A bit of a complicated question.. driving in Europe on International License

Planning a European road trip soon, but have a few questions about whether I would be allowed to do some of the driving.
We will be taking our car, which I'm currently insured to drive using my UK provisional license. Of course, this means I'm not allowed to drive on UK motorways.

However, if we were in Europe, would I be insured to drive on motorways using my International Drivers License (one based on my US license)? My US license is no longer valid to drive on in the UK (my residency has past its one year mark).

Definitely, something to call up the auto insurance to check, but just wondering if anyone else has dealt with this issue.

If you are visiting Europe, I believe you are fine to drive on your valid US license.  I don't think you need an International license.  I rented a car in Ireland just on my US license and it was no problem.

Ooh, sorry, I'm not sure about using your own car and your insurance on it.  I should have read more clearly.   

If you are visiting Europe, I believe you are fine to drive on your valid US license.  I don't think you need an International license.  I rented a car in Ireland just on my US license and it was no problem.

I've no knowledge of the insurance issue but the need for an IDP varies by country.  I understand Ireland doesn't require one for US licences but some countries (e.g. Italy, Austria) do.

When you call the insurance to check make sure to ask them to issue you a "green card" (unless you already have one.)

Really?  We rented one in Italy without an IDP.

Really?  We rented one in Italy without an IDP.

Yup.

Apparently the car rental companies never check but it is the law (assuming you were using a US licence, EU licences are fine by themselves.)

Seems like if you have a full UK license, most European countries recognize that. But you may need one in some countries if you have a US license (at least that's how I read it).

When you call the insurance to check make sure to ask them to issue you a "green card" (unless you already have one.)

What's a "green card"?

The green card is a standard, Europe wide, statement of insurance.  You can get one (usually for free) from your insurance company.

If, for whatever reason, you need to show proof of insurance whilst abroad then it's something the foreign police will recognise.  You are not required to have one to travel in the EU but you may need it if you go East.

I certainly wouldn't pay to get one (unless you are going somewhere that requires it) but most insurance companies issue them for free so I like to have one just in case.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067624