CLASSIC CAR EUROPEAN INSURANCE

European cover allows an insured classic car to be used temporarily in specified European countries, according to the territorial limits and conditions of the relevant classic car insurance policy.

All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third-party cover required to drive in the EU, including Ireland, as well as Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland. However, the UK Government advises drivers to check whether their policy provides additional protection for risks such as theft or damage to their own vehicle while abroad.

This means you should not assume that every element of your UK cover continues unchanged in Europe. Before travelling, establish whether your policy extends its wider protection to your destination and whether any restrictions apply.

Relevant classic car insurance policies arranged through us may include European Union cover for up to 90 days. The period available, territorial limits and terms will depend on your policy.

Your policy documents are the primary source of information about European use. Review them before confirming travel arrangements so that you know which terms apply to your vehicle and journey.

Check:

1. Whether European use is included within your classic car insurance policy.

2. Which countries fall within the policy’s territorial limits.

3. How many days of European use are permitted.

4. Whether the number of days applies per trip or across the policy period.

5. Whether the level of cover changes outside the UK.

6. Whether you must notify us or the insurer before travelling.

7. Whether your intended vehicle use is permitted.

8. Whether the anticipated mileage remains within any agreed limit.

If your route passes through several countries, check each one. A policy covering your final destination may still contain conditions or exclusions relating to other countries on the journey.

The classic car policies discussed on this page are intended for eligible vehicles insured in the UK and used temporarily in Europe. However, residency and vehicle eligibility requirements may differ between insurers.

Your circumstances may be considered alongside information such as where the vehicle is registered, where it is normally kept, how it is used and the countries you plan to visit. Cover is not confirmed solely because a vehicle is insured or registered in the UK.

If you do not permanently live in the UK, or your classic car is normally kept outside the UK, confirm your eligibility before arranging insurance or relying on the policy for travel. You should also tell us if your permanent address or the usual location of the vehicle changes during the policy period.

European use is one potential feature within a wider classic car insurance policy. Depending on the insurer and scheme, other available policy benefits may include:

• Choice of repairer

• Salvage retention

• Limited mileage discounts

• Car club member discounts

• Static show cover

• Non-competitive historic rally cover

• Agreed valuation, available for an additional £18

• Laid-up cover

• Access to a 24-hour claims helpline

These are general features that may be available under relevant classic car insurance schemes. Their inclusion in a policy does not, by itself, confirm how they will apply to an incident occurring in Europe.

Benefits, features and discounts vary and remain subject to the terms and underwriting criteria of the selected insurer.

Refer to your policy documents to establish which features have been included and whether any conditions apply during European use.

European use under a classic car insurance policy and European breakdown cover serve different purposes.

Your motor insurance policy responds to insured incidents in accordance with its terms, conditions and exclusions. European breakdown cover is a separate form of protection intended to provide assistance following an eligible vehicle breakdown.

The inclusion of European use under your classic car policy does not automatically confirm that European breakdown assistance is included. Check your motor insurance and breakdown arrangements separately before travelling.

When reviewing breakdown cover, consider the geographical limits and the type of assistance provided. Any recovery, onward travel, vehicle repatriation or car-hire benefits will be governed by the terms and limits of the breakdown policy.

This distinction is particularly important for classic vehicles because the assistance available after a breakdown may not be the same as the protection provided following an insured accident, theft or other covered event.

The documents and equipment required can vary according to your route.

When taking your own vehicle abroad, the UK Government states that you should carry your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence, your vehicle log book and your insurance certificate. If you are taking a vehicle that has been hired or leased in the UK, you will need a VE103 certificate.

You may also need:

• Your passport and applicable travel documents

• Your motor insurance policy schedule

• Your insurer’s claims contact details

• Your breakdown cover details, where applicable

• An International Driving Permit for certain destinations

• Emissions or low-emission-zone documentation

• Equipment required by the countries on your route

Some countries require items such as a reflective jacket, warning triangle, headlight converter stickers or a UK identifier. Certain European cities also require emissions stickers or permits. Check the current requirements for every country you plan to enter.

Alongside checking your insurance, review the details supplied when the policy was arranged. Your address, vehicle value, annual mileage, modifications, drivers and intended use should remain accurate.

Any European mileage should be considered as part of your estimated annual mileage. A touring holiday or journey to an overseas motoring event can increase the distance covered during the policy period.

If another person will drive the vehicle, confirm that the driver is included and permitted to drive abroad. You should also check whether the planned activity, such as attending a static show or participating in an organised event, falls within the use allowed by your policy.

Changes should be reported before you travel. Do not assume that European use remains available if your circumstances, vehicle or intended journey differ from the information recorded under the policy.

We have been arranging classic vehicle insurance for decades and work with policies intended for a range of classic, vintage and specialist cars.

We use a panel of insurers to consider the vehicle, its use and your individual circumstances. The policy and features available will depend on eligibility and underwriting criteria.

Relevant schemes may provide features such as agreed valuation, limited mileage discounts, salvage retention, a choice of repairer and European cover for up to 90 days. Not every benefit is included in every policy.

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European use may be available as part of an eligible classic car insurance policy, but the countries, duration and level of cover are determined by the individual policy.

Review your certificate, schedule and policy wording before departure. These documents provide the relevant information about territorial limits, permitted use and policy conditions. European breakdown assistance should be checked separately.