What car insurance do I need to drive in Europe?

If you’re planning a self-drive holiday to somewhere in Europe, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got all your paperwork in order. The good news is that it’s still relatively straightforward to pack up the car and head off on a continental adventure. Here’s what you’ll need to consider with regards to car insurance.

Can I still drive my car in Europe?

Yes, even though we’ve left the EU, you’ll still be able to drive your car to mainland Europe.

What you need will vary depending on where you’re going so while we offer general advice here, we recommend you check official guidance for foreign travel on the government website. You can also confirm details by looking at the government website of the country you’re visiting.

Do I need special car insurance for driving in Europe?

Generally speaking, no. All UK car insurance policies provide you with third party cover if you drive within the EU. Your policy may also cover you in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland.

Remember that while your UK car insurance is still valid, it will only provide you with third-party cover—even if you have a comprehensive policy. This means if you’re in an accident, other people will be compensated for damage or injury, but you won’t be. You also may not be covered if your car is stolen.

Can I add extra European car insurance to existing car cover?

If you’ve got a comprehensive UK car insurance policy and want the same peace of mind while driving in Europe, speak to your insurer. In most cases, they will be able to extend your policy so that you have the same or similar levels of protection as you do at home.

You’ll need to bear in mind that many UK policies will limit the length of time you can be insured for driving in Europe. Limits are usually placed on the number of consecutive days (for example, 30 days in a row), or you may be given a set number of days per year.

If your insurer can’t give you the features you want, you could consider temporary European car insurance instead. The benefit of this option is that short-term policies tend to be very flexible and you’ll be able to choose cover that lasts a few days up to a few months.

What documents will I need to drive in Europe?

To drive your car in Europe in 2026, you must carry:

Border requirements have changed significantly: the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) now replaces manual passport stamping with biometric registration (facial scans and fingerprints) at e-gates. You still need to bring your passport, but it won't get stamped.

Additionally, starting in late 2026, UK citizens will require an ETIAS visa waiver to enter the Schengen area; this costs £6 (€7) and lasts for three years. Note that from April 2026, French authorities require 'third-country travelers' (including those from the UK) to provide proof of medical insurance, accommodation details, and a return ticket at the border.

You no longer need to carry a Green Card when driving in the EU, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland. Your UK motor insurance certificate provides the minimum third-party coverage required in these countries. However, if you are driving anywhere else in Europe, you must still arrange a physical Green Card from your insurer before you travel.

How do I get a car insurance Green Card?

You can get a Green Card from your insurer, just let them know a few weeks before you head off. Green Cards are usually free, but some insurers may charge you an admin fee.

Will I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Europe now?

If you have a photocard driving licence and want to drive in the EU (or other countries such as Norway and Switzerland), you won’t need an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, if you have an old-style paper driving licence or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, then you will need an IDP to drive within the EU. You’ll also need an IDP to drive in most other countries outside the EU.

It’s important to know that there are three different types of IDP and the one you need will depend on where you’re planning on driving; they are:

Depending on where you go, there may be time restrictions on using your current UK licence. For example, you won’t need an IDP in Belgium for periods up to six months but if you’re planning on staying for longer, you might need to make alternative arrangements (in this instance, you might have to take out a Belgian driving licence).

You can get hold of an IDP at the Post Office, they currently cost £5.50 but to apply you must:

Do I need any special equipment to drive in Europe?

In some countries, it’s obligatory to carry certain equipment in your car. For instance, in France, by law, you must have a reflective jacket, warning triangle and a breathalyser in your car (amongst other items). To get the most up to date advice, always check the government website of the country you’re visiting.

A 'UK' sticker is a compulsory requirement when driving your vehicle in Europe. This has replaced the old 'GB' sticker, which is no longer valid. You must display the 'UK' identifier clearly on the rear of your car, even if your number plate already features the UK initials and the Union Flag.

Search for car insurance you can rely on

Whether you’re driving at home or abroad, it’s crucial to have car insurance you can rely on. To help you find the right deal for you and your budget, we’ve teamed up with Quotezone to bring you quotes from up to 60 insurance providers. To start your search, simply tell us what you’re looking for right here.