Driving in Europe and Green Cards

Your UK driver documentation entitles you to drive freely between the 22 member countries of the EU, without border controls and without the need for a visa.

You can find full details on driving in Europe, driving beyond the perimeter of the EU, or driving in Europe if you are not an EU member state citizen, on the European Union website ‘Europa’.

The Green Card system currently covers 44 countries and is managed by the Motor Insurers Bureau.

You do not have to have a Green Card when you drive in the EU but it does provide internationally recognised proof of your insurance and helps sort out settlement of claims arising from an accident.

Most EU countries will accept your certificate of motor insurance as evidence that your insurance complies with the relevant EU insurance laws so, if you decide not to take a green card on your trip, you should take your certificate with you.

We can also provide you with a European Accident Statement Form. You can download a European Accident Statement Form here, or call our Helpline and we’ll send one to you. This makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.

Your Cover will automatically provide you with the minimum cover (Third party liability) required by law anywhere within the EU, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

If you include the Foreign travel component in Your Cover, however, you will have the same cover as you have for driving in the UK, including damage to your car for up to 90 days while travelling in Europe.