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European driving cover

European driving cover protects your vehicle when you drive it in most European countries, giving you peace of mind on your trip. Effectively it’s an extension of your UK-based vehicle insurance, and is essential if you want to drive your car abroad and still have the full benefits of your policy.

We recommend making sure you’ve got European driving cover to protect yourself from expenses in the event of an accident, damage or breakdown.

You can get this included in your specialist or multi vehicle policy with Norton, but you’ll still need to tell your insurer when you plan to travel abroad.

There are also some conditions that you should be aware of to make sure you get the most from this cover.

Which countries are covered by European driving cover?

Your insurer can confirm exactly which countries European driving cover is valid in and at what level. Typically, European driving cover will include the following destinations:


Andorra	Estonia	Italy	Portugal
Austria	Finland	Latvia	Romania
Belgium	France	Liechtenstein	Serbia
Bulgaria	Germany	Lithuania	Slovakia
Croatia	Greece	Malta	Slovenia
Cyprus	Hungary	Netherlands	Spain
Czech Republic	Iceland	Norway	Sweden
Denmark	Ireland	Poland	Switzerland

It’s best to check directly with your insurer to be certain of the countries covered when you’re planning to travel, as this may change. Some countries also require a visa or insurance green card for you to drive legally in them.

Why is European driving cover important?

Put simply, European driving cover matters because it protects you and others when you drive in the EU.

When you drive your car in another country, your UK car insurance policy will only give you the legal minimum insurance required in that country. Or, if the basic level of cover there is even less than the UK legal minimum, you’ll get the UK legal minimum, known as RTA cover (after the Road Traffic Act 1988). This equates to a shade below third-party only cover, and doesn’t cover your own vehicle.

European driving cover is essential if you want the same kind of protection in Europe as you have driving in the UK. That might be comprehensive cover that takes care of all parties in the event of an accident, meaning you don’t have to panic if you have a bump.

Get your European driving cover quote today

Want to speak with someone about European driving cover, or check the cover levels on your current car insurance policy?

Send us a message below and we’ll give you a call back to help you identify whether you’re already covered, or how to add the best cover option for your upcoming European road trip.

Do I need a green card to drive in the EU?

The requirement for an insurance green card to drive in an EU member state was scrapped in August 2021. However, if you have a paper driving licence, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in some EU countries, and in Norway.

You can also drive without a green card in some non-EU countries, including Andorra, Monaco, Switzerland and Vatican City.

There are some countries in Europe where you do still need a green card or a local insurance policy to drive, so check your country of destination’s rules well ahead of your trip.

Heading abroad soon? Here are 5 things to think about when planning your driving trip in Europe.

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Breakdown cover that includes Europe as standard

If you break down abroad it can be complicated to get your car taken care of. Our breakdown cover from ALPS includes Europe as standard, while many other breakdown insurance products will charge you extra for it. Even if you already have breakdown cover in the UK, it can be worth adding this for a trip abroad and many of our customers choose to do so.

From roadside support to repatriation, European breakdown cover will give you peace of mind when driving on the continent. Ask your personal client manager for more details, or give us a ring on 0121 248 9440.

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Didn't look elsewhere. Notified me in plenty of time of my renewal. Have been with Norton for many years and happy to stay. Competitive rates and great service.

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Whenever, over the years, I have had to contact Norton the service has been brilliant. I enquired about a Green Card last week and the guidance that I got back was truly first class.

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