Can I drive in Europe with UK car insurance?
All UK car insurance provides you with the minimum third party cover to drive in the following countries:
- the EU (including Ireland)
- Andorra
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Serbia
- Switzerland
However, you should always check with your insurer to see if your policy has extra cover for damage and the theft of your vehicle whilst you’re abroad, as this doesn’t come as standard.
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy in the UK, third party EU cover is often included as standard, but it’s best to check this before you travel.
Please note: third party insurance only covers you for damage caused to someone else’s vehicle. If you get into an accident, you won’t be able to claim for repairs to your own vehicle on your policy. Taking out European car insurance with us can increase this cover to fully comprehensive.
The benefits of getting a policy with Sterling
European car insurance is the best way to ensure your car is covered when driving abroad and Sterling can provide you with an affordable policy that covers you all year round.
We can cover all European countries, as well as Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Morocco, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.), and Turkey.
All we need is your car information and driving history, and we can help get you a better price than what you may have been offered from other insurers.
For our best prices, call us. We have access to a wide panel of insurance providers, and can find a deal that matches your needs and your budget.
Cover available for any UK-registered vehicle
We offer cover for any UK-registered vehicle when driving abroad, no matter what make and model it is.
Green Cards can be issued for EU countries and beyond
If you’re driving across Europe or further afield, you may want to look into dedicated Green Card cover ahead of your trip. This motor insurance certificate is proof that a motorist has adequate cover for the country they are travelling in.
Options for short term cover and long term cover
We can help whether you need short-term European cover for seven days, up to 30 days, or even a few months. You could be buying a new car, borrowing a van or sharing the driving. Whatever your reason, we will find temporary car insurance that fits your needs.
For drivers aged 21 years or over
Our European car insurance cover is strictly for those aged 21 and over.
Wide range of optional extras to choose from
We offer optional extras to anyone who takes out policies with us, such as windscreen cover, misfuelling, keycare and European breakdown cover should your vehicle stop working whilst abroad.
Up to £100,000 of legal cover included on every policy
Related posts
The ultimate checklist for driving in Europe
Do I need a green card to drive in Europe?
Moving to Europe? Here’s everything you need to know
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I break down while driving in Europe?
Like driving in the UK, you should organise European breakdown cover before travelling abroad to cover you should the worst happen.
Our breakdown insurance is similar to those provided by the AA and the RAC and will get you back on the road in no time.
We offer various types of European breakdown cover, including policies if your car breaks down within the European Economic Area (EEA) and on our list of non-European countries.
Can I drive in Europe with a UK licence?
It is legal to drive in European Union countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a valid photocard licence issued in the UK.
That changes if you’re travelling outside of Europe, you have a paper licence, or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. In these cases, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You can find a full list of what you need when travelling on the government website.
Do I need to take anything with me when driving in Europe?
The items you legally need will depend on which country you’re visiting. For example, French laws are different from German driving rules and regulations, so it’s always worth planning what you need in each country, before you head off on your journey.
Items you will most likely need, but are not limited to:
- Valid passport
- Car insurance certificate
- Car’s original registration document (V5C)
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- Travel insurance
Will I need a green card to drive abroad?
You will not need to carry a green card with you when driving in the EU, Ireland, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Iceland, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Liechtenstein, however you will need to have valid car insurance.
If you are going to be driving outside of those countries, or even in the EU in general, we recommend you take a green card with you, as this is proof you have the correct cover in place and avoids any legal implications. We issue the document for free with our cover.
You may also need to carry a green card to drive in other countries, including:
- Albania
- Azerbaijan
- Moldova
- Turkey
- Ukraine
Is European car insurance necessary?
European car insurance will allow you to freely travel in Europe in your own vehicle, without the worry of not having the correct cover in place. This cover is a legal requirement when visiting other countries, which means you must organise the right cover before you go on your travels.
What does European car insurance cover?
Our policies can last for up to 365 days, should you require a longer period of EU car insurance. However, your fully comprehensive insurance with us will initially cover you for 30 days per annum.
We’re also able to provide specialist policies for cover in the following countries:
- Albania
- Moldova
- Morocco
- Turkey
