European car insurance

Car insurance for Europe

Last updated: June 30, 2021

After Brexit the car insurance rules for UK drivers in Europe changed - but while there are now extra steps, that doesn’t mean you necessarily need a new policy to drive your car in the EU. However, you might only be covered for other drivers' costs when overseas on your current policy, so you should consider extending your cover to get the best protection.

Driving in Europe after Brexit

From January 1, 2021, people with British car insurance need a Green Card to drive in European Union and EEA countries, as well as a GB sticker in some cases.

The EU has said it is planning to withdraw this requirement, but the change won't take effect until mid-July at the earliest. Until then people planning to drive abroad will still need one in place.

You do not need a sticker if your number plate has a GB identifier on its own or with the Union flag in most cases, but if you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a GB sticker no matter what is on your number plate.

You also need to display the sticker if your number plate has any of the following:

How to get a Green Card

Green Cards are basically proof that your car is insured - and the good news is they’re free. Simply contact your insurance provider and ask for one ahead of your trip.

However, you will need a physical copy of this - which you can print out at home or be sent by your insurer. And, no, Green Cards do not have to be printed on either card or anything green to be valid.

You do need a full licence, though, so policyholders and named drivers who only have a provisional licence won’t be named on the Green Card.

You need to carry multiple green cards if:

Do you need an international driving permit for Europe now?

Most people will be covered with their normal, UK licence - but there are some exceptions.

You may need an international driving permit if:

You can pick up an international driving permit over the counter at the Post Office for £5.50 if you’re a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland, have a full UK driving licence and are 18 or older.

How much insurance cover do you have when driving in Europe

When you are abroad, most car insurance policies only offer third party cover - meaning damage to your own car and injury to yourself are not covered.

They also frequently limit the number of days you can drive abroad in a year - as well as putting limits on how many days you can be abroad in a single stretch.

You can extend the level of cover from basic third-party insurance to comprehensive cover when driving overseas, but this may cost you extra.

Here is more on the cover you need to drive overseas

Get the right length of European car insurance cover

Most will European car insurance policies will include the following terms and conditions:

If you are planning to be away in a foreign country for three months during the year, make sure you get cover for at least 90 days.

Make sure each trip made during those 90 days does not exceed the single trip limit.

Some insurance companies offer unlimited annual European cover, which means you will be covered for trips of any length during the policy.

You should also make sure the policy you choose covers everything you need, not just driving in Europe. Here is everything car insurance can cover you against.

Short term car insurance can cover any trips to Europe but check your level of cover first.