Wherever you are travelling in the EU your car insurance policy will automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover (third party liability) required by law. This also applies to Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. If you have comprehensive insurance at home, check that the cover extends to travelling in other countries. You may also want to consider vehicle breakdown insurance.

A green card is not necessary when travelling in the EU but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to claim compensation if you have an accident. If you do not take a green card with you, you should carry your certificate of insurance. The green card system currently covers 43 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. Their website gives further details about the green card system and its objectives.

Your insurer can give you a European accident statement form, a standard document that makes it easier to make a declaration on the spot if you have an accident in another country.

New rules have been introduced to ensure that motorists get rapid compensation for accidents no matter where they are in the EU. They have made procedures easier and settling claims quicker, with fines being charged on late payments. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also to accidents between two EU parties in a country outside the EU but which belongs to the green card system.