurance through
    Colin Ryan.  They were able to give me a reasonable rate for the Subaru, 
    (about 60% of rates quoted in Belgium) with full NCD from my 3 year old 
    renewal note.
    
    Thanks Laurie,
    
    Chris 

    My pleasure, mate, glad to help.
    
    Cheers, Laurie.