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Car Insurance with European Cover

Companies offering European Cover, for those staying for longer terms than normal.

Taking your car to Europe over the next twelve months for longer than a month? Is so its worthwhile making sure you get covered by the right insurer at the time of your renewal.

Car insurance policies issued in the UK automatically offer the minimum insurance for EU countries, (and Norway, Switzerland and Iceland) this is not something we think should be relied upon. Minimum insurance normally covers third party risks only, and therefore to avoid a potentially large bill if you are involved in an incident on the continent, a car insurance policy which offers the same protection as the policy you have in the UK is recommended.

If you are moving out of the country either on secondment or becoming an expat please refer to our seperate article on Car Insurance for Expats, Secondments and those moving or living abroad. This also includes information for those moving to the UK.

Find Car Insurance with European cover

The Cooperative Car Insurance is one definately to consider. They will cover any number of trips to Europe in a year as long as none are individually longer than 90 days. To obtain this level of cover you get a standard Co-operative Insurance quotation and then add on their 'Extended Foreign Use' option which costs just £15 p.a. Their base premiums are competitive with the company offering up to 70% No Claims discount.

Our car insurance comparison service has a number of companies who offer good quality EU cover within their comprehensive policies (although do check the small print - as companies do change their policies!). Some of those offering more than a months cover are detailed below, but be aware that in certain countries different rules apply - for instance car insurance for Slovenia and Croatia has to be bought as you enter the country.

  • Admiral - Policies automatically includes a FREE International Motor Insurance Certificate for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in any one trip up to a maximum of 90 days in a year.
  • Budget - car insurance policies provides EU cover for up to 60 days - normally can be extended by calling the company.
  • Diamond - Policies automatically includes a FREE International Motor Insurance Certificate for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in any one trip up to a maximum of 90 days in a year.
  • Endsleigh - includes cover in EU for up to 90 days.
  • Elephant - includes cover in EU for up to 90 days.

Another popular insurer who offers good long term cover (up to 90 days in a policy year) is John Lewis. John Lewis have worked out that their insurance is taken by those more likely to tour Europe, and therefore offer extended cover automatically. They also offer options for long term European breakdown cover.

Can I take my car abroad for over 90 days?

The most flexible car insurer we have come across with regard to European use is eCar who provide unlimited stay European cover as long as your permanent place of residence is in the UK and you are only using the vehicle for a temporary visit for social, domestic and pleasure purposes. They specifically exclude use for commuting or in any business capacity. Do use our specific eCar link which takes you to the appropriate page as they also offer a policy offering only 90 days European use. Check their Frequently Asked Questions (once you have started a quote there is a link at the foot of the page) to ensure you are buying the policy with maximum flexiblity. Prices for experienced drivers can be very competitive.

At the time of writing the e car website stated the following in response to their question 'Free European Use':

We allow unlimited foreign use in EU countries and a few others.

You have the same cover in all the countries listed in the Territorial limits that you do at home. For example, if you have comprehensive cover in the UK you will have comprehensive cover in the EU.

Your Policy, Schedule and Certificate of Motor Insurance will provide sufficient evidence that you are complying with the laws relating to compulsory motor insurance in any of these countries that you visit.

If you are planning to take you car abroad for any significant period it is also worth checking the regulations that apply in the country you are visiting. All countries have a time period which means, once this has expired, your car will require to be taxed insured and MOT'd in that country.

Borrowing a car? Need Temporary Insurance or Short Term Cover for Europe?

TempCover offers comprehensive short term car insurance for European driving (be aware that many short term insurers only provide minimal cover).

Still not covering your needs?

Give us a call on 0800 520 0699 (01183 218197 from a mobile) and we will try our hardest to help - alternatively drop us a line through our contact us page.




This information is based on journalistic investigation and research at the time of going to press as a service to our readers. It does not offer either financial, legal or any other advice that should be followied without your own enquiries. Any information should be considered in regard to specific circumstances. Any suggestions followed up are done so at your own risk and your own research is key.



Car Insurance with European Cover