Taking your vehicle abroad - frequently asked questions
The UK's formally withdrawn from the EU and we're now in a transition period until 31 December 2020.
During the transition period, if you want to drive your vehicle in the EU you'll need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance and your policy document with you to prove you're insured. You can find both in MyAccount. You should also take your vehicle registration document (V5) to prove you own the vehicle.
You'll also need a GB sticker on your vehicle and any trailer.
If you're the driver, in some countries you'll need an international driving permit (IDP) Check if you need an IDP
From 1 January 2021 you may need to take a Green Card. If you're not sure what a Green Card is or how to get one, take a look at our FAQs below.
What's a Green Card?
- They're an international certificate of insurance that's printed on green paper.
- They're issued by your vehicle insurer to prove you're insured to drive in the EU.
- They're personalised with your UK registration details and are signed by your insurer.
- You'll need to carry yours with you if you're driving into Europe.
- They can't be downloaded so they have to be posted to your home address.
- You also need a second card if you plan to tow a trailer or caravan.
Do I need a Green Card?
You won't need a Green Card during the transition period. But from 1 January 2021, if you want to drive your own vehicle in the EU, you may need to show a Green Card at European borders to prove you're insured. Please allow a month for your Green Card to arrive.
You'll also need a GB sticker on your vehicle and any trailer.
If you're the driver, in some countries you'll need an international driving permit (IDP) Check if you need an IDP.
What countries do I need a Green Card for?
Any member of the European Union, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Serbia. You'll also need a Green Card if you plan to drive between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. See the full list of countries.
How long do they last for?
A Green Card can last for up to 90 days (or until you're due to renew if your renewal date is less than 90 days away), but check your policy booklet for details on how long you're covered to drive in a single trip abroad.
Will I still be insured to drive in the EU?
Yes. Like all UK motor insurance providers, we'll continue to provide you with the legal minimum motor insurance cover for you to drive your vehicle within EEA countries.
So, if you're a UK motorist, you won't need to buy additional third-party motor insurance policy cover. As many of our policies come with a similar level of cover abroad as in the UK, we recommend you check your level of cover which is also in your policy booklet.
Will my Green Card cover me to hire or borrow a vehicle while in the EU?
No. If you want to rent or borrow a vehicle, you'll need to arrange insurance separately and your Green Card won't cover this.
Will I need a GB sticker on my vehicle?
You could get fined if you don't display a GB sticker on your car or trailer.
You'll need a GB sticker even if your number plate already has a GB or the Euro symbol on it.
They're available from a variety of high street and online retailers, as well as departure points in the UK, and only cost a couple of pounds.
What will happen if I don't have a Green Card when I travel abroad?
You could be breaking the law, be refused entry to the European country, receive a fine and/or have your vehicle seized. [Note your policy doesn't cover loss or damage caused by the legal confiscation of your vehicle by HM Revenue and Customs, the police, a local authority or any other government authority. Please see your policy booklet for full terms and conditions].
Will there be any changes to driving licences?
Potentially yes. You may need an international driving permit (IDP) in addition to your UK driving licence to drive in the EU and EEA countries if the current agreement changes. IDPs are issued by the Government. Find out more about IDPs and how to get one.
What happens if my insurance renews whilst I'm driving abroad?
When you renew your insurance you'll need a new Green Card for your new policy, even if you keep your insurance with us. So, if you plan to be driving your vehicle abroad when you're due to renew, make sure you've got with you a Green Card to cover your current policy and one to cover your new policy. Please let us know when requesting your Green Card if this is the case.
If you decide to switch to a new insurer, you'll need to ask them for a new Green Card.
What happens if I'm driving with a trailer or caravan?
You'll need to tell us when you ask for your Green Card as you need a second Green Card for your caravan or trailer.
If you plan to take a commercial trailer weighing over 750kg or a non-commercial trailer weighing over 3,500kg, you must also register it with the Government before you can travel to, or through, most EU and EEA countries. Find out more.
If I have a multi car policy will I need a Green Card for each insured car?
You need a Green Card for each vehicle you're taking to the EU. So if you're taking two cars that are on the same multi car policy, you'll need a separate Green Card for each of them.
I drive in the EU regularly. Will I need to tell my insurer every time I travel?
Green Cards are normally valid between 15 and 90 days (see your policy booklet for details), but if you travel frequently, let us know when you request your Green Card as we may be able to extend this.
How do I get one?
You don't need a Green Card during the transition period, but you do need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance and your policy document with you to prove you're insured. You can find both in MyAccount.
You should also take your vehicle registration document (V5) to prove you own the vehicle.
You'll also need a GB sticker on your vehicle and any trailer.
If you're the driver, in some countries you'll need an international driving permit (IDP) Check if you need an IDP.
We'll be updating this FAQ page as the situation changes, so make sure to check back here if you're planning on traveling abroad.
For more information on Green Cards and the latest on driving abroad you can visit:
