We get it, you're sick and tired of hearing about Brexit! (So are we đ)
But Britain's exit from the European Union was a big deal - and it had an impact on all sorts of things, from passports to pets.
But what does it mean for British drivers travelling in Europe?
Good news! For a little while after the UK left the European Union, a Green Card was required to take a British car into the EU. But as of August 2nd 2021, thatâs no longer needed.
You do need to bring a few bits and pieces, though.
You don't need a Green Card to travel in the EU, plus some other countries, but you must be insured.
UK insurance companies all provide the mimumum legal requirement for driving in:
The exact type of insurance depends on your insurer, so it's always worth checking.
With a Cuvva subscription, you get 60 days of comprehensive EU cover every year. đ
There are still a few requirements for driving in these countries, though.
Your full driving licence This is probably a good time to check that your licence is still in date. If itâs expired, youâll need to apply for a new one online, at least a week before you travel.
Your logbook (V5C) If you're driving your own car in the EU and the trip is less than 12 months long, you'll need to bring your log book â make sure it's up to date!.
If you plan on driving a hired or leased car in the EU, for less than 12 months, you'll need to get a VE103 certificate to prove you're allowed to drive it abroad.
You can get a VE103 for a fee from:
You'll also need to tell the DVLA if you want to take your car out of the UK for more than 12 months.
Proof of insurance Make sure youâve got your policy documents with you. Itâs probably worth printing out a paper copy, just to be safe.
Trailer registration Certain trailers will need to be registered before you take them into the EU. Best to check if youâll need to register your trailer before you go. You can do this online.
Youâll most likely need to attach a UK sticker to your car Cars registered in the UK need to display a âUKâ sticker when driving in any European country aside from Ireland. It used to be a âGBâ sticker. But from the 28th of September 2021, youâll need a âUKâ sticker instead. There are a few exceptions to this rule. But the stickers are only about ÂŁ1.50, and driving without one could land you a fine. So itâs probably worth getting one.
You might need some extra safety equipment Some EU countries legally require drivers to carry certain safety equipment in their vehicle at all times. These could include:
You can usually order these online. Road rules can change, though. So be sure to check whatâs needed in the countries youâre travelling to.
Check if you need an International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated version of your licence that makes it valid in other countries.đ
You may need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have:
An IDP costs around ÂŁ5.50 from the Post Office, and you'll need to be over 18 and have a full UK driving licence to apply. If you're caught without an IDP or your UK licence, you could be fined and have your car seized. đš You can find out if you need an IDP on GOV.UK.
Oh, and donât forget your passport!
So⊠what about further afield?
UK drivers still need to get a Green Card to drive in some non-EU countries in Europe.
A Green Card is, basically, proof that your car is insured. It is issued by your insurance company. More on that below.
Last time we checked, these countries were:
But rules can change â so definitely check the UK Government's latest information sheet before you travel.
They're usually free, but some companies may charge an admin fee.
Unlike the name suggests, Green Cards may be printed on white paper. You need to keep it with you at all times when you're driving abroad.
If you're caught without a valid Green Card, you could be fined or have your car impounded. đ«
Some extra things to keep an eye out for:
Alright, here comes the plug. đ Cuvva has created a new type of pay-monthly insurance with no deposits, interest, or cancellation fees. Even better, with a Cuvva subscription, you get 60 days of comprehensive EU cover each year as standard.
And with Smart Pricing switched on, you could save up to â on your insurance each month. The better you drive, the more you could save - and there are no clunky black boxes or annoying restrictions. It's all sorted through your phone.
Interested? Get a quote today.