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  • Get the right cover for driving in Europe.
  • Compare policies for stress-free travel.
  • Stay insured across borders.
  • Find the best European car insurance now.

What is European Cover Car Insurance?

European Cover Car Insurance helps UK drivers take their cars into Europe. It makes sure you follow the rules, protects your money, and gives you peace of mind while driving abroad.

  • Third-party cover is the minimum protection needed in EU countries.
  • Comprehensive cover offers more safety. It covers theft, fire, and damage to your vehicle.
  • Some policies might provide temporary cover for short trips or longer cover for extended stays.

How Does European Car Insurance Work?

Most UK car insurance companies offer some level of European coverage. However, the amount of coverage you receive depends on your specific insurance policy. There are two main options:

  1. Automatic European Cover: Many UK policies give you third-party coverage in Europe. This lasts for 30 to 90 days and costs nothing extra.
  2. Extended European Cover: If you need full insurance while you are away, you may have to upgrade your policy or buy temporary European coverage.

Tip: Always read the wording of your policy before you travel. This way, you can check the level of cover you have.

Who Needs European Cover Car Insurance?

This type of insurance is ideal for:

  • Holidaymakers & Road Trippers – Having fun driving through Europe.
  • Business Travellers – Often travelling for work and needing a car.
  • Expats & Long-Term Stayers – Staying in Europe for several months.
  • Students Studying Abroad – UK students driving in EU locations.
  • Classic Car Owners – Taking vintage cars to events across Europe.

If you don’t drive often in Europe, you may want to think about getting temporary car insurance. A short-term car insurance quote can help you save some money.

What Type of Car Insurance Covers Driving in Europe?

The type of European coverage you can receive depends on your policy. Here’s a comparison:

Insurance Type UK Cover European Cover
Third-Party Only (TPO) Minimum legal cover Yes, but only covers damage to others
Third-Party, Fire & Theft (TPFT) Covers fire & theft in the UK Sometimes included in Europe
Comprehensive Insurance Full cover for your car & third parties Only included if upgraded

Be sure to check with your insurance provider to find out if your comprehensive cover includes Europe.

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What Countries Are Covered by European Car Insurance?

EU & EEA Countries EU & EEA Countries Non-EU Countries
🇦🇹 Austria 🇱🇻 Latvia 🇮🇸 Iceland
🇧🇪 Belgium 🇱🇹 Lithuania 🇳🇴 Norway
🇧🇬 Bulgaria 🇱🇺 Luxembourg 🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇭🇷 Croatia 🇲🇹 Malta 🇷🇸 Serbia
🇨🇾 Cyprus 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina
🇨🇿 Czech Republic 🇵🇱 Poland 🇦🇩 Andorra
🇩🇰 Denmark 🇵🇹 Portugal
🇪🇪 Estonia 🇷🇴 Romania
🇫🇮 Finland 🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇫🇷 France 🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇩🇪 Germany 🇪🇸 Spain
🇬🇷 Greece 🇮🇹 Italy
🇭🇺 Hungary 🇸🇪 Sweden
🇮🇪 Ireland

Before you go on your trip, look at your policy details for certain countries.

Do You Need a Green Card to Drive in Europe?

A green card proves that you have valid car insurance in Europe. ✅ As of August 2021, UK drivers do not need a green card to drive in the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and some other countries. ❌ But you still must have a green card if you drive in:

  • Albania
  • Azerbaijan
  • Moldova
  • Turkey
  • Ukraine
Do You Need a Green Card to Drive in Europe

Before you travel, check with your insurance provider to see if you need one.

Temporary European Car Insurance – Do You Need It?

If you are driving in Europe for a little while, temporary car insurance might cost you less than adding more coverage to your UK policy.

Duration of Trip Best Insurance Option
1 day – 1 month Temporary European car insurance
1 month – 3 months Comprehensive cover extension
3 months+ Annual European insurance policy

You can easily get a quote for temporary car insurance online. It takes just a few minutes.

