Short Term EU Car Insurance
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Why Compare Temporary European Car Insurance At SimplyQuote?
Temporary European car insurance is the fastest, most flexible way to stay legally insured when driving your car abroad — whether for a few hours, a weekend, or a short-term road trip across the continent.
If your current UK policy doesn’t fully cover European travel, or you simply need standalone cover for a specific trip, this is the practical solution.
Traditional insurance providers often make European add-ons awkward. Some restrict destinations, others only offer third-party cover abroad, and many charge admin fees to amend your policy. SimplyQuote removes that friction entirely. In partnership with GoShorty, we connect UK drivers with short-term policies built specifically for temporary driving across Europe — policies that start when you choose and end when you’re back.
Whether you’re heading to France for a wedding, picking up a car from Spain, or planning a driving holiday across Germany and Belgium, temporary European cover gives you the freedom to drive legally — without modifying your main policy or risking invalid insurance. It’s simple, fast, and built for trips that don’t fit inside an annual plan.
Why Do I Need To Get A Quote?
To get a quote for temporary European car insurance, you’ll need to provide your personal details, your vehicle’s information, and the dates you intend to drive abroad.
The process is quick, and there’s no need to adjust your existing UK policy.
You’ll also need to confirm that your trip starts and ends in the UK — most short-term European policies require this for legal and regulatory purposes. Whether you’re driving your own car or borrowing one, the vehicle must be UK-registered and road legal.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Your full name, UK address, and date of birth
- A full UK driving licence, valid and held for the minimum period required by the insurer
- The vehicle’s registration number, make, and model
- The dates and times you want cover to begin and end
- The European country or countries you’ll be driving through
- Confirmation that the vehicle is MOT’d, taxed, and insured for UK use
Once entered, SimplyQuote compares real-time prices from insurers that support European short-term travel — no calls, no guesswork, and no surprises at the border.
Why Do I Need Temporary European Car Insurance?
If you’re driving outside the UK, your regular policy might not fully protect you — and temporary European car insurance ensures you’re covered legally and properly for your entire trip.
It gives you clarity, peace of mind, and the right documentation without the hassle of changing your annual insurance.
While some UK insurers offer automatic European cover, it’s often limited. Many downgrade your policy to third-party only when abroad, or restrict you to a certain number of days. Others require you to inform them each time you travel, and they may charge fees or block cover in certain countries altogether.
Temporary European cover solves these problems in one move. It’s standalone, fully comprehensive (if selected), and designed to activate for just the duration you need — nothing more, nothing less.
Whether you’re taking your own car on a road trip to France, heading to Belgium for work, or picking up a vehicle in Germany to drive back to the UK, this cover lets you do so legally, instantly, and without uncertainty. It’s purpose-built for the modern traveller — short on time, but serious about staying covered.
Looking for temporary european car insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Does Temporary European Car Insurance Include?
Temporary European car insurance typically includes comprehensive cover for driving across Europe — from third-party liability to protection against theft, fire, and accidental damage.
It ensures your vehicle is fully insured while abroad, not just the bare minimum required by foreign authorities.
Unlike some annual UK policies that reduce your level of cover when you travel, these short-term policies often let you retain full comprehensive protection for the duration of your trip. And because it’s standalone, it won’t affect your existing insurer, your no-claims bonus, or require any paperwork to amend a policy.
Here’s what’s commonly included:
- Third-party liability – covers damage or injury to others abroad
- Accidental damage – pays to repair or replace your vehicle if you’re at fault
- Theft and fire protection – includes vehicle theft and fire damage anywhere in eligible countries
- Legal cover – helps cover legal expenses following an incident in Europe
- Windscreen and glass cover – available with many comprehensive policies
- Optional extras – such as breakdown assistance or courtesy car cover abroad
These policies usually cover most EU countries and EEA states, with additional countries sometimes offered depending on the provider. Always double-check your chosen destination is on the accepted list — especially for Eastern or non-EU locations.
What’s Not Included?
Temporary European car insurance doesn’t cover every country, purpose, or situation — and there are important exclusions to be aware of before you travel.
While the cover is comprehensive, it’s still subject to insurer terms, road laws, and eligibility rules.
One of the most common misunderstandings is assuming every European country is automatically included. That’s not the case. Some providers may exclude non-EU or Eastern European destinations. Others won’t cover extended business use or high-risk vehicles abroad.
