At a glance
UK car insurance covers you for driving in Europe, but it’s usually only third-party cover, even if you have a comprehensive policy.
You can buy comprehensive cover for Europe as an add-on to your standard car insurance.
Buying a separate temporary European car insurance policy might be easier than amending your existing car insurance.
You won’t need a Green Card for driving in most European countries.
What is European car insurance?
European car insurance covers you to drive in mainland Europe. It gives you financial protection for theft or if you have a car accident while abroad.
It’s a legal requirement to have at least third-party car insurance to drive in most European countries,
This offers cover if you injure someone or damage their car, but it doesn’t cover injuries to you or damage to your car.
Can I drive in Europe with standard UK car insurance?
All UK car insurance policies provide third-party cover to drive in EU countries as standard.
But even if you have comprehensive car insurance in the UK, don’t assume that you’ll have the same level of cover for driving in Europe.
Your policy might only offer third-party insurance in Europe. And it may also limit the number of days that you’re covered to drive.
Check your policy details carefully before you set off for Europe to see what level of cover you have.
If you want to upgrade your level of European cover, or drive in Europe for a prolonged period, talk to your insurance provider.
Many providers offer comprehensive European car insurance that you can add to your existing car insurance policy for an extra cost.
What does European car insurance cover?
As a bare minimum, you’ll be covered for any damage or injuries you cause to someone else while driving in Europe. But for peace of mind, you might want to upgrade to comprehensive cover for Europe. Comprehensive European car insurance could cover:
Third-party damages
Fire and theft
Injuries to you and your passengers, and damage to your vehicle.
Here’s what to consider when looking for car insurance for European travel:
How long will I be covered?
Car insurance with European cover typically gives you cover for up to 90 days.
Some insurance providers may offer longer with their comprehensive or premium insurance policies.
Check your policy to see how long you’ll be covered for driving abroad. If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you may need to arrange extra cover.
Does my policy cover all the countries I’m visiting?
Some countries that are in Europe but outside the EU may not be covered by your policy. Check your policy carefully to make sure.
Am I covered for breakdown and recovery?
Consider European breakdown cover. While your existing car insurance may cover Europe, your breakdown cover might not.
Do I need extra car insurance for Europe?
It depends on your car insurance policy. If you’re unsure how much cover your policy provides for driving in Europe, check with your provider.
Your provider can explain what you’re covered for and suggest any extras you might need. You can usually increase your cover to drive in Europe for an additional charge.
Can I get temporary European car insurance?
Short-term or temporary European car insurance policies are available from one hour up to 30 days.
You might find it easier to take out a separate temporary policy for a single trip than to amend your existing car insurance.
This could also be more convenient if you want to share driving duties with someone else on your European travels.
Get a quoteWhich countries are covered by European car insurance?
As well as countries in the European Union, European car insurance should cover you to drive in:
Andorra
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Serbia
Switzerland.
If you’re driving outside of these countries, you might need a Green Card, which you can get from your insurance provider.
What is a Green Card for driving in Europe?
The Green Card is designed to help cars move more easily across borders. It acts as an internationally recognised car insurance document.
If you have UK car insurance, you don’t need a Green Card to drive in the EU and the countries listed above.
But you may need a Green Card as proof that you have the minimum car insurance cover required in other countries, including Albania, Azerbaijan, Israel, Moldova, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.
If you’re involved in an accident in a foreign country and the other driver is found to be at fault, having a Green Card guarantees that you’ll be compensated in that country.
For more information, read our guide to the Green Card for car insurance.
What documents do I need to drive in Europe?
As well as having car insurance for driving in Europe and a full, valid UK driving licence, you’ll need your:
Vehicle log book (V5C) – the original, not a copy. Or if you’re taking a car that you’ve hired or leased, a VE103 to prove you’re allowed to use it abroad
Car insurance certificate
Passport(s)
Travel insurance documents
DVLA check code (you’ll only need this if you’re hiring a car).
You won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, as long as you have a UK photocard licence.
But check with the embassy of the country you’ll be driving in to see if you need an IDP if:
You’re driving outside of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland
You have a paper driving licence
Your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
When planning your trip to Europe, make a checklist of all the documents you’ll need.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a country-by-country list of the latest travel advice and information for the specific country you’re travelling to.