European Driving Laws You Need to Know

Driving rules can be different in each area of Europe. Be sure to check the local laws before you travel. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:

  • Speed Limits: These vary from country to country. For instance, in France, the motorway speed limit is 130km/h. Germany's autobahn, on the other hand, has no speed limit.
  • Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Some cities, such as Paris and Madrid, require you to have an emissions permit.
  • UK Sticker: When driving in other countries, you must display a "UK" sticker on your car.
  • Toll Roads: A lot of European countries have toll roads, so make sure to have cash or a card ready.

If you do not follow traffic laws in Europe, you may have to pay big fines or receive points on your UK driving licence.

Does European Cover Include Breakdown Assistance?

Not every car insurance policy in Europe includes breakdown cover. If your car stops working while you are in another country, you could face high costs for getting it back on the road. You may need additional European breakdown cover for:

  • Roadside assistance
  • Vehicle towing
  • Emergency repairs

Make sure you check your policy before you go. You can also get a separate policy for breakdown coverage.

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Documents You Need to Drive in Europe

Before heading abroad, ensure you carry:

  • A UK Driving Licence (full)
  • A Car Insurance Certificate
  • A Vehicle Logbook (V5C)
  • A Passport
  • Travel Insurance Documents
  • An MOT Certificate (if required)

A few countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP). It is important to check this before your trip.

How Much Does European Car Insurance Cost?

The cost of European car insurance depends on several main factors. These are where you are headed, how long you plan to stay, and the level of cover you select.

Cover Type Estimated Cost (£)
30-day third-party cover Free (included in most UK policies)
30-day comprehensive cover £20 - £50 extra
Temporary European insurance (7 days) £30 - £100
Annual European insurance £200 - £500

Getting a quote online is the fastest way to look at car insurance prices in Europe.

European Driving Laws & Regulations by Country

Driving laws in Europe can be different in each country. Here is a quick summary of the speed limits, alcohol limits, and things you need to have.

Country Speed Limit (Motorway) Alcohol Limit (BAC) Mandatory Equipment
France 130 km/h (dry), 110 km/h (wet) 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers) Breathalyser, warning triangle
Spain 120 km/h 0.05% (0.03% for new drivers) Spare glasses (if required)
Germany No limit (Autobahn, 130 km/h recommended) 0.05% First aid kit
Italy 130 km/h 0.05% High-visibility vests
Portugal 120 km/h 0.05% Reflective jacket

It's important to look at local road signs before you drive in a new country. Some signs can be quite different from UK road markings.

European Car Insurance for Expats & Long-Term Residents

For UK expats and people who have lived in Europe for a long time, there are two types of insurance to choose from:

  • Keep UK insurance: This is good for short stays. These stays can be up to 90 days in most plans.
  • Switch to a local provider: This is best if you are a permanent resident or if you will be staying for more than 6 months.

🚗   Do I Need a Local Driving Licence?

  • If you move to an EU country for good, you may need to swap your UK driving licence.
  • Some countries require you to do this within 12 months of living there, such as Spain.

Check local DVLA equivalents to avoid fines.

What to Do If You Have an Accident in Europe

What to Do If You Have an Accident in Europe

If you're in a car crash while driving in a different country:

  1. Be safe – If you can, find a safe place and turn on your hazard lights.
  2. Get an EAS form – Most EU insurers provide this to help with claims.
  3. Call for help – Dial 112 to reach emergency services in the EU.
  4. Gather information – Take pictures, write down what witnesses say, and collect the other driver's insurance details.
  5. Tell your insurer – Report the accident within one day.

Green Card vs. European Car Insurance – What’s the Difference?

A Green Card is a necessary document you need for insurance when driving in certain non-EU countries.

Do I Need a Green Card?

  • You do not need it in the EU, EEA, Switzerland, Andorra, or Serbia.
  • It is needed in Albania, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine, and Morocco.

