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VIENNA'S PUBS AND RESTAURANTS

The Parisians may be the more experienced lovers, the Londoners better dressed, and the Romans famed for their dolce vita. Yet hardly any other city in the world boasts a day-to-day way of life where food and drink play such an important role as in Vienna.

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VEHICLE INSURANCE

Good Driving Record Statement

Austrian automobile insurance operates on a "bonus-malus" basis, under which a good driving record results in a discount in premiums, and a poor one (e.g., being at fault in an accident) in an increase. The discounts for a good history can be substantial. To benefit from this initially you should bring a "To Whom It May Concern" statement from your U.S. insurance agent, testifying that you have a good driving record and specifying the number of years since you last presented a claim for an accident in which you were at fault.

3rd Party Liability

In Austria third-party car insurance (Haftpfichtversicherung) is compulsory. This can be arranged via an insurance broker (Verischerungsmakler) or insurance company. It serves to protect all road users. It covers damage caused by your car to, another car, people, property (trees, road equipment etc.), financial loss (e.g. if you park your car in front of someones garage door and they cannot go to work in the car, their costs would be covered by the 3rd party liability) In Austria the 3rd party will not normally pay for costs for a rental car for the person whose car is damaged by you.

Kasko Insurance

Covers damages to your car (collision, vandalism, theft, fire, glass breakage, etc.). Kasko insurance often contains a deductible, If your car is older, you may prefer a partial kasko which is cheaper but does not cover collision.

Passenger Protection Insurance

Passenger protection insurance compensates driver and/or passengers in the event of a car accident leading to death or permanent disability. This is an additional coverage. which pays irrespective of responsibility

Legal Protection

In Austria you can buy a standard legal protection for the car and/or add cover for consumer goods, legal advice, personal protection etc). The standard legal protection for a car gives you legal advice/ clarification in the event of a car accident.

What To Do In Case Of A Car Accident Or Road Incident?

ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY

In case of theft of or from your vehicle:

1. Report details to the local police,
2. Report the loss to your insurance company immediately.

In case of accident/collision:

1. You must call the police if people are injured, or if you run into an animal
2. if the driver / owner of the other vehicle is not present (parking damage) Accidents involving material damage (fender benders) must be reported only when the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Take full details

1. Name
2. Licence plate number
3. Insurance company,
4. Address
5. Telephone Number
6. Insurance policy number of the other driver(s)

Witnesses can be of crucial importance make sure you get:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Telephone Number
of any impartial witnesses present

Accident form

1. Only sign the double accident form if you are absolutely certain the description of how the accident occurred is correct
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to write a full report and to arrange for inspection of your car and repair

NOTE: in case of incidents in countries other than Austria, you should report to the police in all cases of theft, parking damage, vandalism.

If you have an elementary/partial Kasko which includes parking damages and vandalism claims, you have to report these damages to the police.

Don't drink and drive, the insurer will not compensate if you drive when your driving abilities are impaired by drink, this may apply, even when the blood alcohol level is below the legally permitted maximum.