Driving abroad - are you insured?

Summer holidays are fast approaching and the number of Brits crossing the channel in their cars is set to increase. But driving abroad does statistically increase the risk of accident and hefty repair costs - which can ruin your holiday. So if you are planning on taking your car abroad this summer, whether for a quick booze cruise or a week’s holiday in the sun, make sure that you have adequate car and travel insurance. And before you set off, check that your car insurance policy actually does cover you for accident or breakdown abroad.

Before you depart…

To drive in the European Union, it is compulsory to have at least third party car insurance. UK car insurance policies should automatically provide you with a Green Card; also known as the International Motor Certificate. The Green Card is evidence that you have the minimum insurance requirement to drive abroad and is an internationally recognised document. It will only cover your liability to a third party and does not include any damage to your own vehicle or any medical or hospital expenses you may incur.

Even if you have comprehensive car insurance in the UK, some insurers will not extend this to trips abroad – they will only offer third party cover. If you want the same level of cover as you have in the UK, call your insurer to discuss your options before you go. They may charge an additional premium. Also, if you are going to share the driving with someone else make sure they are also covered by the policy.

If you do break down abroad, the cost of repairing your car or returning to it to the UK is expensive without insurance. But beware, a European extension to your UK car insurance policy does not automatically include breakdown assistance. European breakdown cover usually includes benefits such as repairing your car at the roadside, the return of your car to the UK if it cannot be driven and the cost of travelling home if your car is stolen as well as legal cover and the delivery cost of replacement parts of they are not available locally.

Even if you are confident that you have the sufficient level of cover for Europe, it is worth informing your insurer that you will be taking your car overseas. Insurers tend to limit the number of days that you can have your car abroad in any one year. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident abroad it is essential that you contact your insurer as soon as possible.

And don’t forget your travel insurance…

Travel insurance should protect you if you need to cancel or cut short your holiday through illness or family bereavement. Travel insurance is also vital when is comes to medical treatment. Medical bills can escalate out of control while you are abroad, not least because there is nothing equivalent to the NHS in any other country. You will be expected to foot the bill personally unless you have adequate travel insurance to cover the costs. Medical and health cover should be for a minimum of £1 million for Europe. Take out a policy that has the benefit of a 24 hour emergency service and assistance.

Always check what is excluded from your travel insurance policy, especially if you are planning on taking part in any hazardous activities. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions then your insurer will expect to know in advance or any future claim might be invalid.

Pre-crossing checklist …

• Carry all your insurance documents, car registration documents and full UK driving licence with you at all times
• Make sure your car service is up to date and your car is fully roadworthy
• Adjust your lights so as not to dazzle other road users on the continent
• Familiarise yourself with local road signs and traffic laws - especially things like drink-drive limits
• Some European countries require you to carry things like spare bulbs, warning triangles and reflective jackets
• Make sure the compulsory GB sticker is completely visible on your car
• Check international speed limits - make sure you are familiar with speed limits and the mph/kilometre equivalents. Some countries such as France and Spain automatically reduce these when it rains.
• Remember, it is sensible to carry a first aid kit in the car at all times.

Useful links

Car insurance

Breakdown insurance

Travel insurance