| If you're planning a trip to a popular ski resort in | | | | European Union member states and the ASOR |
| Europe with friends or family, why not travel | | | | European Union signatory states, which includes |
| together in a minibus. It can be better value for | | | | Turkey, Norway and Switzerland, you'll need a |
| money if everyone chips in to hire a minibus rather | | | | "waybill" that acts as a "control document". |
| than paying individually for air fares or train tickets. | | | | A Green Card, while not necessarily essential for the |
| Costs like insurance, fuel and ferry fares can be | | | | trip, will serve in the EU as recognised proof of your |
| shared and it will add up to a lot less for each person | | | | valid minibus insurance. It will also make any claims |
| than most other forms of travel. Not only this, it's | | | | that may arise much easier to deal with. Remember |
| also great fun. Driving through Europe with friends | | | | that every country has its own local driving laws that |
| and family becomes a real adventure. Unlike travelling | | | | you should be aware of. Your minibus insurance will |
| by air or rail, you'll be able to really experience the | | | | depend on all local laws being observed. |
| countries you pass through. And it will become a | | | | For international journeys originating in the UK, the |
| holiday in itself even before the skiing starts! | | | | minibus insurance will depend on the driver complying |
| This article is a brief guide to things you need to | | | | with EU drivers' hours whether or not the driver is |
| know about minibus insurance if you're planning to | | | | being paid. This means that a properly calibrated |
| drive to Europe in a minibus. | | | | tachograph needs to be fitted to the minibus. |
| Don't get confused between minibuses and people | | | | Insurance claims are not likely to be honoured if the |
| carriers. A minibus is defined as a vehicle that can | | | | proper drivers' hours are not closely observed. |
| carry at least seven seated passengers, but not | | | | It is important to carry all the documentation required |
| more than sixteen. If the vehicle has more than | | | | for the journey. The "waybill" has already been |
| sixteen seats then you're driving a bus! | | | | mentioned. If the minibus is owned by a member of |
| If you're travelling with friends and family there are | | | | the group and not hired, then an Own Account |
| obviously no fare paying passengers. Remember to | | | | Certificate (OAC) is required. The vehicle registration |
| tell your minibus insurance provider this as the | | | | document should also be carried along with a |
| journey will be classed as private and non-commercial. | | | | European accident form. Remember that the minibus |
| This makes a difference when your premium is | | | | will need to have a prominent GB sticker displayed. |
| calculated. | | | | Using a minibus to drive to a European ski resort |
| There are a number of essential documents, as well | | | | from the UK is simple, cost-effective and fun for all |
| as the minibus insurance certificate, that the driver | | | | concerned. However, for minibus insurance purposes, |
| must carry when driving from the UK to a European | | | | it is essential that you comply with the local laws and |
| destination. If you're travelling only within the | | | | carry the correct documentation at all times. |