The minimum insurance cover seems too low for my injuries. Is there an EU minimum amount?

What the Law Says

The EU sets binding minimum levels of compulsory motor insurance cover through Directive 2009/103/EC. These minimums apply across all Member States and must be implemented in national law.

The Directive requires that compulsory insurance covers at least the liability of the vehicle user for bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties. The minimum amounts are set to ensure a baseline level of protection across the EU.

However, these minimums are intentionally modest and do not reflect the full cost of severe or long-term injuries — such as permanent disability, loss of earnings, or lifelong care — which can run into many millions of euros.

Member States are free to set higher minimums (and several, like Germany and France, have done so), but they cannot fall below the EU floor.

Statutory Text

Each Member State shall ensure that civil liability in respect of the use of vehicles normally based in its territory is covered by insurance which shall cover liability for bodily injury and for property damage.

— Directive 2009/103/EC, Art. 1 — Scope

Statutory Text

The minimum amounts of cover per victim or per claim shall be: (a) in respect of bodily injury: EUR 1 000 000 per injured person; (b) in respect of bodily injury and property damage combined: EUR 5 000 000 per accident.

— Directive 2009/103/EC, Art. 12(1) — Minimum amounts of cover

Sources