European Law now states that if you insure your car in the UK (and your main address is in the UK) your car is automatically insured when driving on the Continent. But this cover is only at the minimum 3rd party fire & theft.

Fully Comprehensive Is Readily Obtainable

Of course, depending on who you insure with and how much you pay, your car can easily be comprehensively covered.

Personally I insure my car with Saga and for an extra fee get fully comprehensive European cover, even if that’s 365 days a year. But always check the smallprint for confirmation as many insurers will offer their clients slightly different policies depending on many factors including where they live, how old they are and what car is to be insured.

One point to check with your car insurer if thinking of driving abroad is to whether you need to inform them. Saga for example say no, but I still call them anyway to double check as one can never be sure if a company’s rules and guidelines change.

European Breakdown Insurance Is Also A Good Idea

Having broken down on the motorway in Belgium at 9pm on a winter’s night I can fully vouch for getting breakdown cover when in Europe.

The AA and RAC offer this as an add-on to their standard UK policies but personally I think around £100 they’re far too expensive.

I use QuoteLineDirect for around £65 per year which covers me for breakdowns in the UK. The policy also includes up to 90 days European breakdown cover but no trip can last for more than 30 days.