motoring guide

Checking car insurance before driving abroad

Check your car insurance cover before driving abroad

When it comes to holidays this summer, most Brits are unwilling to give up some form of escape to the sun, even though many will be cutting back.

However, experts believe traditionally popular destinations in Europe such as France, Spain and Greece will still be the destination of choice for many holidaymakers this summer, as people see vacations as a necessary luxury.

A recent survey by holiday company Expedia.co.uk found that 60 per cent of Brits still intend to take their full holiday entitlement this year, even though they are under increasing pressure at work.

Nearly half of those surveyed said that they feel rejuvenated after a break, while a third commented that it increases their productivity when they get back to the office.
 

If you are planning to drive abroad either in your own vehicle or a rental car, then there are various things you need to consider before you head off for a week or two of relaxation so that you do not end up returning more stressed than when you left.

"Don't drive abroad unprepared," the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises.

First of all, you should familiarise yourself with the laws of the country you are visiting when it comes to driving. This can be as simple as checking which side of the road they drive on or the speed limits and units of measurement they use, such as the metric or imperial system.

For example, France operates under the metric system and therefore displays any limits in kilometres, as well as providing different speed guidance for adverse weather.

Another important preparation is to check with your car insurance company that your policy covers you to drive abroad. This should include breakdown recovery and medical expenses incurred as a result of an accident, according to the FCO.

Some countries require an international driving permit, so you will need to investigate whether your destination is one of these and make sure your licence complies with their regulations.

If you are taking your own car, then you should make sure it is fully equipped for long-distance driving. First of all, service your vehicle before you leave the UK, because the last thing you want is to have to try and get repairs done abroad, especially if you are having to deal with someone who does not speak the same language.

The FCO advises drivers to carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tools, spare bulbs and a warning triangle. In the case of some countries this is compulsory, such as France, where you have to have a reflective jacket and warning triangle to use in the event of a breakdown or accident.

You should be in possession of the car's registration document, your driving licence and, of course, passport, as well as your UK motor insurance certificate, breakdown policy and useful contact numbers and emergency helpline details.

Your car must have a GB sticker clearly visible on the back of it, unless the number plate indicates the car's country of origin. Beware though, that this must comply with the Road Vehicles Regulations 2001, which allows drivers to travel within the European Community without the conventional oval sticker if the plate displays the GB letters against the blue European flag within a circle of gold stars.

For those who intend to fly to their chosen destination and then hire a car, the FCO recommends choosing a reputable rental company.

It advises: "The cheapest deal may not always be the best!"

"Insurance cover is often limited to the legal minimum of the country or state you hire in. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit," the FCO adds.

It also recommends asking your tour operator or car insurance provider if you can top up on the minimum offered by the rental company in order to increase your cover. Not only does this mean that you will know exactly what level of protection you have and any fees associated with claiming, but you could also save money, according to the FCO.

If you decide to hire a motorbike or scooter while abroad, the same sort of guidelines apply. Make sure you go with a reliable company and if it is a foreign outfit, check it is licensed to rent out bikes to tourists.

You should make sure that you travel insurance cover you to drive or be a passenger on a motorbike, which means that you need to check the small print and exclusions carefully.

"Travelling by motorcycle, scooter or moped is significantly more dangerous than by car - if you're not accustomed to riding a motorcycle you should not attempt to ride one for the first time abroad on unfamiliar roads," the FCO adds.

In addition, you should make sure that your motor insurance includes third party cover.

Another thing to consider when travelling abroad is the fact that driving styles and customs may be different. For example, flashing your lights could have an alternative meaning.

"Drive defensively and expect the unexpected," the FCO advises.

Do not forget that the drink driving limit often differs in foreign countries, with most European nations having a lower benchmark that Britain.

A recent survey by Holiday-Rentals.co.uk found that Brits are intending to spend almost £300 less on their vacations this year due to the recession, but cutbacks should not include insurance cover.

Graeme Trudgill, technical and corporate affairs executive at the British Insurance Brokers' Association, says: "Travel insurance is as important as a suitcase."

"Don't underestimate it. Always buy it, it is cheap to buy but make sure you are buying the right thing for you," he advises.

"People tend to see it as a commodity attached to their holiday but it is something you've got to rely on.

"If something does go wrong abroad, you want to be able to phone someone who speaks your language who knows how to get someone to help you, [or] get you some medical attention and pay for it," he explains.

The same applies to car insurance cover if you are intending to drive abroad.

17 Aug 2009