Can I get car insurance abroad? All you need to know

Travelling abroad often comes with excitement and adventure, but it also requires careful planning, especially when it comes to insuring a vehicle. 

Whether you’re renting a car for a holiday or driving your own abroad, securing proper car insurance is essential for both your safety and peace of mind. 

In our latest driving in Europe guide, we explain all you need to know.

Can I drive abroad on my current car insurance?

If you’re taking your own car to Europe through the Channel Tunnel or on a ferry, you’ll usually be covered by your UK car insurance.

Pretty much all UK policies give you at least the minimum level of cover required for driving in the European Union as standard.

One thing to watch, however, is that you might find the cover provided is only third party, which may exclude theft and/or damage to your vehicle abroad.

This means if your vehicle is damaged or if you have an accident, you won’t be able to make a claim to repair or replace your own vehicle – you’ll only be covered for damage to the other car or cars involved. That is why you should always check your level of insurance cover before leaving the UK. 

Some policies will retain the level of protection you already have, so if you have a fully comprehensive policy in the UK, the same applies to travelling in Europe too.

Countries that are in Europe but outside the EU, including Switzerland and Norway, will also usually be covered by your policy, but it’s worth double checking this with your policy provider.

Should I increase my insurance cover before driving abroad?

If you only have third party car insurance for driving in Europe, you might want to consider increasing your cover.

Third party car insurance is the basic, legal requirement for car insurance. It will usually only cover damage and injuries to other people or their vehicles.

Would you be able to afford repairs to your own car if you were to have an accident? As well as ruining your holiday, not having the right level of insurance cover could well leave you out of pocket, especially if your vehicle was subject to theft. 

If you’d prefer a higher level of protection to give you extra peace-of-mind, get in touch with your insurer to ask if they’ll upgrade your existing fully comprehensive policy for driving abroad, and how much it will cost you.

As part of your preparations, it’s also a good idea to have a European driving kit with you that complies with European driving laws.

READ MORE: Driving abroad? Be prepared, take out European Breakdown Cover

How long does car insurance cover last for driving abroad?

Car insurance policies usually have a limit on the number of days it will cover you for driving abroad.

For instance, your policy may cover you for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in a single trip and up to a maximum of 90 days in any one year.

You may need to pay an additional premium if you’re planning to be away for longer.

If you’re only driving in Europe for a short period but want fully comprehensive cover, you could get temporary car insurance.

This typically covers you for up to 30 days. It can be worthwhile if you’re only taking a single trip in the year or want to share driving duties with someone, as you can add other drivers to the policy.

How do I make a car insurance claim when I am abroad?

If you’re involved in a car accident while overseas, the first thing you should do is call the local police. In most countries, they must attend an accident involving a foreign vehicle.

The police will ask you to sign a European Accident Statement after all the relevant information has been exchanged between the parties involved.

You may also be asked to show your driving licence, V5C and insurance certificate.

You should contact your insurer immediately after the accident if your vehicle isn’t driveable. If it’s a minor accident and your vehicle is safe and legal to drive, you may be able to wait until you return home.

READ MORE: 7 car insurance myths debunked

What insurance do I need to rent a car?

When you’re hiring a vehicle, insurance cover should be part of the deal, but always check what’s included. In most countries, car rental agreements give you three types of basic cover – theft, damage and third-party liability.

Most agreements don’t cover you for damage to the car if you fill up with the wrong fuel, so make sure you’re totally clear on which one to use.

If you’re travelling long distances across the US or Australia, for example, ensure you’re covered for unlimited daily mileage.

Most car hire companies charge a very high excess, which could set you back a pretty penny if the car was damaged, even for minor scratches.

A cheaper option may be to get separate cover for the excess. This entitles you to claim back your excess if you’re charged. Find out more about Car Hire Excess Insurance.

If you’re borrowing a car from a friend or family member for a road trip, you’ll need to check that you have the appropriate cover is in place. It may work out cheaper to arrange a separate temporary car insurance policy.

These flexible policies can be taken out alongside your existing annual insurance policy for up to 30 days. You can add cover for driving in Europe when you purchase.

You will need to make sure the countries you are travelling to are included. Often journeys must start and finish within the UK. Find out more about temporary car insurance.