Jeffrey Wade
If you're planning to drive abroad, it's important to ensure that you have the right insurance cover. Whether you're renting a car or taking your own, you'll need to be insured. Most UK car insurance policies provide at least the minimum level of cover required for driving in the EU, but it's important to check with your insurer to see what cover you already have in place and whether you need to pay for additional cover. You'll also need to make sure you have a valid driving licence and are familiar with the local driving laws and road signs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving licence | A full and valid UK driving licence is required to drive abroad. If driving outside the EU/EEA, an International Driving Permit may be required. |
| Insurance | Car insurance is required when driving abroad. Contact your insurance company to check your level of cover and obtain a green card as proof of insurance. |
| Breakdown cover | Check if your vehicle breakdown cover extends to driving abroad. |
| Travel insurance | Travel insurance may cover emergency medical expenses while driving abroad, but it typically does not cover personal liability. |
| Rental cars | When renting a car, insurance should be included, but always check what is included and what is excluded, such as damage from using the wrong fuel. |
| Temporary insurance | Temporary car insurance can be purchased for short trips to Europe to ensure fully comprehensive cover. |
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What You'll Learn
- Check your policy covers the country you're driving in
- Check your policy covers the number of days you're driving abroad
- Check your policy covers theft, fire, damage and personal liability
- Check you have a valid driving licence for the country you're driving in
- Check you have the correct documents, including a Green Card
Check your policy covers the country you're driving in
It is important to check with your specific insurance provider and understand the rules and coverage limitations. You can ask your insurance agent if your car insurance covers you internationally and if it covers rental cars in another country. If you plan to drive a rental car overseas, your current insurance policy for your personal vehicle will most likely not apply, and you'll have to purchase specific rental international car insurance for travel.
If you're taking your car with you, it's a good idea to start preparing for your trip several weeks in advance. Check that you have adequate car insurance and breakdown cover, then put together a checklist to ensure you don't miss anything important. Inform your insurance company that you'll be driving your car abroad and check exactly what you're covered for. You should never assume that your policy gives you the same level of cover abroad as it does in your home country. Check that your policy covers you for theft, fire, damage, and personal liability. If it doesn't cover all these, it's advisable to upgrade your policy, although there will probably be an additional charge to do this. Also, check how many days you can be covered for abroad. It's usually 90 days, but some policies only cover up to 30.
If you're hiring a car rather than taking your own, it's also worth checking that your car hire includes adequate insurance, especially in the USA. Make sure your vehicle breakdown cover can extend to driving abroad. You're more likely to have an accident abroad as you'll be driving in an unfamiliar country, often on the other side of the road.
Auto coverage requirements vary by country. For instance, theft protection is mandatory in Italy. But you'll want to make sure you're covered for the following no matter where you're driving: physical damage coverage so you aren't held liable to the rental company, coverage for injuries to you and other passengers in case of an accident, and coverage for injuries and damages to other drivers and their property if you're at fault in the accident.
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Check your policy covers the number of days you're driving abroad
When driving abroad, it's important to ensure that your insurance policy covers the number of days you plan to be on the road. Many policies have limits on the number of days they will cover you while driving abroad, so it's crucial to check this detail beforehand.
The period of cover can vary between insurance providers. Some policies offer a continuous limit, such as 14 or 30 days in a row, while others provide a total yearly allowance, typically ranging from 60 to 180 days per policy year. It's worth noting that some insurers, like LV= Comprehensive Insurance, exclude days spent in the Republic of Ireland from their foreign use limit.
To ensure you have sufficient cover for your trip, carefully review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider to discuss the specifics of your journey. It's important to understand if your policy has a daily limit or an annual allowance and plan accordingly. If you exceed these limits without proper coverage, you may find yourself uninsured.
Additionally, consider the level of cover provided by your policy. Basic third-party cover, which is commonly included as standard, may not include theft or damage to your vehicle. If you want comprehensive cover, you may need to extend your policy or purchase additional insurance. This is especially important if you plan to drive a rented or borrowed car, as the level of cover included in rental agreements or existing insurance policies may be basic.
By taking the time to review your policy's coverage limits and the level of cover provided, you can ensure that you have the necessary insurance for the duration of your trip abroad. In case of any uncertainties, it is always best to contact your insurance provider for clarification and to explore options for extending your coverage if needed.
