Temporary European car insurance

With instant activation and flexible deals, temporary insurance is a hassle-free choice for a quick trip across the Channel or a few weeks on the road. 

Meanwhile, if you often drive in Europe, you’ll be there a while, or you want comprehensive cover, it might be better to adjust your policy.

Temporary EU Car Insurance

Temporary policies offer flexibility, covering you from as little as an hour to as long as 28 days, ideal for a one-off, short-term trip. However, our temporary European policies only offer the legal minimum cover for the country you’re in, which is often third-party only. Consider adjusting your policy if you want comprehensive European cover. 

Short-term European car insurance policies allow you to insure a borrowed or hired vehicle without affecting the owner's existing policy. It also lets you insure a friend or family member on your car for your trip without adding them to your annual policy. 

Relax! The vehicle owner’s no-claims bonus remains untouched, regardless of what happens during the trip.

Adjusting your annual policy

Upgrading your policy to include European cover is a good option for frequent travellers and those planning to stay in the EU for extended periods. Most insurers let you add European cover to your existing annual policy, but this isn’t guaranteed. You’ll need to check with your provider.

If your policy includes driving other cars, this usually applies only within the UK. You’ll likely be restricted to the vehicle already named on your policy when abroad. If you need to drive a borrowed or hired car, you’ll have to add to the owner's insurance, which can increase their premiums.

If you’re using your vehicle and plan to share the driving, you’ll have to add additional drivers who aren’t currently on your policy. This can be pricey and messy for the sake of a holiday. Plus, an accident involving a named driver could impact your no-claims bonus.

How much does short-term European cover cost?

Based on our data, the average cost of 7 days of temporary cover is £120.77*, while 14 days costs an average of £197.75*. However, your quote might be higher or lower, so it’s always best to run a quote for an exact price. Go on, it only takes a few minutes!

We recommend comparing the cost of temporary insurance with an annual policy. Sometimes, 28 days of temporary coverage could cost more than a full annual policy. The average cost of 28 days of temporary cover is £331.04*. Most annual policies include 30 days of European cover as standard.

If you plan to use your car more than once in the next 12 months, an annual policy could be more cost-effective. It’s a great option for keeping you covered all year round—a win-win!

*Prices shown are the median average of Confused.com temporary car insurance quote data in October 2026.

All our temporary car insurance policies include comprehensive cover in the UK. However, when you enter Europe, they provide the legal minimum cover for the country you’re driving in, often third-party only. Here’s what third-party cover includes:

• Damage to other vehicles: It covers the cost of repairs or replacement for the other party’s vehicle if you are at fault in an accident
• Personal injury liability: It covers legal costs and compensation claims made against you for injuries sustained by others
• Emergency assistance is sometimes offered if there’s an accident, such as arranging towing services or repairs for the other party’s vehicle
• Accidental death and disability benefits: In some cases, there may be coverage for serious injuries sustained in an accident

In summary, third-party insurance provides coverage for other people and vehicles involved in an accident that is your fault, but it won't cover you. For further protection for you and your car outside the UK, consider adding comprehensive European cover to your annual policy.

Always check your specific policy details before committing to ensure it meets your needs.

Temporary European car insurance policies don’t cover certain things. These include:

• Damage to your vehicle: Including accidents, car theft, or vandalism
• Personal belongings: If your personal belongings are damaged or stolen while driving, they’re not covered
• Medical expenses: Medical costs for injuries sustained in an accident aren’t included in third-party-only insurance
• Breakdown cover: There is no coverage for breakdowns, flat tyres, or other roadside emergencies. Consider European breakdown cover if it's something you're interested in