i am an american who lives and bikes in europe - so here goes...
because of the UN convention of 1949, your american drivers license is valid in the most of the current european states for up to six months from your date of entry. in eastern europe (where i am) this six month rule is generally ignored by the police, because the average police officer doesn't want to bother with the paperwork. anywho...basically, all of our allies and conquered territories from world war two agreed to honor each other's driving licenses from 1949 on. however, if there is any question as to the validity of your license in the UK (i do not live in the UK and can't therefore tell you definitively what the current status of their laws are), you can get an international driving permit with around 15 dollars and very little hassle from AAA. the international driving permit (IDP) will allow you to drive for a period of one year from issue date in just about any civilized country on earth, and some that aren't as well.
here is a link to their online application form for the
IDP. you'll need to send in a passport photo, a copy of your license front and back, and 15 dollars to the address indicated on the form.
here is also a warning about falsified IDP's from the US government...
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS ISSUED BY UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS:
The Department of State is aware that IDPs are being sold over the Internet and in person by persons not authorized by the Department of State pursuant to the requirements of the U.N. Convention of 1949. Moreover, many of these IDPs are being sold for large sums of money, far greater than the sum charged by entities authorized by the Department of State. Consumers experiencing problems should report problems to their local office of the U.S. Postal Inspector, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Better Business Bureau, or their state or local Attorney Generals Office.
here is what the government has to say about auto insurance...
Auto Insurance
Car rental agencies overseas usually provide auto insurance, but in some countries, the required coverage is minimal. When renting a car overseas, consider purchasing insurance coverage that is at least equivalent to that which you carry at home. In general, your U.S. auto insurance does not cover you abroad. However, your policy may apply when you drive to countries neighboring the United States. Check with your insurer to see if your policy covers you in Canada, Mexico, or countries south of Mexico. Even if your policy is valid in one of these countries, it may not meet that countrys minimum requirements. For instance, in most of Canada, you must carry at least $200,000 in liability insurance, and Mexico requires that, if vehicles do not carry theft, third party liability, and comprehensive insurance, the owner must post a bond that could be as high as 50% of the value of the vehicle. If you are under-insured for a country, auto insurance can usually be purchased on either side of the border.
i hope that helps somewhat. cheers
