Are you relocating to Portugal and feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of sorting out your car insurance?
Don’t worry! We’re here to make the process as easy as possible.
In this article, RHJ Accountants – part of RHJ Group, will provide all the information you need to know about car insurance when relocating to Portugal. From the types of coverage available to the documents you’ll need to acquire car insurance in Portugal. Read on to learn more about car insurance in Portugal!
What you need to know
When relocating to Portugal, it’s important to know that car insurance is a legal requirement. All vehicles registered in Portugal must have a valid motor insurance policy in place. It’s not enough to simply purchase the minimum third party cover required by law. The type of cover you choose will depend on the type of vehicle and how it will be used.
The most important thing to consider is that the level of cover must always meet the requirements of Portuguese law. Third party liability covers other people and property from any damage caused by the insured vehicle. But it does not provide any coverage for the vehicle itself. Drivers should also consider other types of coverage such as collision or comprehensive coverage, which protects the vehicle, personal belongings, and even medical expenses. It’s also important to note that all drivers must have a valid driver’s license and registration.
By understanding the different types of coverage available, drivers can make sure they are adequately protected against any eventuality when operating a vehicle in Portugal.
The different types of coverage
When it comes to car insurance in Portugal, there are a few different types of coverage available. Each type of coverage can help protect you financially if you are involved in an accident. The most popular types of car insurance coverage in Portugal are:
- Liability insurance: This type of insurance covers costs related to bodily injury or property damage that you cause as a result of an accident.
- Collision insurance: This type of insurance provides coverage if your car is damaged in an accident that is your fault.
- Comprehensive insurance: This type of insurance covers the cost of damages to your vehicle that are caused by something other than a collision, such as weather, theft, vandalism, or hitting an animal.
- Uninsured motorist coverage: This type of insurance provides coverage for medical expenses and property damage if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have liability insurance.
- Personal injury protection: This type of insurance covers medical expenses if you or a passenger in your vehicle is injured in an accident.
In Portugal, the most popular type of car insurance coverage to choose is comprehensive insurance. As it offers the most protection against a wide range of potential damages. It is important to be aware of all the options available to you when deciding which type of car insurance coverage to purchase.
If you would like to review the type of insurance coverage available in Portugal, feel free to send us an email. Our insurance team can then research potential options that would best suit your needs.
Reporting an accident
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident in Portugal, you must know the steps to take to ensure that your claim is processed correctly.
First and foremost, all parties involved must remain at the scene until the police arrive and have completed their investigation. All information should then be shared with the insurance companies of those involved. And you should obtain the contact details of any witnesses that were present. You must also ensure that you obtain the police report which will be issued on the scene as this is necessary when making an insurance claim in Portugal. It is also important that you take detailed photographs of the accident scene and the damage to both vehicles.
Once you have obtained all of this information, you will need to contact your insurance provider and explain what happened. Providing them with all of the relevant information and evidence. This process can take some time, so it is important to remain patient and follow up regularly with your insurance company.
Finally, make sure that you keep all documents related to your car accident as these may be required for future reference. Doing so will help to make the claims process as efficient and stress-free as possible.
Making a claim
Making a car insurance claim in Portugal is relatively straightforward. Depending on the type of coverage you have, the claims process will vary slightly. Generally speaking, you must contact your insurer immediately after the accident to make a claim. You will need to provide them with details of the incident and any other parties involved. You may also need to provide evidence such as witness statements or photos. Your insurer will then assess the claim and determine whether or not you are liable for the damages.
Regardless of the type of coverage you have, it is important to contact your insurer as soon as possible. So that they can assess the claim and determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Find an insurance provider
Relocating to Portugal is an exciting journey, but one of the most important tasks you’ll need to do is find a suitable car insurance provider. If you would like our help, you can either send us a direct email enquiry or review our insurance webpage to learn more. We can then research suitable options for you and make sure that you and your car are properly insured in Portugal.
Our team has years of experience helping Expats settle in Portugal. And we can support you in finding the right car insurance coverage. We work with some of the top insurers in Portugal, offering competitive rates and comprehensive policies.
Contact us today and let us help you find the perfect car insurance policy for you.
How RHJ Accountants can help
In addition to finding a suitable car insurance provider, our expert team can also provide other assistance. We provide you with all the services you need, from tax advice to immigration assistance.
Take a look at our blog section for all things Portugal, and let’s support you in your relocation.
