France Or Bust

[doctorsmudge]

Thanks Thornly, I'll be n touch once I've finalised the route.
I've just had a chat to my insurers (bennets) about the green card. Initially they said they did issue them and it would cost me £25. They then came back and said I didn't need it as my policy clearly states I'm covered in all EU countries. So what is the requirements for the Green Card etc?

 

[Wapping]

So what is the requirements for the Green Card etc?

Look at the back of your cover note.

Most (if not all) conventional UK motor insurance policies extend cover, at least for minimum local equivalent of UK Third party liabilty, throughout the EU and some (but not all) neighbouring countries.

France is most definitely in the EU.

If France is listed or it says: Territorial scope EU (or something like that) you are covered at least for TPL.

In short:

Read your policy.

If in doubt, ask your insurer or broker.

 

[stolzy]

IIRC a UK insurance policy must cover basic legal risks in any EU country (there is some kind of reciprocal requirement) this is your 'grren card'. On my UK insurance policies the green card is actually the reverse of the policy document (in multiple languages. But your normal (fully comp) cover won't normally apply. Different companies have different rules, some give you 2 weeks, some 3 months, some none.

If you want your fully comp extended for the trip you need to get it confirmed by the insurance company.

 

[Mark8303]

Return ferry

In my experience if you are running late for your ferry on the return leg they will fit you on the next, it helps if you phone ahead though. After all it doesn't take much to sqeeze on an extra bike and often if someone has turned up early enough and the ferry bod's know you're held up they will shove the early bird on in your place.
Re; Fixed cameras, they are grey low level and don't show up well in the rain! don't look for big yellow boxes up high!
Re: Coffee stops, try this http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/ They are a great way to plan your route and keep 'her behind' happy.
Re: Fuel, if you see it on the D routes top up. In my experience you will pass 4 in one small town and then not see another for a 100 miles. Alos watch your rooad lines on the D's they are rarely marked with centre lines to remind you and straying left is easy especially at the end of a long day, usually just after turning right at a junction with no other traffic about and an enticing cafe in the distance