Continental Classics: Lancaster is reminding vintage car owners to get ‘Europe ready’ ahead of summer

Many classic car owners will be planning to drive their car in Europe this summer. From vintage vehicle events, car club run driving tours, or simply heading off on holiday, there are plenty of reasons to head to Europe this summer.

Lancaster Insurance is reminding drivers to check they are ‘Europe ready’ before setting off, cautioning that overlooked insurance details, emissions rules and legal requirements could derail a dream drive abroad. We have highlighted a series of essential checks to complete before crossing the Channel.

Yvonne Gosney of Lancaster Insurance says “There are wonderful driving routes across Europe. Preparation is key to ensure classic car owners can focus on enjoying the open road rather than dealing with avoidable legal or insurance issues which may arise. By following these key checks, drivers can feel confident they are ‘Europe ready’ and can enjoy their trip abroad.”

Insurance: what’s covered and what’s not.

To ensure your policy covers you to drive in other countries, notify your insurance provider before you travel abroad and include all the countries you plan to drive in and how long you plan to be away - Lancaster Insurance will offer up to 90 days comprehensive cover in Europe.

You will also want to ensure you have adequate cover if you need to make emergency repairs, source spare parts abroad or bring your vehicle back to the UK if it breaks down.

Sharing the driving? Check first.

Classic car owners planning to share driving duties with friends, family members or fellow car club members should confirm their policy allows additional drivers to take the wheel.

While some policies include a Driving Other Cars (DOC) benefit, Lancaster warns that this usually applies within the UK only and does not extend to driving abroad, a potentially costly misunderstanding for those planning European road trips.

Documents drivers should carry.

Make sure you have the following documents packed and ready to access in your vehicle.

• Passport - needed in the event of border crossings and ID checks.
• International Driving Permit - mandatory in some EU countries. Check each country requirements before you travel.
• Logbook - the original document, not a copy.
• Green card - no longer legally required in all EU countries, as long as the destinations are within the territorial limits specified by your insurer (typically cited on the reverse of your certificate or schedule of insurance). Where the country is not listed, contact your insurer to request cover and an accompanying green card. This is typically free of charge.

Low Emission and Clean Air Zones. Don’t assume classic exemptions apply.

While UK-registered historic vehicles are typically exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zones and Clean Air Zones, Lancaster warns this exemption does not automatically apply in Europe.

Examples include:

• France - many cities require a Crit’Air emissions sticker. Vehicles registered before January 1997 are not eligible and are banned entirely from low emission zones.
• Germany - since 2025, only vehicles displaying a green emissions sticker can enter many environmental zones. However, German historic vehicles with an H-plate and foreign classics meeting equivalent historic criteria may be exempt.

Classic car owners are advised to research local regulations city by city before travelling.

Mandatory Safety Equipment.

Across Europe, all drivers are required by law to carry certain safety items. Requirements vary by country, but these include warning triangles, high-visibility vest, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, headlight beam deflectors, spare bulb kits.

Key road rules to remember.

Lancaster Insurance also reminds drivers that:

• Speed limits differ across Europe and can vary by road type and weather conditions.
• Alcohol limits are typically lower than in the UK, with some countries enforcing zero tolerance policies.
• Mobile phone use requires hands free operation in all European countries.