European Motor Insurance for UK Vehicles in Germany
Most UK policies only include the legal minimum for EU travel, which is usually Third Party cover with a limit of 90 days in Europe per year. If you are living in Germany, working there for a season, or keeping a UK registered car there long term, that leaves you underinsured the moment you settle in.
Stuart Collins & Co Limited has arranged specialist European motor insurance since 1969. We cover UK registered vehicles used in Germany for extended periods, with your comprehensive cover staying comprehensive on the other side of the Channel.
Who this is for
- UK nationals living in or relocating to Germany with a UK-registered vehicle
- Ex-pats and dual residents who keep a car on UK plates
- People working a contract or season in Germany who drive out in their own car
- Anyone whose standard UK policy runs out of EU cover after 90 days
If you keep your car on UK registration and spend extended periods in Germany, a standard policy will not be sufficient, but ours is.
Driving in Germany: what to know
Germany is straightforward to drive in, but a few requirements catch UK drivers out:
Winter tyres. Germany operates a situational winter-tyre rule. In wintry conditions (ice, snow or slush) your car must be fitted with proper winter tyres carrying the Alpine “3PMSF” snowflake symbol. Driving on summer tyres in those conditions is an offence and can invalidate a claim.
Low emission zones (Umweltzonen). Most major cities, including Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart, are low emission zones. You need a green environmental sticker (Umweltplakette) displayed on the windscreen to enter. UK cars can buy one; without it you risk a fine.
UK identifier. Your car must display a “UK” sticker or number-plate identifier when driven abroad.
Right-hand-drive headlamps. Fit beam deflectors so your headlights do not dazzle oncoming traffic.
Carry the kit. A warning triangle, high-visibility vest and first-aid kit are required by law.
No car tolls. Unlike Austria and Switzerland, Germany does not charge cars to use its autobahns, so you do not need a vignette. On derestricted autobahn stretches there is no fixed speed limit, though a 130 km/h advisory applies and limits are common.
What documents do I legally need to carry whilst travelling in Germany
You are legally required to carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents (V5), proof of insurance and your passport.
Do you need a Green Card for Germany?
Since 2021 a Green Card is no longer legally required to drive a UK registered vehicle in Germany or the wider EU.
We include an annual Green Card with every policy as the authorities will sometimes request it. It is recognised proof that your cover meets the requirements and it is accepted across the countries we cover. It saves you carrying paperwork or explaining your policy at the roadside. It costs you nothing extra.
Why use an FCA-regulated broker
Comparison sites are built for standard UK cover and these sites cannot arrange long term European motor insurance.
Stuart Collins & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (reference 1013445). Every quote is reviewed by a person, not a machine, so the cover you get will suit your needs. We have been operating since 1969.
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Get your EU Car insurance by filling out our online form, and our staff will find you the best insurance available from our brokers.