Does UK car insurance cover driving in Europe?
Learn if your car insurance covers driving in Europe. And find out more about Tesco Car Insurance.
Published: 11 May 2026
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Does my car insurance cover driving in the EU?
Planning a road trip to Europe from the UK? You might be wondering if your car insurance still covers you.
With Tesco Car Insurance, you’ll be covered to drive your car in Europe on all of our cover levels, including:
- BronzeBronze
- SilverSilver
- GoldGold
You’ll also have the same cover level as you do in the UK. So, if you have comprehensive cover in the UK, you’ll have comprehensive cover in the EU.
This applies to the policy holder, as well as any permanent named drivers on the policy.
How long am I covered for?
You’ll be covered to drive in Europe for up to 90 days in any policy year.
If you exceed 90 days, then your car insurance will reduce to minimum foreign use cover required by law in the country in which you’re driving.
You can find out more in our Car Insurance FAQs.
Who is covered to drive my car abroad?
To be covered by Tesco Insurance abroad, all drivers must be permanently named on the policy. And be permanent residents in the UK.
This means any temporary additional drivers are not eligible to drive your car abroad.
Do I need to let my insurer know I’m taking my car to Europe?
With Tesco Car Insurance, you can take your car holiday to the EU without letting us know for up to 90 days.
Do I need a Green Card to drive in Europe?
No, you no longer need a Green Card - also known as an International Motor Insurance Card - to drive in Europe if you’re from the UK. This is an international certificate that proves you have the minimum car insurance needed to drive abroad.
Tesco Car Insurance includes the minimum required cover to comply with the laws on compulsory motor insurance for European countries. This includes countries like France, Spain and Germany.
You can view the full list of the countries covered in your policy booklet online in ‘Your Insurance Account’.
Am I covered in the Republic of Ireland?
Yes, we’ll provide the same cover shown on your policy schedule in the Republic of Ireland - if your car doesn’t stay there for longer than 90 consecutive days.
What happens if my car breaks down abroad?
With Tesco Car Insurance, you can add Breakdown Cover (provided by RAC) to your policy as an optional extra. As part of this, you can choose to include European Cover.
This provides breakdown cover in 48 European countries with roadside assistance and recovery to a local garage. Or back to the UK.
If you already have car insurance with us, you can add Breakdown Cover to your policy any time in ‘Your Insurance Account’. Remember, you don’t need to pay an admin fee when you make changes to your policy online.
What should I do if I have a car accident abroad?
If you’re involved in a car accident abroad, the process is the same as the UK. You should:
- Stop and make sure everyone’s okay - it's an offence to leave the scene of an accident, whether it was your fault or not. Stop safely and check yourself, any passengers and others involved for injuries. Call local emergency services if needed.Stop and make sure everyone’s okay - it's an offence to leave the scene of an accident, whether it was your fault or not. Stop safely and check yourself, any passengers and others involved for injuries. Call local emergency services if needed.
- Exchange details with the other driver(s) - collect the name and contact details of any other drivers involved. Make sure to take note of their vehicle registration number, too.Exchange details with the other driver(s) - collect the name and contact details of any other drivers involved. Make sure to take note of their vehicle registration number, too.
- Gather any evidence and witnesses - take photos of any vehicle damage, injuries and road conditions. Get the contact details of any witnesses, in case you need to contact them later.Gather any evidence and witnesses - take photos of any vehicle damage, injuries and road conditions. Get the contact details of any witnesses, in case you need to contact them later.
- Report the accident to the police - it’s always worth contacting the police after an accident. If they attend the scene, ask for their report and details.Report the accident to the police - it’s always worth contacting the police after an accident. If they attend the scene, ask for their report and details.
- Let your insurer know as soon as possible - report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can. They’ll be able to advise you on next steps.Let your insurer know as soon as possible - report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can. They’ll be able to advise you on next steps.
Learn more about what to do after an accident in our guide - What to do if you're involved in a car accident.
Should I get travel insurance for my trip?
If you’re driving to Europe, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance too. This helps to protect you in case the unexpected happens, including:
- lost belongingslost belongings
- cancellations or delayscancellations or delays
- accident, illness or injury abroadaccident, illness or injury abroad
With Tesco Travel Insurance, you can choose the right level of cover based on the type and number of trips you’re taking. Your options are:
With each option, you can decide on the level of cover you need - Economy, Standard or Premier. And the level you choose will determine your cover limits and excesses.
Driving in Europe checklist
If you’re driving to Europe from the UK, there’s a few essential things to take with you.
Important documents for driving in the EU
- Full, valid UK driving licenceFull, valid UK driving licence
- Valid UK passport - with at least 6 months validity leftValid UK passport - with at least 6 months validity left
- Proof of car insurance (usually a certificate)Proof of car insurance (usually a certificate)
- V5C logbook - also known as the V5C registration certificate - or VE103 form for hired or leased carsV5C logbook - also known as the V5C registration certificate - or VE103 form for hired or leased cars
- Travel insurance documentsTravel insurance documents
- European Breakdown Cover policy number and documentsEuropean Breakdown Cover policy number and documents
- Crit'Air sticker if you’re driving in France - this classifies your vehicle based on its emissions. It’s required in some low-emission zones in France.Crit'Air sticker if you’re driving in France - this classifies your vehicle based on its emissions. It’s required in some low-emission zones in France.
