Can you drive a car with code orange or red?
In case of severe weather conditions, codes are used. When the code is red, it is better not to drive. But is the car insurance company allowed?
KNMI has a reasonable idea of what we can expect in the coming days. For example, KNMI can issue a certain code in the event of a storm, wind gusts, slippery roads and poor visibility due to fog. The colour of the code enables road users to decide for themselves whether it is responsible to take to the roads. With code red it is better to postpone your journey for hours or even a day, but that is not always possible. Often you have to go through it. But what are the consequences in case of an accident? Will the car insurance pay out if you take to the road despite a warning about slippery roads?
What do the codes mean?
The colour coding runs from yellow (limited danger) to red (great danger). In between is the code orange. According to the KNMI, the codes have the following meanings:
- Code yellow - Be alert - The weather conditions can cause extra danger in traffic. You are urged to pay attention and also adjust your speed to the conditions.
- Code orange - Be prepared - In this case, there is a high risk of danger due to extreme weather. Are you going on the road? Take severe weather conditions into account.
- Code red - This is a weather alert - The extreme weather is having a major impact on society. Basically the message is: 'Don't hit the road'. A code may be issued even if there is only a slight chance of extremely severe weather. This is what KNMI does if the safety risks are high when it does occur.
Is code red a negative travel advice?
Certain countries may be subject to a negative travel advice. This has to do, for example, with riots or war in a country. Are you going to the country or region despite negative travel advice? Then the travel insurance will not cover you. Code red is actually also a negative travel advice, but this warning has no consequences for the insurance coverage. The car insurance will pay out in case of damage. The severity of the negative travel advice is also not comparable to the code red as we know it in the Netherlands.
That does not mean, of course, that it is not better to stay at home, especially in code orange and red. But don't be afraid of the car insurance cover. For your own safety, don't go looking for danger yourself.
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