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Check your policy covers theft, fire, damage and personal liability
When driving abroad, it is important to check that your insurance policy covers theft, fire, damage, and personal liability. While personal liability cover is not compulsory when travelling, it is important to be aware that if you cause property damage or bodily injury to another person while overseas and are uninsured, you will be required to pay for any legal fees or damages out of your own pocket. These costs can sometimes set you back hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the seriousness of the incident. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that your policy covers personal liability.
If you are renting a car, it is important to have physical damage coverage so that you are not held liable to the rental company. In some countries, such as Italy, international car insurance requires foreign car renters to purchase a "collision damage waiver" offered by the car rental company. It is also worth checking that your car hire includes adequate insurance, especially in the USA. Additionally, make sure that your vehicle breakdown cover can extend to driving abroad.
Your policy should also cover injuries to you and other passengers in the event of an accident, as well as injuries and damages to other drivers and their property if you are at fault. With so many unknowns associated with driving overseas, consider getting the highest liability coverage you can afford, especially if the rules of the road and driving behaviours are drastically different from what you are used to.
It is important to note that some countries, such as Cuba, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, require citizens from certain countries, such as Australia, to have travel insurance to enter. Therefore, it is crucial to research the specific rental car insurance requirements of each country you plan to visit.
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Check you have a valid driving licence for the country you're driving in
When driving abroad, it is important to ensure that you have a valid driving licence for the country you are driving in. Here are some key points to consider:
Firstly, if you are a licence holder from Great Britain or Northern Ireland, you need to carry your driving licence with you when driving abroad. Make sure that your licence is valid and has not expired. If your licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must obtain a new one before driving abroad.
Secondly, some countries may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP translates your identifying information into different languages and allows you to drive legally in countries that require it. Check the requirements of your destination country by visiting the Department of State's website or contacting the motor vehicle department of the country that issued your driver's licence.
Thirdly, if you are hiring a car abroad, you will need to present your valid driving licence. Check with the hire company in advance to ensure you have the necessary documentation, including any paper counterparts if you have a photocard licence. Additionally, confirm if your rental includes adequate insurance and breakdown cover.
Finally, familiarise yourself with the driving rules and regulations of your destination country. These may differ from those in your home country. For example, if you are driving in Europe and are used to driving on the left, you will need to adjust your headlamp beam to suit driving on the right. Knowing the road signs and general road rules beforehand can help ensure a safer driving experience.
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Check you have the correct documents, including a Green Card
When driving abroad, it is important to ensure that you have the correct documents with you. One such document is a Green Card, which is an international certificate issued by your car insurance provider. It proves that you have the minimum level of insurance required to drive in countries that use the Green Card system. While you don't need a Green Card to drive in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), it is still necessary to have a valid insurance policy for your vehicle.
To obtain a Green Card, simply contact your insurance provider and specify your travel destinations to ensure the card is valid for all your destinations. It is recommended to give at least 14 days' notice. If you are towing a caravan or trailer, you will need a separate Green Card for each vehicle. Additionally, if you are travelling in more than one vehicle under a multi-car policy, you will need a Green Card for each car. A Green Card is typically free of charge and can be sent to you digitally, allowing you to print it on plain paper.
It is worth noting that the Green Card must have a minimum of 15 days of cover remaining when entering a country that requires it. In exceptional cases, a Green Card can be issued for less than 15 days if the insurance policy is ending within that period. While a physical Green Card is not always mandatory, having one provides proof of the minimum level of insurance required and can give you peace of mind when driving abroad.
In addition to the Green Card, there are other important documents to remember when driving abroad. These include your driving licence (both the photocard and the paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence), your car insurance certificate, and your V5C log book. It is also recommended to have up-to-date maps of the countries you will be visiting and to familiarize yourself with the local road signs and rules.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, no matter where you are driving around the world, you will need car insurance.
All insurers provide basic third-party only overseas cover as standard when travelling to EU countries. However, this may exclude theft and/or damage to your vehicle abroad. You can extend the level of cover from basic third-party insurance to comprehensive cover when driving overseas, but this may cost you extra.
Car insurance policies usually have a limit on the number of days it will cover you for driving abroad. For example, 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 will need your driving licence, vehicle ownership, printed Green Card and motor insurance certificate. If you are driving within the EU/EEA, you will need your UK driving licence. If you are driving outside these countries, you may need an International Driving Permit.
If your vehicle isn't driveable, you should contact your insurer immediately after the accident. 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. In most countries, the local police must attend an accident involving a foreign vehicle.