It’s a good idea to get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in addition to travel insurance. This gives you access to medically necessary healthcare while you’re staying in the EU.
How do I get car insurance for travel in Europe?
If you want the same level of car insurance that you have in the UK (comprehensive, for example) or European travel car insurance for longer than is provided as standard, contact your insurance provider.
You car insurance provider will explain how you can extend your cover and the costs involved. It’s also worth discussing the specifics of your trip with your insurance provider, so your cover can be tailored to your needs.
Alternatively, you may want to consider standalone temporary European car insurance.
If your car insurance is up for renewal and you have several overseas trips in the pipeline, compare car insurance to find a policy with comprehensive European cover that fits your needs.
How much is European car insurance?
UK car insurance policyholders will already have at least 30 days of European third-party cover, so there’s no extra cost for driving in Europe.
But if you want to increase your level of cover for driving abroad, your provider will charge you extra.
If you choose to get temporary European car insurance for a single trip, the price you’ll pay will depend on factors including:
Your age and driving history
The vehicle you’ll be driving abroad
The length and level of cover you need.
Tips for driving in Europe
Make sure you’re well prepared before you head off on your European travels. Here are a few tips to send you on your way:
Display a UK sticker on your car
When driving a UK-registered car in the EU, you’ll need to display a UK sticker on your vehicle unless you have a number plate that shows a Union flag (also known as the Union Jack).
If you’re driving your car in Spain, Malta or Cyprus, you’ll need to display a UK sticker regardless of what’s on your number plate.
Learn local motoring laws
The rules of the road might be different to what you’re used to, not least because motorists drive on the right-hand side in most European countries.
This includes France, which you may have to drive through at some point on your journey.
Drink-driving rules differ across Europe, and you may have to carry specific gear on board, such as a high-vis jacket. Each country has its own laws, so check before you go.
Carry out car maintenance checks
Give your car the once-over before leaving home to make sure it’s safe to drive. Check your tyre pressure, oil level and coolant.
If your car’s annual service is due soon, it might be sensible to get it done early, especially if you have a long journey ahead of you.
Check for motorway tolls and clean air zones
Paying to use motorways in Europe is more common than in the UK, so research road tolls ahead of your trip.
Contactless payments and digital vignettes are now widely accepted, but it might be worth taking some cash just in case.
Many European cities also operate low-emission zones. If you’ll be visiting one, you’ll need to apply and pay for emissions stickers before you travel to avoid a fine. You can find a full list of European environmental zones on the Green Zones site.
Take your insurance provider’s details
Remember to save your insurance provider’s claims number to your phone contacts in case you need to reach them urgently while you’re abroad.
And if you have European breakdown cover, make a note of the policy number and the emergency helpline so you have it to hand.
Can I compare European travel car insurance quotes?
We compare European car insurance cover from a variety of providers. Compare now and see if you could save.
FAQs
How old do you need to be to drive in Europe?
In most European countries, the legal age to drive is 18. You must also have a full valid driving licence. If you’re a new or young driver, be aware that you may face restrictions on the number of passengers you can carry.
You’ll have to be at least 21 to hire a car in some European countries, but in others you can hire a car from 18.
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident in Europe?
If you’re on holiday in Europe and find yourself in a car accident, you’ll need to:
Call the local police – if anyone is injured, let them know and ask for an ambulance.
Ask for a translator, if possible, to help with communication.
Make sure you get a copy of the police report and gather as much evidence as you can from the scene (photos, names and addresses of witnesses) in case you need to back up an insurance claim.
Just as you would if you had an accident in the UK, you’ll need to exchange details with any other drivers involved.
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible – before you sign anything – and they’ll advise you of next steps.
How has Brexit affected driving in Europe?
Now that the UK has left the EU, you’ll need to carry your UK driving licence when driving in Europe.
If you have a paper driving licence or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you might need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some European countries. PayPoint stores now issue these.
You’ll also need to display a UK sticker on your vehicle.
Does European car insurance cover track days and rallies?
If you’re taking your car to a track event abroad, it’ s sensible to add specialist track day insurance to your policy for an extra cost.
That way, you can enjoy tearing up the tarmac at iconic tracks including the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps.
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Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Rebecca Goodman is a freelance financial journalist who specialises in insurance, personal finance and consumer affairs.
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