British motorists planning on driving on the continent this Winter are advised today by the comparison website Insurancewide.com to check European motoring laws to avoid unnecessary fines and holiday chaos.
James Harrison, chief executive, advised motorists: “It really does pay before you set off to check European motoring laws and to check that your car insurance policy covers you for accident or breakdown abroad. 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. But beware, it will only cover your liability to a third party and doesn’t 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 and breakdown assistance might not be automatically included.”
“A separate European breakdown policy 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. Compare the market carefully and be clear what you want to be covered for before you buy – don’t blindly make do with the cheapest policy going.”
“Finally, be aware that insurers tend to limit the number of days that you can have your car abroad in any one year.”
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As the great Easter escape approaches, Saga is reminding drivers to ensure they are fully covered on their insurance if they plan to drive abroad this bank holiday weekend. Each year 3.1 million UK drivers load up the boot and head over The Channel. However to ensure that traffic jams are the only headaches on the journey, over 50s experts Saga recommend a few basic preparations for your journey: - A pre-trip service for the car is highly recommended, to minimise the risk of breaking down while abroad;
- Check the condition of the tyres, including the spare, and consider replacing them before the trip if the tread is down to 3 mm or less;
- Headlights should be adjusted for driving on the other side of the road so they don't dazzle oncoming motorists;
- Driving licences and insurance documents are compulsory for driving abroad and should be the first thing you pack;
- A warning triangle is mandatory in many countries, and some - for example Spain - expect you to have two to alert drivers approaching from both directions;
- A first-aid kit is advisable and mandatory in a few countries including Austria;
- Showing a GB identification on the back of the car is compulsory when you drive in Europe, and failing to display one will render you liable to an on-the spot fine.
- Many European countries have toll roads so ensure you have plenty of change in the local currency of the countries you are travelling through and to.
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