Equipment for driving in the EU
Different European countries have different laws on what equipment you should carry in the car with you. It’s always worth checking the requirements of the countries you’re visiting before you leave.
There are a few things we recommend taking on your road trip to Europe, including:
- High visibility jackets - there should be enough for each passenger. And be kept in the car itself, not the boot.High visibility jackets - there should be enough for each passenger. And be kept in the car itself, not the boot.
- Warning triangle - this is a legal requirement in most EU countries. They can be placed on the road to alert other drivers of a breakdown or emergency.Warning triangle - this is a legal requirement in most EU countries. They can be placed on the road to alert other drivers of a breakdown or emergency.
- Headlamp converters - depending on the car you have, you might need headlamp converters or to adjust the beam manually. This is because British cars are designed to be driven on the left, not the right. And the angle of the beam can dazzle other drivers.Headlamp converters - depending on the car you have, you might need headlamp converters or to adjust the beam manually. This is because British cars are designed to be driven on the left, not the right. And the angle of the beam can dazzle other drivers.
- Spare bulb kit - it's also worth carrying a spare bulb kit in your car, so you can change your headlamps if one of them goes.Spare bulb kit - it's also worth carrying a spare bulb kit in your car, so you can change your headlamps if one of them goes.
- First aid kit - also legally required in several EU countries. A first aid kit helps you be prepared in case someone gets hurt.First aid kit - also legally required in several EU countries. A first aid kit helps you be prepared in case someone gets hurt.
- LED torch - while it’s not a legal requirement, carrying an LED torch in the car can help if you breakdown or have an accident in the dark.LED torch - while it’s not a legal requirement, carrying an LED torch in the car can help if you breakdown or have an accident in the dark.
Learn more about helpful things to keep in the car in our guide - What to include in your car emergency kit.
Do I need a UK sticker when driving in Europe?
Yes, you should display a UK sticker on your car if you’re driving in the EU. Or have the UK identifier on your number plate.
As of 2021, the UK sticker replaced GB stickers. So, if you still have one of these on your car, you’ll need to update it.
How has Brexit impacted driving in Europe?
As well as replacing GB stickers, Brexit has changed a few things about driving in Europe. This includes:
- if you hold a UK passport, you can no longer use EU lanes or gates at border crossing points.if you hold a UK passport, you can no longer use EU lanes or gates at border crossing points.
- UK passport holders can also only visit Europe for 90 days in any 180 day period. If you’d like to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa for the country you’re visiting.UK passport holders can also only visit Europe for 90 days in any 180 day period. If you’d like to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a visa for the country you’re visiting.
- UK pet passports are no longer valid for travel in the EU - you'll need to get a European pet passport, instead. If you’re travelling with your pet, make sure you have pet insurance for your furry friend.UK pet passports are no longer valid for travel in the EU - you'll need to get a European pet passport, instead. If you’re travelling with your pet, make sure you have pet insurance for your furry friend.
Rules for driving in Europe
Whether you’re driving in Europe for the first time or not, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the driving laws. You can check the UK Government’s advice on driving abroad here - Driving abroad.
Most European countries have the same driving laws as the UK. But there are a few key things to remember:
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road - the only European countries that drive on the left like the UK are Cyprus, Malta and the Republic of Ireland.Drive on the right-hand side of the road - the only European countries that drive on the left like the UK are Cyprus, Malta and the Republic of Ireland.
- Speed limits are shown in km/h, not mph - bear this in mind when looking at road signs and stick to the limits. Remember, Germany is the only country that doesn’t have a speed limit on the motorway.Speed limits are shown in km/h, not mph - bear this in mind when looking at road signs and stick to the limits. Remember, Germany is the only country that doesn’t have a speed limit on the motorway.
- Tolls are common on motorways - many EU countries charge tolls on certain roads or motorways. You can pay at automatic toll booths (most no longer accept cash) or use a toll badge on your window. Some countries require a vignette (sticker), so check the rules for each country you’re visiting.Tolls are common on motorways - many EU countries charge tolls on certain roads or motorways. You can pay at automatic toll booths (most no longer accept cash) or use a toll badge on your window. Some countries require a vignette (sticker), so check the rules for each country you’re visiting.
- Don’t use your mobile phone while driving - like the UK, using your phone while driving is illegal unless you’re using a hands-free system.Don’t use your mobile phone while driving - like the UK, using your phone while driving is illegal unless you’re using a hands-free system.
- Parking rules are strictly enforced - always check parking signs, as fines are common. In some countries, like Spain, your car might be towed away if you’re parked illegally.Parking rules are strictly enforced - always check parking signs, as fines are common. In some countries, like Spain, your car might be towed away if you’re parked illegally.
Help for Car Insurance customers
If you’re a Tesco Car Insurance customer, find out how to manage your policy, get in touch or make a claim.
Important information
Tesco Car Insurance is arranged and administered by Tesco Insurance and is underwritten by Tesco Underwriting Ltd.
Tesco Insurance Breakdown Cover is provided, administered and underwritten by RAC Insurance Ltd.
You’ll find complete details of the cover, monetary limits, exclusions, excesses and terms in our policy documents.
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