🚗   How to Get One?

  • Get it from your UK insurance provider (it's usually free).
  • Some insurance companies let you download and print it at home.

European Car Insurance for Business & Commercial Vehicles

For business users, car insurance policies are not the same as personal ones.

Who Needs Business European Cover?

  • Drivers for courier and delivery services such as Amazon, Uber Eats, and Just Eat.
  • Drivers who use company cars and travel between countries.
  • Self-employed workers who need short-term coverage.

Types of Cover:

  • Single-trip cover – Ideal for people who go on business trips now and then.
  • Annual European car insurance – A good choice for those who travel frequently.

Tip: If you are using your own car for work, make sure it is insured for job-related driving in Europe.

Short-Term European Car Insurance for Rentals & Borrowed Cars

If you plan to rent or borrow a car in Europe, you need to get an extra insurance policy.

Can You Insure a Rental Car Separately?

  • Yes, some UK car insurers offer temporary car insurance for rental cars in Europe.
  • No, you cannot use your own insurance if the rental company requires you to have their insurance.

Borrowing a Car in Europe?

  • You will need a short-term insurance policy or to be added as a named driver.
  • Some UK policies may provide extended cover, but be sure to check with your insurer before you travel.

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How Brexit Affects UK Drivers in Europe

Since Brexit, UK drivers must follow new rules when they go to Europe.

  • UK sticker needed – You must have this, even if your car shows a GB number plate.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) – This is required for some non-EU countries.
  • Green Card NOT needed – Just remember to carry proof of insurance with you.

Tip: Before you drive in another country, visit the gov.uk website. This will help you stay informed about the driving rules related to Brexit.

Do UK Car Insurance Policies Include Breakdown Cover in Europe?

Breakdowns in Europe can be very expensive if you don’t have the right insurance.

🚗   Is European breakdown cover part of UK insurance?

  • Some policies provide it at no cost.
  • Others require an extra add-on that costs between £20 and £50 for every trip.

What’s Included in European Breakdown Cover?

  • Roadside assistance – This helps with small issues immediately.
  • Recovery service – It tows your car to the nearest garage.
  • Replacement vehicle – You get a new car if repairs will take over 24 hours.

EV Insurance & Charging for Electric Cars in Europe

Electric vehicles (EVs) need special insurance and charging options when travelling to other countries.

Does UK car insurance cover EVs in Europe?

  • Yes, but check if battery damage and problems with the charging station are included.
  • Some plans do not include issues related to charging.

⚡   Finding EV Charging Points in Europe

Ionity and Tesla Supercharger networks are available in several EU countries. You can use apps like PlugShare and Zap-Map to find charging stations. These apps also tell you if the stations are open.

Cheapest Ways to Insure Your Car for Europe

Want to save money on car insurance in Europe? Here are some ways to help you:

  • Annual policies – If you travel more than twice a year, an annual European cover plan can help you save money.
  • Compare providers – Some companies offer free European cover with their regular UK insurance.
  • Temporary insurance for short trips – This option costs less than adding coverage to your annual policy for just one trip.
Cheapest Ways to Insure Your Car for Europe

Look for insurance companies that offer up to 90 days of coverage in Europe without any added costs.

Compare European Cover Car Insurance Quotes Today

If you need car insurance for a short trip or a long journey, checking different policies is helpful. This way, you can find the best price.

Compare European car insurance quotes now to find the right policy for your journey.

FAQs About European Cover Car Insurance

Yes, UK drivers can still drive in the EU without a green card.

  • Call emergency services (112 is the emergency number in the EU).
  • Share details with other drivers (like insurance, licence, and vehicle registration).
  • Contact your UK insurance provider immediately.

Most car rental companies offer basic insurance. If you want more protection, you can buy extra coverage yourself.

Yes, if you are extending your UK policy, you can do that. But remember, temporary cover usually does not let you keep your no-claims discount benefits.

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Page last updated on: 13/05/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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