If you’re planning a holiday in Europe or are staying abroad for part of the year, you will need temporary European car insurance. We offer cover for short-term trips to Europe.
All UK car insurance policies provide you with the minimum third party cover to drive in the following countries:
If you have a comprehensive insurance policy in the UK, third party EU cover is often included as standard, but it’s best to check this before you travel.
It’s important to note that third party insurance only covers you for damage caused to someone else’s vehicle. If you get into an accident, you won’t be able to claim for repairs to your own vehicle on your policy.
Taking out temporary European car insurance with us can increase this cover to fully comprehensive.
We can help whether you need short-term European cover for seven days, up to 30 days, or even a few months. You could be going on holiday, travelling for work, or visiting relatives abroad. Whatever your reason, we will find short-term European car insurance that fits your needs. We can also offer European car insurance for longer periods if needed.
Our legal cover is a standard feature in our car insurance policies, whether you purchase annual or short-term insurance. So if you are ever involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, it can help you recover any out of pocket expenses afterwards.
We can cover you for travel in a wide range of locations, including European countries and as well as several other destinations.
Sterling’s claim line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need to make a claim, for whatever reason, we will be here for your call.
Sterling’s short-term European car insurance is available to anyone over the age of 21. We can cover most cars and vans, even classic cars, campervans and motorhomes.
The last thing you need is to lose your car keys, or for your vehicle to break down you’re on holiday. We offer a range of optional extras that can be added to your insurance policy, including European breakdown cover, keycare, misfuelling cover and windscreen cover.
To get temporary European car insurance with us, you must meet the following criteria:
Temporary European car insurance will cover you for a day, a week, up to 30 days, or possibly in some cases for longer, should you need it, for your trip abroad. Some UK car insurance policies can cover you for up to 30 days when driving in Europe, but you should always check your insurance details before you set off.
If you are not covered, then temporary European car insurance is perfect for those making a short trip to France or further afield, with the same level of cover as you would receive in the UK.
At Sterling we offer temporary European car insurance to any driver aged 21 and above, offering expert levels of cover from third-party, all the way to fully comprehensive policies.
Despite what you may think, driving in Europe is not as simple as just getting in your car and putting your destination in a sat-nav. For example, French laws are different from German driving rules and regulations, so it’s always worth planning what you need in each country, before you head off on your journey.
Items you will most likely need, but are not limited to:
Like driving in the UK, you should organise European breakdown cover before travelling abroad to cover you should the worst happen.
We offer various types of European breakdown cover, including policies if your car breaks down within the European Economic Area (EEA) and on our list of non-European countries.
It is legal to drive in European Union countries as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with a valid photocard licence issued in the UK.
That changes if you’re travelling outside of Europe, you have a paper licence, or your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. In these cases, you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
You can find a full list of what you need when travelling on the government website.
You will not need to carry a green card with you when driving in the EU, Ireland, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Iceland, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Liechtenstein, however you will need to have valid car insurance.
If you are going to be driving outside of those countries, or even in the EU in general, we recommend you take a green card with you, as this is proof you have the correct cover in place and avoids any legal implications. We issue the document for free with our cover.
You may also need to carry a green card to drive in other countries, including:
Overseas visitors in need of car insurance in the UK can get an even better deal on their insurance over the phone. Many of our policies are exclusive to Sterling insurance. They do not feature on price comparison websites and do not appear online.
We will compare policies and levels of cover to suit your circumstances and come up with the best price for you.
Call 0344 381 9990 to find out how much you can save (existing customers 0344 381 9990). One quick call can save you a heap of cash
Sterling’s UK claim line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Isn’t it comforting to know that if you ever need to make a claim, whether an accident is your fault or a third party’s, someone will be here for you at the other end of the phone?
There will be less stress too because they will be an experienced claim call handler who will speak your language, understand your needs and concerns and know just how to help.
Whether you’re calling for a quote on your new motor insurance or want to make a claim, our staff are based in the UK and are ready for your call.
As soon as you agree on the terms of your new motor insurance policy, your insurance documents can be issued on the same day. And, if need be, they can be transferred digitally for your convenience.
Our senior staff have been working in the insurance industry for more than 30 years.
We are experienced UK insurers and we will be able to help if you need to find cover for situations or circumstances that are a little more specialist.
Customised and modified cars, left hand drive cars and classic cars will not be a problem!