If your car is under an HP car finance agreement, you might want to take the chance to drive through Europe.
However, since you don’t legally own the vehicle while it’s still under finance, you’ll need permission from your finance company to avoid accidentally breaching your agreement.
Planning a trip abroad in your car requires some extra thought, as there may be extra requirements depending on the country or countries you plan to visit.
How do I get permission from my finance company?
Your HP car finance agreement should outline the rules and requirements for taking the car outside the UK. It’s always a good idea to review your agreement before contacting your finance provider, so you understand any terms and conditions that apply.
Some lenders may ask for a written request at least 14 days before your trip. They might also want proof of additional insurance or documents required for the countries you’ll be traveling to.
When requesting permission from your finance company, be sure to include as many details as possible, such as:
- The dates you’ll be leaving and returning.
- Whether it’s a single-destination or a multi-country trip.
- Where the car will be kept during your trip.
- Confirmation that the car is up to date with servicing, MOT, and has appropriate breakdown cover and insurance for use outside the UK.
Your lender may decline your request if the necessary preparations haven’t been made or if required documents aren’t provided.
How long can I take my financed car abroad for?
Each lender has different rules about how long a car can be outside the UK. This typically ranges from 15 to 90 days within a 12-month period.
If you’re planning to relocate or spend longer than 90 days abroad in a year, you may need to settle your finance agreement first. Once you’ve fully settled the finance and own the car outright, you’ll have the freedom to take it abroad without restrictions.
What documentation will I need when taking my car abroad?
As your car is under a finance agreement, your lender may need to provide you with a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103B). This document proves you have permission from your finance company to take the car abroad. It’s also used to confirm that the car hasn’t been stolen.
For travel in Europe, you’ll typically need:
- The VC5 logbook for the car.
- Your driving licence and passport.
- The VE103B certificate.
If you’re traveling outside Europe, you might also need:
- DVLA driver record and a licence-checking code.
- Certificate of motor insurance.
- International driving permit.
- Travel insurance.
- A visa (if required).
In some cases, you’ll need a “Green Card,” an international certificate of insurance that shows you have the necessary cover to drive in certain countries.
Countries requiring a Green Card include:
- Albania
- Azerbaijan
- Moldova
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- Iran
- Israel
- Morocco
- Tunisia
If you’re unsure whether a Green Card is needed for your trip, check with your insurance provider. Some insurers can provide cover for up to 90 days.
Need to talk to us about a trip abroad?
Speak to one of our friendly Customer Support Agents on the Freephone number above to learn more on how taking your car abroad works with AutoMoney Motor Finance.
Car finance with AutoMoney Motor Finance
If you are looking to finance a car through hire purchase, AutoMoney may be able to help. We offer finance on a range of vehicles nationwide. Call our team on the Freephone number above or click to apply for HP car finance with us.
Representative example
You could borrow £10,000 over 60 months with an initial payment of £490.66 (including £199 Admin Fee) followed by 58 monthly payments of £291.66 with a final payment of £490.66 (including optional £199 Option to Purchase Fee).
Total amount repayable will be £17,897.60.
29.3% APR, annual interest rate (fixed) 24.7%.
This example uses the representative APR. This is the rate at least 51% of customers are expected to get.
Lending is subject to status and additional affordability checks. Rates quoted are subject to change and will depend on lending amount and personal circumstances.
FAQs
Yes, it’s important to let your insurer know if you’re planning to drive abroad. This helps you avoid any breach of your policy. Some insurers may already include international travel in your cover, but others might require you to take out an additional policy for the time you’ll be out of the country.
Yes, someone else can drive your car abroad as long as they have a valid driving licence, permission from the legal owner (for financed cars, this means permission from the finance company) and the required insurance and documentation for driving abroad. Always check with your insurer and finance company to ensure everything is in place before allowing someone else to drive your car.
A UK driving licence (photo card) is valid in all EU and EEA countries, as well as Switzerland. However, some countries may require an international driving permit. It’s always best to check before traveling to ensure there are no restrictions on using a UK licence in the countries you plan to visit.
