European car insurance
Considering a road trip in Europe? If you plan to drive your own vehicle across the continent, check what type of European car insurance coverage you require and if you need a Green Card for your journey.
What is European car insurance?
European car insurance offers coverage for traveling with your own vehicle to drive in continental Europe. It provides financial protection in the event of an accident while you are in another country.
To drive legally in Europe, you are required to have a minimum of third-party car insurance. This type of insurance covers injuries to others or damages to their vehicle, but it does not extend to injuries you may sustain or damage to your own car.
Can I drive in drive in Europe using a standard UK car insurance?
Every car insurance policy in the UK includes third-party coverage for driving in EU nations by default. However, possessing comprehensive coverage in the UK doesn’t guarantee that you will enjoy the same protection while driving in Europe. Your insurance may only provide third-party coverage when you’re in Europe.
Furthermore, basic car insurance for traveling in Europe might restrict the duration for which you’re protected while driving.
Review your policy specifics thoroughly before embarking on your European road trip to understand the extent of coverage you possess for driving in Europe.
If you’re considering enhancing your European coverage or plan to drive in Europe for an extended duration, reach out to your insurance company.
Numerous providers offer extensive European car insurance that you can include in your current policy for an additional fee.
What does car insurance in Europe include?
At the very least, you’ll have protection for any damage or injuries you might cause to others while driving in Europe. However, for that extra peace of mind, you might consider upgrading to comprehensive coverage for your time in Europe.
Comprehensive European car insurance could include:
- Damages from third parties
- Fire and theft
- Injuries or damage to you, your passengers, and your vehicle.
When you’re on the hunt for car insurance for your European adventures, here are a few friendly tips to keep in mind: think about your passengers and your vehicle!
How long will I be covered for?
Car insurance with European cover usually provides you with coverage for up to 90 days. Some insurance companies might even offer longer coverage with their comprehensive or premium policies. It’s a good idea to check your policy to find out how long you’ll be covered while driving abroad. If you plan to be away for a longer time, you might want to look into getting some extra coverage.
Are all the nations I’m visiting covered by my policy?
Your policy might not apply to certain European nations that are not part of the EU. To be sure, carefully review the terms.
Do I have recovery and breakdown coverage?
Think about European breakdown insurance. Europe may be covered by your auto insurance, but not by your breakdown coverage.
Is additional auto insurance required for Europe?
It depends on the vacation you have planned and the amount of coverage your policy offers for driving your vehicle in Europe.
Consult your insurance provider to find out how much coverage your policy offers for driving in Europe.
It will be able to explain the scope and restrictions of your current coverage and recommend any additional coverage you might require. Usually, you can increase your coverage for a fee.
Is it possible to obtain short-term European auto insurance?
Policies for short-term European auto insurance range in duration from one hour to thirty days. Instead of changing your current auto insurance, you might find it simpler to get a different temporary policy for a single trip. If you wish to split driving responsibilities with someone else when traveling in Europe, this can also be more practical. You can discover a comprehensive temporary insurance price for driving throughout Europe with the assistance of our colleagues at Tempcover.
Which nations are covered by auto insurance for European travel?
EU auto insurance also allows you to drive in the following countries:
Andorra
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Serbia
Switzerland.
You can obtain a Green Card from your insurance company if you plan to drive outside of these nations.
What constitutes a Green Card for vehicular operation within Europe?
The purpose of the Green Card is to facilitate cross-border auto travel. It serves as a globally accepted document for auto insurance.
You can drive in the EU and the aforementioned nations without a Green Card if you have UK auto insurance.
However, in some nations, such as Turkey, Albania, Ukraine, Israel, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Morocco, and Tunisia, you could require a Green Card as evidence that you possess the bare minimum of auto insurance coverage.
Having a Green Card ensures that you will receive compensation in the event that you are in an accident abroad and the other motorist is determined to be at fault.
Having a Green Card ensures that you will receive compensation in the event that you are in an accident abroad and the other motorist is determined to be at fault.
What paperwork is required for driving in Europe?
In addition to possessing a complete, valid UK driver’s license and auto insurance for driving in Europe, you’ll need your:
- The original, not a duplicate, vehicle log book (V5C). Or a VE103 to demonstrate that you are authorized to use an automobile you have rented or leased overseas.
- proof of auto insurance.
- Passport(s).
- documentation for travel insurance.
- DVLA check code, which is only required while renting a vehicle.
As long as you have a UK photocard license, you can drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein without an International Driving Permit (IDP).
However, to find out if you require an IDP, contact the embassy of the nation you plan to drive into if:
- You are not in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein while you drive.
- Your driver’s license is on paper.
- Your license was granted in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, or Gibraltar.
How can I obtain auto insurance for my trip across Europe?
Get in touch with your insurance company if you want European vacation auto insurance for a longer duration than is customary or the same level of coverage as you have in the UK (comprehensive, for instance). It will outline the procedures and expenses for extending your coverage. In order for your insurance company to customize your coverage, it’s also worthwhile to talk to them about the details of your trip. As an alternative, you might wish to think about independent short-term European auto insurance. If you have multiple international travels planned and your auto insurance is about to expire, compare policies to locate one that meets your needs for comprehensive European coverage.
What is the cost of auto insurance in Europe?
There is no additional fee for driving in Europe because UK auto insurance consumers will already have European third-party coverage for at least 30 days. However, your provider will charge you more if you wish to increase the amount of coverage for driving overseas.
The cost of temporary European auto insurance for a single trip will vary depending on a number of criteria, such as:
- Your driving history and age
- The car you’ll be driving overseas
- The degree and length of coverage you require.
Advice for European drivers
Before you go on your trip across Europe, make sure you’re ready. Here are some pointers to get you started:
Put a UK sticker on your vehicle.
Unless your license plate displays a Union flag (often called the Union Jack), you must have a UK sticker on your car when driving a UK-registered vehicle within the EU. Regardless of what is on your license plate, you must display a UK sticker when driving in Spain, Malta, or Cyprus.
Study the local traffic laws
Because most European countries allow drivers to drive on the right-hand side, the traffic laws may differ from what you’re used to. This also applies to France, which you might have to travel through by car at some point. Different European countries have different laws about drunk driving, and you might need to bring particular equipment, like a high-vis jacket. Before you go, make sure you are aware of the legislation in each nation.
Perform auto maintenance inspections
Before you leave the house, check your automobile to make sure it’s safe to drive. Verify the coolant, oil level, and tire pressure. It might make sense to have your car’s yearly service completed early if it’s approaching, especially if you
Look for clean air zones and road tolls
Research road tolls before your travel because it’s more customary in Europe than the UK to pay to use motorways. Although digital vignettes and contactless payments are increasingly often used, it could be wise to have some cash on hand just in case. Low-emission zones are also in place in many European towns. To avoid a fine, you must apply for and pay for emissions stickers in advance if you plan to visit one. The Green Zones website has a comprehensive list of environmental zones in Europe.
Get the information from your insurance company
In case you need to contact your insurance provider immediately while you’re overseas, don’t forget to add their claims number to your phone contacts.
Additionally, in order to have the policy number and emergency helpline handy, note them down if you have European breakdown coverage.
Can I compare estimates for auto insurance whilst traveling in Europe?
We evaluate coverage for European auto insurance from several companies. Check to see if you can save by comparing now.