Typical exclusions include:
- Non-covered countries – policies usually list eligible countries; destinations like Albania or parts of Eastern Europe may be excluded
- Hire and reward use – courier work, food delivery, and taxi services aren’t covered
- Driving outside the UK before or after the trip – you must start and end the policy within the UK
- Unroadworthy vehicles – the car must be taxed, MOT’d, and in legal condition to drive
- Driving without appropriate documentation – including a valid licence or passport
- Pre-existing vehicle damage – insurers won’t cover known issues or claims that pre-date the policy
Before purchasing, make sure the vehicle, driver, and destination all meet the insurer’s terms. If you’re not sure, a few minutes checking the policy wording can save you serious stress abroad.
How Much Does Temporary European Car Insurance Cost?
Temporary European car insurance typically costs between £25 and £65 per day, depending on your vehicle, travel destination, length of cover, and driver profile.
It’s more affordable than altering an annual policy — especially for one-off trips.
Costs rise slightly for travel outside the EU or when driving high-risk or high-value vehicles. Adding extras like breakdown cover or driving in multiple countries may also increase the price. However, the benefit is full control: you only pay for the days or weeks you need, not a full year.
Here’s what affects your quote:
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Duration of cover | Longer trips cost more but may offer better per-day value |
| Countries visited | Western Europe tends to be cheaper; some insurers exclude certain regions |
| Vehicle type and age | Luxury, modified, or imported vehicles increase premiums |
| Driver age and experience | Younger or newly qualified drivers typically pay more |
| Add-ons selected | Optional extras like roadside assistance or European breakdown can add cost |
Compared to adjusting an annual UK policy — which may incur admin fees, downgrade cover, or limit days abroad — a temporary European policy offers clarity, independence, and often better value.
How Can I Save Money On Temporary European Car Insurance?
To save money on temporary European car insurance, choose a standard vehicle, avoid unnecessary extras, and only insure for the exact duration of your trip.
With a little planning, you can secure the cover you need without overpaying.
Start by looking at your car. If you’re driving a performance model or heavily modified vehicle, expect a higher quote. But if you’re in a typical hatchback or mid-size saloon, many insurers will offer competitive short-term rates — especially if you’re over 25 and have a clean driving record.
Here are some ways to keep your premium in check:
- Stick to essential cover only – avoid breakdown or legal extras unless they’re truly necessary
- Limit your policy to your travel window – don’t round up “just in case”
- Raise your voluntary excess – a higher excess can reduce upfront costs
- Use SimplyQuote to compare – every insurer prices European trips differently, especially for non-EU countries
- Check if your destination is included by default – some trips (e.g. to Ireland or France) are lower risk than others
It’s about finding the right balance — enough protection to travel confidently, without paying for more than you need. SimplyQuote makes that process easier by showing only quotes that match your journey details.
How To Compare Temp European Car Insurance At SimplyQuote?
Comparing temporary European car insurance quotes at simplyquote.co.uk is fast, clear, and designed for drivers heading abroad — with no calls, paperwork, or surprises.
You’ll only see quotes from insurers who support European travel, so you can book with confidence.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter your personal and licence details
Provide your UK address and full UK driving licence info — insurers use this to check eligibility and price your policy. - Add the car’s details
Enter the registration number or manually select the make and model. You don’t need to own the car — just have permission to drive it. - Select your cover start time and duration
Choose the exact hours or days you need — whether it’s a single-day trip to France or a two-week European driving holiday. - Confirm your destinations
Choose the country or countries you’ll be driving in. The system will filter out any policies that don’t cover those locations. - Compare quotes and choose your policy
You’ll see live prices from trusted providers via GoShorty. Once selected, you can pay online and receive your documents instantly.
This is short-term European cover with none of the usual admin — no calling your insurer, no amendments to existing policies, and no worrying about what’s actually covered abroad. You’re ready to go, legally and fully protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Temporary European car insurance is designed for short trips abroad, offering legal cover from as little as one hour up to 28 days.
Not always. Some UK policies downgrade to third-party only abroad. Temporary cover ensures you get full protection during your trip.
Most EU and EEA countries are included, but always check your policy’s list of eligible destinations before you travel.
Yes, as long as you have permission and the vehicle is UK-registered, taxed, and road legal. You don’t need to be the owner.
Not usually. Most UK insurers no longer require a green card for driving in the EU, but your policy should state this clearly.
Yes. Most temporary European policies require the journey to begin and end in the UK. You must return the car within the cover period.
Breakdown cover is often an optional extra. You can choose to add it at the time of purchase depending on your needs.
Yes. You can buy and activate cover instantly — even minutes before departure — as long as your documents are in order.
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Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 1st June 2025 by Chris Richards