Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover EU Travel?

3rd February 2026

If you’re planning a drive to Europe (maybe a quick ferry crossing, maybe a longer road trip) this is usually the first question people ask: Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover EU Travel?

The straight answer is that, yes, it can - but only if European cover is included in your policy. Some temporary policies include Europe as standard. Others don’t. And even when Europe is included, the level of cover and the countries you can drive in can vary, so it’s always worth triple checking your policy.

Let’s give you a bit more info on temporary car insurance for Europe, so you know what to look for and avoid going away undercovered.

Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover EU Travel?

Yes, if European cover is included in the policy (it’s not always automatic) and the country you’re travelling to is listed on the policy. That’s the key thing to remember. It’s also worth noting that temporary European car insurance isn’t identical across every policy.

So, before driving abroad, you should always check the list of covered European countries and the level of EU car insurance you’ll have while driving outside the UK. If those two things line up with your plans, you’re good to go.

What "EU Travel Cover" Means on Temporary Car Insurance

This is where expectations can trip people up.

When a temporary policy includes EU travel cover, it means you’re insured to drive outside the UK in certain European countries. What it doesn’t always mean is:

Fully comprehensive cover abroad
Cover in every EU or EEA country
Unlimited time driving in Europe

One of the most common surprises is this: some temporary European car insurance policies reduce cover to third party only when you’re abroad, even if you’re fully comprehensive in the UK. And there’s generally a limited number of days you can drive abroad.

These caveats are really not unusual, but they’re very easy to miss if you’re booking in a rush. That said, they’re always set out in the policy wording, so make sure you read this part carefully.

Get a MotorEasy Temporary Car Insurance quote to see if you're able to drive abroad.

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Covered Countries: Why It's Not Always "All of Europe"

A lot of drivers assume that if Europe is included, then all of Europe is included. Be it France, Spain, or Italy, it’s all Europe, so surely, you’re covered? Not always.

European car insurance cover usually applies to a specific list of countries, rather than automatically covering every EU or EEA destination. Coverage can vary depending on:

The country you’re driving in
How long your trip lasts
The policy type and risk rules

That’s why it’s always worth checking the country list in your policy documents before you travel. You don’t have to read through all the boring small print, but pay attention to the part that says exactly what’s covered under the policy. It can save you some serious hassle further down the line.

What Level of Cover Do You Get in Europe (Fully Comp vs Third Party)

Your European car insurance cover doesn’t always match what UK policies would typically cover. For example, some policies keep fully comprehensive cover in Europe, while others switch to third-party cover only once you leave the UK.

Third-party cover meets legal requirements, but it won’t pay for damage to your own car. If you’re driving long distances, unfamiliar roads, or borrowing someone else’s vehicle, that difference really matters.

European car insurance isn’t worse; it’s just structured differently. Knowing what you have before you go can help you avoid nasty surprises later.

How to Check Your Cover Level Before You Travel

Before setting off, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check your policy wording. The most important things to look out for are:

Whether EU cover is included
Which European countries are covered
What level of cover applies abroad
Any limits on how long you can drive in Europe

If anything isn’t clear, don’t guess. Call your insurance provider and make sure you understand what you’re taking out.

Do You Need European Breakdown Cover as Well?

Getting temporary European breakdown cover is always a good idea.

That’s because car insurance and breakdown cover work in different ways, and both can save you some serious stress. Insurance is there to help if there’s an accident. Breakdown cover helps if your vehicle breaks down and can’t continue the journey.

Breakdown cover can include:

Roadside assistance
Vehicle recovery
Onward travel or repatriation, depending on the policy

Some insurance policies include helpful extras, but when it comes to EU breakdown cover, this normally needs to be arranged separately. If the thought of being stuck on the hard shoulder abroad makes you uneasy (and it would most of us), that’s a good sign it’s worth looking into.

Get a MotorEasy Breakdown quote today if you are interested in EU cover.

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What to Check Before You Drive Abroad

These quick pre-trip checks are all you need to make sure you’re covered and fully prepared for your EU trip.

Confirm your insurance covers:

The driver(s)
The vehicle
The countries
The dates

Also, make sure you carry:

Your insurance certificate
Your driving licence
Vehicle documents, where required

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does temporary car insurance cover EU travel?

Yes, if European cover is included and your destination country is listed on the policy.

Which European countries are covered by temporary car insurance?

Coverage usually applies to specific names countries (not automatically all of Europe).

Is temporary European car insurance fully comprehensive?

Sometimes. Some policies keep fully comprehensive cover abroad, while others reduce cover to third party only.

Can I buy short term European car insurance for a weekend trip?

Yes. Temporary European car insurance can work well for short trips, as long as European cover is included for your destination and dates.

Do I need European breakdown cover as well?

It’s not a legal requirement, but we highly recommend it. Breakdown cover is separate from car insurance, so you’ll need to take it separately, but it will give you peace of mind that you have help at hand should you break down while driving in the EU.