Am I covered to drive abroad?

Most UK car insurance policies provide a minimum level of cover when driving in certain countries outside the UK. This is usually third party only, which means it covers damage or injury you cause to others, but not damage to your own vehicle.

The level of cover, duration, and eligible countries vary by insurer and policy type. Always check your policy documents before travelling. You can find your policy documents in MyPizza.

Which countries can I drive in?

UK insurers typically cover driving in:

EU countries
EEA countries
Some additional European countries (for example, Switzerland)

Your policy documents will show details of which countries are covered. If a country is not listed, you will not be insured to drive there. If you wish to drive to any country which is not referred to in your policy documents you should contact us prior to your departure.

What level of cover will I have?

When driving abroad, you may have one of the following levels of cover:

Third party only – the legal minimum in each country where cover is provided
Third party, fire and theft – limited protection for your vehicle (not always included automatically)
Comprehensive – the same level of cover you have in the UK (not always included automatically)

Your policy documents will confirm exactly what level of cover you have.

How long can I drive abroad?

Most policies limit how long you can drive outside the UK in any one trip or policy year. These limits vary by insurer and policy type, so check your policy carefully before your departure.

What documents should I take with me?

When driving abroad, you should carry:

Your driving licence
Your car insurance certificate
Your V5C log book (or a VE103 if leasing)
Your passport

Some countries also require additional safety equipment, such as reflective jackets or warning triangles.

Can I add European cover to my policy?

If your policy does not include the cover you need, you may be able to add or extend European driving cover before you travel. Contact us for more information.

What if I have an accident abroad?

If you are involved in an accident:

Ensure everyone is safe and seek medical help if needed
Contact local emergency services if required
Exchange details with other parties involved
Take photos and gather witness information if possible
Contact our claims team as soon as you can on +44303 003 7763

Important things to remember

Driving laws and speed limits vary by country
You may need to display a UK identifier on your vehicle
Drink-driving limits are often lower than in the UK
In some countries you may not be permitted to move your vehicle until the police have attended

Breakdown cover when driving abroad

Car insurance alone will not help if your vehicle breaks down overseas. Without European breakdown cover, you could face expensive recovery costs, long delays, and unexpected accommodation or travel expenses.

Adding European breakdown cover gives you peace of mind that help is available when you need it most.

If you’re unsure about your cover or want to add European breakdown, contact us before you go to make sure you’re fully protected.

Why take out European breakdown cover?

European breakdown cover can include:

24/7 roadside assistance if your car won’t start or breaks down
Recovery to a local garage or safe location
Vehicle repatriation back to the UK if repairs cannot be completed abroad
Onward travel, accommodation, or car hire, helping you continue your journey
Support if you lose your keys, run out of fuel, or have a flat battery (depending on cover level)

Without cover, even a minor breakdown abroad can cost hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Arrange breakdown cover before you travel

European breakdown cover must usually be in place before you leave the UK. Cover levels vary based on your destination, trip length, and vehicle, so it’s important to choose the right policy.

We can help you: