How has Brexit affected driving in Europe?<\/h3><\/div>![\"Danny](\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2020\/07\/Danny-Butler.jpg\")
<\/p>
Finder insurance expert Danny Butler<\/a> answers <\/em><\/div><\/div>Every year, millions of us take our cars across the Channel for a sojourn on the continent. As is the case in the UK, it\u2019s always been a legal requirement to have at least basic insurance to drive in Europe \u2013 but at one point, there were some concerns that the insurance rules for driving in Europe would become more complicated after Brexit.<\/p>
Fortunately, that hasn\u2019t come to pass. UK car insurance policies continue to be valid in EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, albeit usually only on a third party basis.<\/p>
Immediately after the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021, there was initially some extra admin required, as UK drivers needed to carry a Green Card as proof of insurance. This wasn\u2019t a disaster, but did require advanced planning and the addition of a task to the holiday checklist.<\/p>
As of 2 August 2021, this extra paperwork is rarely needed, after the European Commission waived this obligation in EU countries. Now, there are only a handful of non-EU countries in Europe that require a Green Card.<\/p>
You\u2019ll still need to be able to show proof of car insurance, though, so don\u2019t forget to take your policy documents. And if you want to boost your cover beyond third party insurance, take a look at our guide on European car insurance<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article>Checklist for driving in Europe<\/h3>
So you think you\u2019re all set for your trip. You\u2019ve got your car serviced and the tyres pumped up. However, it\u2019s crucial you go through the below checklist and make sure you\u2019ve ticked all the boxes.<\/p>
For example, did you know it\u2019s illegal to drive in some countries in Europe without reflective jackets or vests in your boot? The list below rounds up the documentation and other items you should carry with you when driving in Europe. It\u2019s not necessarily a comprehensive list, so check the requirements for the countries you\u2019re travelling to before you go.<\/p>
- Passport<\/li>
- Full driving licence<\/li>
- Car registration documents<\/li>
- Car insurance documents<\/li>
- Company car authorisation letter (if applicable)<\/li>
- Breakdown policy documents (if applicable)<\/li>
- Travel insurance papers<\/li>
- Reflective jackets<\/li>
- Warning triangle<\/li><\/ul>
Bottom line<\/h3>
You usually won\u2019t need an insurance Green Card to drive in Europe, but there are some exceptions to the rule. Even if you don\u2019t need a Green Card, you will always need to carry proof of car insurance to show on request by officials in the country, so take your policy documents with you. And don\u2019t assume that your UK insurance will automatically cover you to the same level as driving in the UK. Your UK policy may only give you third party cover to drive in Europe \u2013 if you want better protection, check our guide to European car insurance<\/a>.<\/p>
<\/p>
Every year, millions of us take our cars across the Channel for a sojourn on the continent. As is the case in the UK, it\u2019s always been a legal requirement to have at least basic insurance to drive in Europe \u2013 but at one point, there were some concerns that the insurance rules for driving in Europe would become more complicated after Brexit.<\/p>
Fortunately, that hasn\u2019t come to pass. UK car insurance policies continue to be valid in EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, albeit usually only on a third party basis.<\/p>
Immediately after the UK left the EU on 1 January 2021, there was initially some extra admin required, as UK drivers needed to carry a Green Card as proof of insurance. This wasn\u2019t a disaster, but did require advanced planning and the addition of a task to the holiday checklist.<\/p>
As of 2 August 2021, this extra paperwork is rarely needed, after the European Commission waived this obligation in EU countries. Now, there are only a handful of non-EU countries in Europe that require a Green Card.<\/p>
You\u2019ll still need to be able to show proof of car insurance, though, so don\u2019t forget to take your policy documents. And if you want to boost your cover beyond third party insurance, take a look at our guide on European car insurance<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article> So you think you\u2019re all set for your trip. You\u2019ve got your car serviced and the tyres pumped up. However, it\u2019s crucial you go through the below checklist and make sure you\u2019ve ticked all the boxes.<\/p> For example, did you know it\u2019s illegal to drive in some countries in Europe without reflective jackets or vests in your boot? The list below rounds up the documentation and other items you should carry with you when driving in Europe. It\u2019s not necessarily a comprehensive list, so check the requirements for the countries you\u2019re travelling to before you go.<\/p> You usually won\u2019t need an insurance Green Card to drive in Europe, but there are some exceptions to the rule. Even if you don\u2019t need a Green Card, you will always need to carry proof of car insurance to show on request by officials in the country, so take your policy documents with you. And don\u2019t assume that your UK insurance will automatically cover you to the same level as driving in the UK. Your UK policy may only give you third party cover to drive in Europe \u2013 if you want better protection, check our guide to European car insurance<\/a>.<\/p>Checklist for driving in Europe<\/h3>
Bottom line<\/h3>