Most UK car insurance policies do not cover Turkey, particularly since Brexit. Turkey is not included in the minimum European cover that UK policies must provide, and Green Cards issued by UK insurers may or may not include Turkey — you must check with your insurer. The safe approach is to purchase Turkish MTPL insurance before you cross the border.

The short answer: Do not assume your UK insurance covers Turkey. Check your policy schedule and call your insurer to confirm. If Turkey is not listed, or if you are unsure, buy a Turkish MTPL policy. It costs from €26/month and is delivered to WhatsApp in 30 minutes.

UK insurance and Turkey after Brexit

Before Brexit, UK drivers travelling in Europe benefited from automatic extension of their car insurance to EU countries. Turkey was often included in this coverage as part of the "Green Card territory."

Post-Brexit, UK car insurance is no longer automatically extended in the same way. The UK's exit from the EU also changed how the Green Card system operates for UK drivers. Crucially, Turkey was already excluded from many UK policies — it was listed as an optional extension rather than a standard territory — and this position has not improved since Brexit.

In practice: the majority of UK comprehensive car insurance policies today provide cover in the EU (and in some cases a limited number of other European countries), but specifically exclude Turkey. Some premium or specialist policies may include Turkey, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

How to check if your UK policy covers Turkey

To find out whether your existing UK car insurance covers Turkey:

  1. Check your policy schedule. Look for a section titled "Countries covered" or "Geographical limits." Turkey should be specifically named. If it says "EU countries" or "European countries" without listing Turkey, assume it is not covered.
  2. Read the Green Card section. Your policy may mention the Green Card. If Turkey (country code TR) is not on the list of countries, you are not covered.
  3. Call your insurer. Ask specifically: "Does my policy provide third-party liability cover in Turkey?" Get the answer in writing (email or letter) if you plan to rely on it.

Even if your UK policy technically covers Turkey, Turkish law requires your vehicle to carry a Turkish MTPL policy — a locally issued document — not a foreign insurance certificate. Your UK policy, even if it provides cover in Turkey, does not satisfy this legal requirement.

UK Green Cards and Turkey

The Green Card system — officially the International Motor Insurance Certificate — allows drivers to use their home-country insurance when travelling in member states. Turkey is a member of the Green Card system, but this only works if your UK insurer has agreed to extend your cover to Turkey.

To get a Green Card from your UK insurer that includes Turkey:

  • Contact your insurer at least 7 days before travel
  • Specifically request that Turkey (TR) be included
  • Confirm they will issue a physical Green Card document
  • Note that some insurers charge an additional premium for Turkey
  • Some insurers refuse to cover Turkey entirely

Even with a valid UK Green Card including Turkey, you will face practical difficulties at the border. Turkish customs officers are accustomed to seeing Turkish MTPL policies — foreign Green Cards can cause delays while officers verify validity. A Turkish MTPL policy from a local broker avoids this entirely.

What UK drivers need to drive in Turkey

  • Valid Turkish MTPL insurance — the only document universally accepted at all Turkish borders
  • UK driving licence — accepted in Turkey for up to 90 days
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) — required if staying more than 90 days; strongly recommended regardless
  • Vehicle registration document (V5C)
  • Passport — UK passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Prices for UK-registered vehicles

Turkish MTPL prices are standardised by SEDDK regulation. The price is the same regardless of your vehicle's country of registration:

  • Car: 1 month €26 · 3 months €39 · 6 months €130 · 12 months €221
  • Motorcycle: 1 month €26 · 6 months €39 · 12 months €39
  • Campervan / Motorhome: from €117 per month

How to get covered before you leave the UK

Contact us on WhatsApp from the UK before you travel. The process takes 15–30 minutes:

  1. Send your name, passport number, UK vehicle plate, start date, and duration
  2. Pay by Visa, Mastercard, or bank transfer
  3. Receive your policy PDF on WhatsApp
  4. Present at the Turkish border — either on your phone or printed

We speak English and can answer any questions about Turkey-specific requirements before you leave. Many UK drivers who use us are overlanders, motorcycle tourers, or families driving through Europe and into Turkey — we handle all vehicle types.