Do I Need European Car Insurance for My Import?

If you are planning to drive your imported vehicle in Europe, you must you have the right car insurance in place. Most European countries require proof of insurance before you can legally drive on their roads, and in the majority cases, this means obtaining a Green Card—a document that provides proof of third-party liability coverage across Europe.

But do you actually need European car insurance for your trip? What kind of coverage is required, and how do you obtain it? Join us in this article as we break down everything you need to know about insuring your imported vehicle for travel in Europe, so you can explore with confidence and peace of mind.

What Is European Car Insurance?

European car insurance policies offer coverage for your vehicle while driving in Europe, ensuring that you fully comply with local regulations and provides financial protection in case of accidents, collision, or theft.

While requirements for insurance in Europe differ from country to country, most destinations require third-party liability insurance. You may also wish to add additional insurance cover to make sure that your vehicle is adequately protected throughout your journey.

Do You Need European Car Insurance for Your Imported Vehicle?

If you’re bringing your U.S.-registered vehicle into Europe, you will need suitable insurance to legally drive on European roads. As insurance requirements differ in Europe compared to the U.S., you will need to make sure that your coverage meets European standards.

European countries enforce strict car insurance standards to safeguard all road users and the majority of countries will require you to have third-party liability insurance in place as a minimum.

Many European countries also require you to obtain a Green Card, which is an international document that proves that your insurance is valid across European borders. The Green Card is currently recognized in 47 countries, including EU nations and some neighboring countries such as Turkey, and is now increasingly available in digital format for ease and convenience.

Before importing your vehicle into Europe, you should carefully research the specific insurance requirements of the countries you plan to visit to avoid any legal issues or penalties during your trip.

What Are the Different Types of Insurance for Imported Cars?

When you import your vehicle into Europe, there are several different types of insurance to consider, and you will have to decide which is the best choice for you based on your needs, travel plans, and the value of your vehicle.

Here are the main types of car insurance to explore:

Third-Party Liability

This is the minimum legal requirement for insurance coverage in most European countries. A third-party liability policy will cover damages or injuries you cause to other drivers, people, their vehicles, or property while driving. However, it’s important to remember that this policy does not cover any damage to your own vehicle, meaning that if you’re at fault in an accident, you’ll need separate insurance coverage to repair your car.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive cover will provide you with much more extensive protection. In addition to covering third-party damage, it also protects your own car from accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters.

Third-Party, Fire & Theft

This type of coverage is a sort of middle ground between third-party liability and comprehensive insurance. It covers damage to others and also provides protection for your vehicle in case of fire or theft, but does not cover damage to your own car from accidents.

Other Things to Consider

Be sure to check what the specific insurance requirements are for the countries you will be driving in. In addition to your standard car insurance, you might want to consider adding European breakdown cover, which will cover you in case your vehicle breaks down while traveling. This type of coverage can be especially helpful in unfamiliar regions where roadside assistance services might not be easily accessible.

Of course, if you’re staying for a short amount of time in Europe, it may work out more cost-effective for you to rent a car instead of importing your own vehicle. In this case, you would need to take out car rental insurance to cover any potential damages or theft. You might also want to consider a collision damage waiver, which is often offered by rental companies to limit your liability in the event of an accident.

How to Get European Car Insurance For Your Imported Vehicle

Securing adequate insurance for driving your imported vehicle in Europe need not be difficult. Here’s a brief overview of this process:

1. Think About Your Insurance Requirements

Before you start looking for European car insurance, you should think about your individual needs. Firstly, consider how long you plan to be in Europe. Is this going to be a short holiday, a prolonged stay, or even a permanent relocation? The length of your stay will help determine what type of coverage is best for you.

Next, you’ll need to decide what level of insurance you require. Are you looking for basic third-party liability coverage, or do you want to consider more extensive protection, such as a comprehensive insurance policy? Keep in mind that your insurance premiums will vary depending on the level of coverage you choose.

2. Choose a Suitable Car Insurance Company

Next, you should look for an insurance provider that specializes in international coverage and can offer policies tailored to your imported vehicle. Some U.S. insurers may offer European coverage, while others may provide options through European-based companies.

Make sure that your chosen insurance company can provide you with a Green Card and that their policy is valid in each EU country that you plan to drive in.

3. Secure Your Insurance Policy

Once you’ve chosen a suitable insurer and selected an adequate level of coverage, it’s time to secure your policy. Ensure that all paperwork is in order, including your Green Card, and confirm that the policy provides adequate coverage for accidents, theft, or damage.

It’s a good idea to keep a digital or hard copy of your policy and the Green Card with you while driving in Europe.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Suitable Insurance?

Car insurance requirements across Europe and the European Union are strict, so it’s not worth the risk of driving without the proper coverage. Failing to meet minimum car insurance requirements can lead to significant legal and financial consequences. This could include hefty fines, your vehicle being seized, your license being suspended, personal liability for all damages, and, in some cases, you could even be arrested.

How Can CFR Classic Help?

At CFR Classic, we specialize in international car shipping, successfully transporting over 2000 cars every month from all over the United States to destinations worldwide. When importing your vehicle to Europe, we will ensure that the entire process is seamless and hassle-free.

We also understand the complexities of securing the right car insurance for your imported vehicle. Our team can guide you through the requirements and help you to obtain the necessary insurance coverage, ensuring compliance with European regulations.