Where can I drive in Europe with temporary car insurance?
All UK car insurance policies provide 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
Do I need short-term European car insurance?
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.
It’s important to note that 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 temporary European car insurance with us can increase this cover to fully comprehensive.
The benefits of getting a policy with Sterling
- Get short-term car insurance for just a few days, weeks or months
- Prices start from £75 for seven days of cover
- Free, convenient online app for your mobile device
- Short-term insurance with the benefits of an annual policy
- Legal protection up to £100,000 included
- For drivers aged 21 and over
- Claims hotline open 24/7
Temporary cover for just a few days, weeks or months
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 going on holiday, travelling for work, or visiting relatives abroad. Whatever your reason, we will find short-term European car insurance that fits your needs. We can also offer European car insurance for longer periods if needed.
Claims hotline is open 24/7
Sterling’s claim line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to make a claim, we will be here for your call.
Up to £100,000 of legal cover included on every policy
Available for drivers over 21
Sterling’s short-term European car insurance is available to anyone over the age of 21. We can cover most cars and vans, even classic cars, campervans and motorhomes.
Cover for Europe and further afield
We can cover you for travel in a wide range of locations, including European countries and as well as several other destinations.
Wide range of optional extras to choose from
Our policies are designed so they can be adapted to your needs. So whether you need cover for breakdowns, camping gear, keycare or misfuelling, let us know and we can help.
Related posts
The ultimate checklist for driving in Europe
Do I need a green card to drive in Europe?
Frequently asked questions
How does short-term European car insurance work?
To get temporary European car insurance with us, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be aged between 21 and 75
- Own a valid GB driving licence
- Have a permanent or current address in the UK
Temporary European car insurance will cover you for a day, a week, up to 30 days, or possibly in some cases for longer, should you need it, for your trip abroad. Some UK car insurance policies can cover you for up to 30 days when driving in Europe, but you should always check your insurance details before you set off.
If you are not covered, then temporary European car insurance is perfect for those making a short trip to France or further afield, with the same level of cover as you would receive in the UK.
Can I get temporary European car insurance as a young driver?
At Sterling we offer temporary European car insurance to any driver aged 21 and above, offering expert levels of cover from third-party, all the way to fully comprehensive policies.
What documents do I need to drive in Europe?
Despite what you may think, driving in Europe is not as simple as just getting in your car and putting your destination in a sat-nav. 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:
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
- European car insurance documents
- A full and valid UK driving licence
- Passport(s)
- Travel insurance documents
- An original copy of your vehicle log book (V5C)
- A VE103 if you are hiring or leasing a vehicle
- Car insurance certificate
- DVLA check code – if you are hiring a car
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.
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 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
How do I get a temporary European car insurance quote from Sterling?
- Call Sterling on 0344 381 9990
- Use our free online app on your mobile device
- Use the online callback service
