Each year, millions of Brits drive to Europe for their holidays. If you’re planning on hitting the continental roads, this guide will walk you through getting extra temporary European car insurance cover for anyone who’ll be borrowing or sharing a car on their trip.
Short term European car insurance is a type of time-limited cover that insures you on a vehicle for periods between 1 and 28 days while driving in Europe. Due to growing demand, some providers also offer short-term cover for anything from a few hours to several months.
This flexible policy is ideal if you’re borrowing a car, sharing a long drive across Europe, picking up a new car, or switching annual policies. It is not a substitute for a regular annual premium if you frequently drive the same car.
During the pandemic, people have typically been driving fewer miles, so more consumers have been considering options like temporary cover and pay-as-you-go policies as an alternative to traditional car insurance.
Excess: As with regular car insurance, short term European cover typically includes an excess amount. This is the minimum amount you have to pay towards a claim before your insurance company pays the remaining amount.
EU cover: This is an optional extra you can add to your short term policy to cover you while driving in Europe.
Yes. Your UK car insurance policy will typically give you third-party protection abroad. However, check with your insurer as the coverage level might differ, and you may need to pay extra for comprehensive cover while driving in Europe.
You’ll want temporary European cover if you’re not covered on the car you’re planning to explore Europe with.
Temporary European car insurance is an affordable way to get covered for a few days or weeks while driving around the continent.
Short term car insurance policies cover all EU countries, as well as Gibraltar, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and Andorra.
"Short-term European car insurance can be a bit tricky, as it varies widely depending on the country and your specific needs. The coverage and cost will depend on factors such as the duration of your stay, the type of vehicle, and any additional coverage options you may require.
To ensure you get the best deal and adequate coverage, compare quotes from multiple providers, review the terms carefully, and consider any additional coverage options that might be necessary for your trip. Be proactive in understanding what is covered and any exclusions that might apply."
A car insurance green card is an internationally recognized document that serves as proof of your car insurance coverage when driving outside of your home country. It is particularly important for verifying that your insurance meets the legal requirements of the country you are visiting. Although the green card is not currently required for EU member states due to the UK’s agreements, it might become necessary again if the UK leaves the EU without a deal or in the event of regulatory changes. The green card acts as an essential piece of documentation to avoid any legal issues or complications while driving abroad.
Yes, you can still drive in Europe after Brexit, but there are some changes you need to be aware of. According to the Association of British Insurers, UK drivers will be able to continue driving in European countries. However, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, you will likely need a green card to prove that you have adequate insurance coverage.
This document ensures that your car insurance meets the minimum legal requirements of the country you are driving in, helping you avoid potential fines or complications during your travels.
To obtain a green card, you should request one from your car insurance provider well in advance of your trip—ideally at least a month before you travel. This lead time allows your insurer to prepare the document and address any administrative procedures.
Keep in mind that some insurers might charge an administration fee for issuing the green card. It’s also a good idea to confirm that your green card covers all the countries you plan to visit, as coverage can vary.
The Green Card Scheme covers all 28 EU member states, as well as 19 additional countries outside of the EU. These include Albania, Belarus, and Turkey, among others. The scheme is designed to ensure that drivers have proof of insurance that meets the legal requirements across a wide range of countries.
When planning your trip, make sure to check the list of countries included in the Green Card Scheme to ensure that you are compliant with insurance requirements for all the destinations on your itinerary.
While your UK car insurance policy may cover you to drive in Europe, check the coverage level and any additional costs. A short term European car insurance policy may be necessary for flexibility and comprehensive protection.
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