What insurance cover do you need to drive abroad?

If you are driving your own car or hiring a car whilst you are abroad you need to have appropriate car insurance in addition to travel insurance.

For Single Trip Travel Insurance

For Multi Trip Travel Insurance

Hot Topics

What exclusions on Travel Insurance should you look out for?
In other words, what is NOT covered by your travel insurance ! Never make any assumptions !
Why is there a need for a special backpacker’s travel insurance?
More and more people are taking off around the world or studying abroad for long periods of time – this has created the need for a special type of insurance, which is commonly known as backpacker travel insurance.
Do you need special travel insurance for ski-ing holidays?
At the very least you should top up standard travel insurance with ski cover - but you are probably better off buying a specialist ski or extreme sports travel policy which gives you more extensive cover.
Is there such a thing as golf travel insurance?
Yes, you can get specialist golf travel insurance which is good news for enthusiasts who will know only too well the difficulty of finding suitable cover for golfing holidays.
Is it OK just to get single trip travel insurance?
Yes, if you only go abroad once or twice a year, single trip travel insurance is the most appropriate Cover for your needs and probably the best value too!
The channel tunnel has made it easier than ever for us to drive our own cars on the Continent. Nowadays UK holidaymakers think nothing of getting behind their steering wheel and heading for locations throughout Europe.

However, unfamiliar surroundings, driving on the left hand side and different driving laws all combine to heighten the risks of accidents for even the most confident of drivers. What’s more, if your car breaks down in a foreign country you are unlikely to have sufficient cover.

Although your UK car insurance covers you for third party liability in EU countries, you should really consider extending your cover through your car insurer. Check out and arrange suitable breakdown cover too - it could save you a fortune.

If you are renting a car whilst you are on abroad, the car hire company should offer you appropriate car insurance. Check the details on the insurance document carefully before signing any agreement.

In some countries especially those outside the EU you may require an International Driving Permit in addition to your UK driving licence. It’s essential to apply for an International Driving Permit before going abroad either through the AA, RAC or some branches of the Post Office.

If you are staying in another country for long period of time, working there or on a business trip - you must find out if there are any specific licensing requirements before relying your international driving permit.