International Car Insurance

Key takeaways

• British drivers can drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein Switzerland with their UK licence. For other countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required

• Make sure that your UK car insurance covers driving abroad

• Check that your breakdown cover includes driving in Europe

What are the rules about driving abroad with a UK licence?

As a British driver, you have the right to drive in any EU member country plus Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

However, to drive in other countries, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

But if you live and drive in an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland – rather than just going on holiday – you will need to exchange your driving licence for a local one.

It’s best to check both the latest UK Government and foreign government advice before driving in/to your chosen destination. This ensures you have the appropriate driving licence, permit and car insurance in place.

Does your UK car insurance cover you abroad?

Car insurance and overseas cover can be a bit complicated – what you need depends on where you go.

Your UK car insurance will include third party cover to drive in the EU, plus Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland.

However, your policy won’t necessarily include more comprehensive cover. Some insurers may offer comprehensive cover abroad as standard, while others may charge you more to add it to your policy.

So, check with your insurer before taking your car abroad.

If you hire a car abroad, you can normally arrange some form of worldwide car insurance. Check the excess on the policy and buy separate excess insurance if applicable.

What level of insurance cover do I need?

There are three levels of cover of car insurance:

Third-party only: This type of insurance covers accidents deemed the driver's fault, including damages to other people's property or cars, and medical expenses. However, it does not cover damages to the driver's car or injuries to the driver.

Third-party damage, fire, and theft (TPFT): TPFT insurance covers all of the above, plus replacing the car if it is stolen and damage that has occurred when something is stolen from it. It also covers fire damage.

Comprehensive cover: Comprehensive cover includes all the above, plus damages to the driver's car and any injuries sustained by the driver. This type of insurance offers the most extensive cover.

If you plan to take your car to Europe, you should check the following:

• The level of cover offered by your policy

• Any extra costs to enhance your cover

• How many days you will be covered for (some policies limit driving abroad to 30 or 90 days at a time)

What is a green card?

A green card is proof that you have vehicle insurance when driving abroad.

You don’t need a green card to drive in the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia or Switzerland.

But while it's not required for driving in most of Europe, having a green card can simplify the process if you need to make a claim or deal with the police.

If you need a green card to drive in another country, you can get one from your insurer.

What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that acts as a translated version of your domestic driving licence. It allows you to legally drive in countries outside of your home country where your UK licence may not be recognised.

UK drivers can generally drive in the EU, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein Switzerland without a IDP. But you might need one if you have an old-style paper driving licence or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint. It costs £5.50.

To get a IDP, drivers must:

• be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland

• have a full UK driving licence

• be 18 or over

Do I need breakdown cover abroad?

As well as insurance, it’s a good idea to have breakdown cover when driving abroad.

Check with your provider if you already have European breakdown cover on your policy, or if you can upgrade.

Without cover, the cost of repairing and bringing the car back from another country could be very high. For more information about breakdown cover abroad, read our guide.

International driving checklist

Before you take your car abroad, ensure you have the following documents and equipment:

• Passport

• Full driving licence

• International Driving Permit (if necessary)

• Car registration documents

• Insurance documents

• Green card (if required)

• Breakdown cover documents

• Travel insurance documents

• Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

• An authorisation letter if you're driving a company car

In some countries, you’re required to carry certain safety accessories. Check the local rules before you set off. The equipment might include:

• A red triangle

• A reflective vest

• A first-aid kit

• Spare light bulbs

• Snow chains and winter tyres if it’s cold

• UK stickers or identifiers on your number plate

Before embarking on any long car journey, you should check your car’s water, oil, and coolant levels, tyre pressure and tread. Consider getting your car serviced before travelling.

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