motoring guide

Driving Abroad? - Check your policy

Despite the rise in fuel costs, Brits are still planning their holidays on the motorways. And while many may opt to stay in the UK during financially stringent times, increasing numbers are also said to be considering driving abroad to save money.

This has led to many motoring organisations urging drivers to make sure they are prepared for getting behind the wheel on unfamiliar roads, with checking levels of car insurance cover chief among their concerns.

Driving in Ireland is an easy option for many Brits due to the country's close proximity and in the case of Northern Irish citizens, not even having to travel overseas.

However, despite this degree of familiarity, motorists should check their car insurance policies before they leave the UK. While a driver may have comprehensive cover in the UK, this may alter to third-party when crossing the border or Irish Sea.

Even those who are automatically entitled to their full level of cover in Ireland could consider taking out optional extras. Experts suggest it advisable for motorists to take out their own breakdown cover in case of an accident.

 A brochure has been released by Tourism Ireland which gives tips for driving in the country, as well as detailed distance charts and information on places to visit in each region.

Such information booklets in English may not be as readily available once in continental Europe and drivers are encouraged to prepare before they set off.

Those same experts suggest that UK motorists have a comprehensive understanding of the driving regulations while driving in foreign countries.

It is estimated that almost half o Britain's motorists - some 4.3 million - are planning to drive to Europe, with many believing they can make the journey cheaper than travelling by air.

Research suggests only one in ten will call their insurer to check whether or not they are covered abroad, while 15 per cent will automatically assume they have full cover.

Making sure comprehensive car insurance is in place before heading on holiday is crucial. Don’t overlook your vehicle’s contents, as having items stolen or lost could ruin a well-planned trip abroad.

Drivers must get in touch with their insurer if wish to extend their cover to fully comprehensive.

Vehicle repairs, compensation and legal costs could run into huge sums and a tow home mean forking out over £1,000, warn travel experts, reiterating that drivers should check their policies and make sure their paperwork is in order before travelling.

Most travel experts agree that securing the proper cover while driving abroad can prevent an unexpected disaster that may even ruin your holiday.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) also urges drivers to check their car insurance policies to ensure they have cover for breakdown and damage.

In addition, the institute has offered advice on hiring cars abroad.

Neil Greig, director of IAM, says motorists should be as open as possible with hire firms, telling them if the vehicle will be used for any "unusual" activities like driving to another country.

This is key, he claims, as this could contravene the fine detail in the hire agreement or even negates a person's car insurance completely.

"It does depend on individual countries," he adds. "For example in Spain you are allowed to drive your car hire car to Gibraltar, which is a different country."

Among other tips the IAM has given to drivers heading to Europe is to familiarise themselves with "strange cars" they have not used before, particularly if the layout is the opposite way round from what they are used to.

Like at home, the organisation says general maintenance checks are also important, such as making sure the vehicle has adequate oil and water and the brakes, steering and tyres are in full working order.

The IAM also suggests the car is checked for damage and the driver finds out all the information needed in the case of breakdowns, faults, punctures or an emergency.

For those planning on travelling around, diesel and petrol prices in Britain are reportedly still cheaper than in near-neighbour France, Germany and the Benelux countries.

Despite many media references to its expensive cost of living, Switzerland is the cheapest nation in Europe for petrol per litre, less than the UK average and considerably below the £1.40 charged for each litre in Norway.
Fears have been raised in one emerging tourist destination – Croatia – that rising fuel prices could curtail the number of visitors to the country.

However, the Croatian tourism ministry has told Reuters it is confident high diesel and petrol prices across the continent should mean drivers are not unduly put off visiting the country.

Last but not least, motorists are urged that as they make last minute preparations for their holiday like packing an extra pair of trunks and splashing out on new sunglasses, they also leave some time spare to check their car insurance policies and ensure their vehicle is in working order if they are using it to travel abroad.

23 Oct 2008