Car Insurance for Driving Abroad: What UK Drivers Need

Taking your car abroad is one of the best ways to explore Europe, but your insurance arrangements need careful thought. While your UK policy provides basic cover in EU countries by law, it might only be third-party — even if you have comprehensive cover at home. Here's what you need to know to stay properly insured.

The Green Card: No Longer Required for EU Driving

The green card (officially the International Motor Insurance Certificate) was a paper document proving you had at least minimum motor insurance. Since August 2024, UK drivers no longer need to carry one when driving in EU and EEA countries, as well as Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

This simplification means one less document to worry about. However, you should still carry your certificate of motor insurance (or a digital copy) as proof of cover.

What Your UK Policy Covers Abroad

By law, your UK motor insurance provides minimum third-party cover in EU and EEA countries. This means if you cause an accident, your insurer will pay for damage to other people and their property. However, this minimum cover means:

• No cover for your own vehicle — damage to your car isn't covered under third-party only
• No windscreen cover — even if your UK policy includes it
• No personal accident cover — unless specifically extended
• Higher excess may apply — some policies increase the excess for European claims

Extending Your Cover for Europe

Most UK insurers offer the option to extend your full comprehensive cover to European driving. This is sometimes included free for a limited period (often 30–90 days), or available as an add-on for a small fee.

Contact your insurer at least two weeks before your trip to arrange any extension. Some insurers handle this online, while others require a phone call. Make sure you get written confirmation of the extended cover.

Standalone European Insurance Policies

If your insurer doesn't offer a comprehensive European extension, or if the cost is prohibitively high, you can purchase a standalone European motor insurance policy. These are offered by specialist providers and typically cover:

• Comprehensive cover for your vehicle in EU/EEA countries
• Legal expenses cover if you need to pursue a claim abroad
• Personal accident and medical expenses
• Emergency accommodation and travel costs if your car is undriveable

Breakdown Cover Abroad

Standard UK breakdown cover from providers like the AA, RAC, and Green Flag does not cover you in Europe. You need to purchase European breakdown cover separately.

European breakdown cover typically includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery to a local garage, emergency accommodation if your car can't be fixed on the spot, and in some cases a hire car or vehicle repatriation to the UK.

What to Do If You Have an Accident Abroad

1. Ensure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed (112 works across Europe)
2. Exchange details with the other driver — name, address, insurer, registration number, and driving licence number
3. Complete a European Accident Statement (available from your insurer or downloadable online) — both parties sign it at the scene
4. Take photos of the damage, the scene, road signs, and any contributing factors
5. Report to your insurer as soon as possible — most have 24/7 helplines for European claims
6. Do not admit liability at the scene

Final Thoughts

Taking your car to Europe requires a bit of insurance planning, but it's straightforward once you know what to check. Contact your insurer well before your trip to understand what cover you have, extend it if necessary, and arrange European breakdown cover separately. With the green card requirement now removed for EU driving, the paperwork burden has reduced — but making sure you're properly covered remains essential.

Insurance products and costs vary by provider. Always check your specific policy terms before travelling.