This is, of course 100% correct as the car is always the insured item in every country, the difference is the way the policy works. In all countries the car is insured by the owner in their name; in Portugal cover then extends to other qualified drivers whereas in UK any other drivers have to be specifically named, usually at an extra cost.
“My UK car should only be here for 6 months so I drive to Spain for a day and then start counting again”. Under EU regulations a car should only be in a country for a maximum of 183 days out of any consecutive 365 days, not necessarily a calendar year, so if you drive to Spain on day 90 and return the next day, you come back on day 91.
“I only use my car for two months a year so the maximum six months doesn’t apply to me”. The fact that the car is in the country means that the period of 183 days is exceeded; it is the location of the car that matters, not the number of times it is used.
These actual facts do not mean that your insurance is invalid – your policy will cover for the full year because insurance is not dependent upon the location of a car.
“Third Party Only is the same as Third Party, Fire & Theft”. These are two separate and distinct levels of cover and Portuguese insurers do not offer Fire or Theft as options – if comprehensive is not available or not chosen, the cover is Third Party Only with glass and breakdown included. However, Ibex does offer Third Party, Fire & Theft on some types of vehicle and which are valued at less than €7,500.
You would not ask a plumber to re-wire your house so why believe a blog or the man standing next to you in the bar instead of asking the experts?
Leave it to Ibex. As your insurance broker Ibex can find the policy to meet your needs.

For more information
Tel: 800 860 708 or (+351) 289 399 774
Email: algarve@ibexinsure.com