Be prepared for your motoring holiday

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by: bythesea
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Date: Mon, 30 Aug 2010 Time: 1:22 PM
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If you're intending to drive to the Continent this summer, a little careful planning can help ensure you're properly insured - while also keeping costs down. Taking your own car on holiday is convenient, can often work out cheaper than hiring a vehicle at your destination, and allows you to take the scenic route. However, travelling long distances can take its toll and result in breakdowns and delays - so adequate preparations are vital to ensure you stay safe on the road.

Inform your insurer

Before setting off, it's crucial to let your insurer know that you are taking your car overseas, and to check you have the correct car insurance in place, as not all policies automatically cover you for driving abroad.

M&S Premier Car Insurance, for example, comes with cover for EU travel included, but you should not assume this is the case with all providers.

Check your cover

Many drivers do not realise that British car insurers are only legally obliged to cover their customers for third-party claims when driving in another European country - which means most comprehensive policies revert to basic third-party cover once you cross the Channel.

"Your UK car insurance will cover you abroad in the EU, but will only provide the minimum statutory cover to third parties," says Adrian Webb from insurer Esure. "While this will pay for the damage you cause to another vehicle or driver, it won't cover theft, fire and any damage to your own car that is your own fault."

This means that if the worst happens, you could end up with a hefty bill.

Extend your existing policy

Before leaving the UK, contact your insurer to find out whether they will extend your existing comprehensive cover to overseas trips - and whether there is an extra cost. Some insurers will charge for this, while others will not.

But ensure you know the limitations and terms of your policy, as some will put a cap on the number of days you are covered for.

Insurer More Than, for example, provides four lots of five days driving abroad cover for free every year, but if you needed longer, you will need to pay extra to add on EU cover.

Saga, on the other hand, is one of the few insurers to offer comprehensive cover in the EU with no limit on the number or duration of trips.

Take out breakdown cover

Breakdown cover is vital for trips overseas, but first check with your insurer whether you are covered on your existing policy. If not, you will need to pay extra for this protection overseas.

While you may be tempted to cut corners and go without breakdown insurance, this could be a false economy given that the cost of foreign repair and repatriation can run into thousands of pounds.

Apply for a "green card"

If you're likely to be motoring outside the EU, ask your insurer for a "green card", as this proves you have the minimum legal requirement of third party liability insurance.

Also make sure you carry all your insurance documents with you.

Read up on the rules

Before hitting the road, take the time to brush up on the local rules of the road, or you could risk facing fines, arrests or accidents.

Bear in mind that the alcohol limit in certain countries can be stricter than in the UK.

Also make sure you are carrying the necessary equipment in case of a breakdown or accident, such as a fluorescent jacket or red warning triangle.

About the Author

Compare car insurance with Confused.com - between January and June 2010, 10 per cent of car insurance customers that gave a best alternative price saved over £188.85 by the confused.com website.