European motorcycle insurance

Your UK motorbike insurance policy should give you at least third-party cover to ride in EU countries. However, check your policy wording to be sure.

The key thing to know is that, even if you have a comprehensive policy in the UK, you might not have the same level of cover in Europe.

Also, if you only have third-party European cover, you won’t be insured if your own bike is stolen or damaged. Check your policy details to see exactly what you’re covered for.

If you want the same level of cover as you have on your UK policy, you might need to pay a bit more to add in optional extras.

Most European motorcycle insurance policies will also limit the number of days you’re covered to drive in Europe each year. This is typically 90 days.

Even with the minimum third-party UK motorbike insurance, you’ll be covered to ride in the 27 nations of the EU:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Ireland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden.

Your European motorcycle insurance will usually also cover you to ride in other European countries, such as Norway and Switzerland. But check your policy to make sure. 

A Green Card is an international certificate that indicates a motorist has the minimum compulsory insurance for the country they’re driving in.

You don’t need to carry a Green Card to drive in EU countries (including Ireland) or countries such as Norway, Iceland and Sweden.

Which European countries do I need a Green Card to ride my motorbike in?

You may need a Green Card alongside your European motorcycle insurance to drive in the following countries:

• Albania

• Azerbaijan

• Belarus

• Moldova

• Russia

• Turkey

• Ukraine.

If you’re unsure about whether you need a Green Card, check with your insurance provider.

If you’re planning on towing a trailer through a country that requires a Green Card, you’ll need separate Green Cards for the bike and trailer.

How do I get a Green Card?

To apply for a Green Card, you’ll need to contact your insurance provider. You can usually apply online, through your account, or by calling your provider. You can either get a digital or physical green card.

There are some other documents you’ll need to remember to take with you when motorcycle riding in Europe:

• Full UK motorcycle licence – some riders may need an international driving permit (see FAQs for more details).

• Vehicle registration document (V5C) – the original, not a copy.

• Your motorbike insurance certificate.

• An MOT certificate for your bike – if it’s more than three years old.

• Your passport – it must have at least six months left to run.

• European motorcycle travel insurance documents and an GHIC (or EHIC) card, which gives you access to state-provided healthcare. Using an GHIC/EHIC card can be a requirement of your travel insurance policy, so it’s a good idea to take it with you.

• A European Accident Statement – this is a standard form that you complete at the scene of an accident to make it easier to process insurance claims. However, it’s not compulsory to carry one with you.

If you’re hiring a motorbike while you’re abroad, you’ll usually need a VE103 (Vehicle on Hire) certificate. This proves that you have permission to be riding the motorbike.

From late 2026, you’ll also need to apply for a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) visa waiver to travel in Europe. It’s similar to the ESTA needed to get into the US and it will cost around £6.50.

There are a few more things you may need to think about before heading out on the roads in Europe: 

• Time limits: There’s usually a time limit on European motorcycle insurance – typically, this is around 90 days, but policies vary. Check your policy to see how long you’d be covered for.

• UK sticker: If you’re travelling to Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you’ll always need to display a UK sticker on your bike. Elsewhere, you don’t need a sticker if your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union Flag.

• Biking gear: In many European countries, you have to carry specific gear, such as a high-vis jacket. Check the laws of any countries you are riding through before you set off. 

• Lights: Using dipped headlights during the day is compulsory for motorcyclists in many European countries. Always check before setting off. And it’s advisable to carry a spare bulb kit for front and rear headlights.

• Making claims: Find out how to claim on your European motorcycle insurance in the country you’re visiting, just in case. Policies will often have time limits by when incidents need to be reported. So don’t wait until you get home.

European breakdown cover isn’t included as standard with motorbike insurance. This means you’ll need to add it as an extra to your existing policy or take out separate cover.

You can get European motorcycle breakdown cover for a single trip. Or you can take out an annual policy, if you regularly ride in Europe.

As with a UK breakdown cover policy, the level of cover you get can vary. Roadside assistance is a common inclusion. However, you could also get cover to send your bike back home for repairs.

Some providers may even cover accommodation if you’re forced to extend your trip while your bike’s in for repairs.