Do I need a UK insurance green card to drive in France?

Reader question: I called my insurer in England regarding a green card for a visit to France next month and was told that this is no longer needed as the certificate of insurance will suffice. Is this correct?

This is correct. Since August 2, 2021, British motorists have no longer been required to have an insurance green card to drive their vehicles in France and the rest of the EU.

Green cards are international certificates issued by insurance providers in the UK to guarantee the motorist has the necessary insurance to drive abroad.

The UK government states that:

All UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third party cover to drive in:

• The EU (including Ireland)
• Andorra
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Serbia
• Switzerland

You should speak to your insurance company about what extra coverage is offered, including theft and damage to your car. Not all insurance policies will offer the same level of coverage abroad.

Green cards may still be required to drive in other European countries, such as Albania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

You should check with your insurer for more information, or see the UK government website here.

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