Campervan Insurance for European Travel: What You Need to Know (and What to Display on Your Van)

We all dream of cruising through the French countryside or waking up to a Spanish sunrise in your campervan. European road trips are unforgettable but only if you’re properly insured and prepared. Without the right cover or legal requirements, your dream holiday could turn into a financial and logistical nightmare.

Here’s everything you need to know about campervan insurance for European travel, what to display on your van, and real stories of people who got caught out.

Do You Need Special Insurance for Europe?

Yes! While most UK campervan insurance policies include some European cover, it’s often limited to 30–90 days per trip. Some policies allow up to 180 days per year, but you must check the fine print.

Key requirements for European travel:

  • Comprehensive European cover (not just third-party)
  • Breakdown cover that includes repatriation
  • Proof of insurance and vehicle documents at all times
  • Green Card (no longer mandatory post-Brexit, but some insurers still issue them)

How Much Does European Campervan Insurance Cost?

  • UK campervan insurance (domestic): £300 – £400 per year on average
  • European cover add-on: £50 – £150 extra, depending on duration and countries
  • Fully comprehensive European policy: Around €700 per year for a €40,000 van in France

Considering the cost of a new campervan (often £50,000 to £90,000), this is a small price for peace of mind.

What Happens If You’re Not Covered? Real Stories

  • Case 1: The £3,000 Breakdown Nightmare

A UK couple broke down in Spain. Their policy didn’t include European breakdown cover, so they faced weeks of delays, storage fees, and thousands in repatriation costs.

 

  • Case 2: Seized at the Border

Post-Brexit, some drivers without proper proof of insurance were fined and had their vehicles impounded when entering EU countries.

Lesson: Always confirm your policy includes European cover and carry the right documents.

What Do You Need to Display on Your Campervan in Europe?

Failing to display the right items can lead to on-the-spot fines or even having your vehicle impounded.

1. UK Identifier or Sticker

  • If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union Jack, you’re good to go.
  • If your plate shows GB, EU flag, or a national flag (England, Scotland, Wales), you must display a UK sticker on the rear.
  • Spain, Cyprus, and Malta require a UK sticker even if your plate already has the UK identifier.

2. Crit’Air Sticker (France)

  • Needed for low-emission zones in French cities.

3. Blind Spot Stickers

  • Mandatory in France for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

4. Headlamp Beam Deflectors

  • Required for most UK vehicles to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers.

5. Safety Kit (Not Displayed, But Mandatory)

  • Reflective jackets (one per passenger, kept in the cabin)
  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit (mandatory in some countries)
  • Spare bulb kit (required in France)

Tip: Buy a European driving kit before you travel it’s cheaper than paying fines abroad.

Top Tips for Stress-Free European Campervan Travel

Check your policy limits (days and countries)

Add breakdown & repatriation cover

Cover your contents (up to £3,000 with some insurers)

Carry all required documents and safety gear

 

We have been working with Howdens for years and have an exclusive deal to offer our member. Drop you details in the form below and one of the team can have a chat with you: https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/introducer/motor?int=11089

 

You can also get another discounted quote form Adrian Flux too. Adrian Flux are happy to offer all members of the Campervan Festival up to 15% discount off their insurance quotations. We have a professional and friendly dedicated owners club team

that will be happy to assist you with your quotations. Give the team a call on 03443 819969

and mention Campervan Festival Guide to receive your discount.

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