Each year over 2 million motorists take their cars or motorbikes abroad. Whether you are only making a day trip across the channel to France, driving on business or holidaying overseas, it is vital that you have full insurance cover before setting out. If not, you could find yourself unprotected and left with an expensive bill if you are involved in an accident or your motorcycle is stolen.

The relationship between UK Motorbike Insurance cover and Green Cards can be confusing. The following notes clarify the position.

All UK insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries, or the minimum cover in the UK if that is greater. The minimum required is cover for your liability to third parties.

In the non-EU countries listed below, the same situation will normally apply. However, some insurers may exclude cover in non-EU countries so, if you are travelling outside the EU, you should always check your cover carefully.

Most people want the same protection they enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad, for example Comprehensive or Third Party, Fire and Theft.

This could, in addition to the legal minimum of third party liability cover, include accidental damage to, or theft of or from, their own vehicle, depending on the policy cover. So in most cases you will need to ask your insurer or insurance adviser to extend the scope of your cover before you go abroad. An additional premium may be charged for this extension - although a number of insurers automatically give it, usually for a limited period, without charge.

A Green Card is an internationally recognized document which serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country being visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and countries listed above (although if you do not take a Green Card, you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance). However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident when travelling abroad.

Insurers do not charge for a Green Card. Where insurance is arranged through an intermediary, such as an insurance broker, however, they may levy an administration fee for arranging a Green Card for their client. If they do, they must separately indicate the amount of the fee and its purpose.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Currently they are:

† Southern Greek Cyprus only
* Membership suspended - Green Cards are not available. Border insurance required
If you have any concerns about taking your car outside the UK consult your insurer or insurance adviser. This is especially important with regard to those countries listed immediately above where the situation can change very quickly.
Accidents abroad
If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned. While the Green Card gives details of the local Green Card Bureau, you should still contact your insurer or your insurer's representatives.
Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.
Helplines
Many insurers offer 24-hour UK telephone numbers in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you when you travel abroad.