If you're brave enough to be taking your own vehicle across the Channel to tour around some of the beautiful countries of Europe such as France, Germany Italy and Spain, check that you're fully insured for driving abroad, and that you have a decent level of personal liability cover.

You could be staring at a very expensive bill if you're involved in an accident; your car breaks down or is stolen.

Hired cars

The same goes for hired cars - the insurance that comes as standard with the hire deal may be limited - you'll be liable for any injury or damage over this limit.

Ask for extra insurance to increase your cover and minimise the excess you are liable for.

For useful information go to ABI* (Association of British Insurers) info site on Motoring Abroad.

When you travel -

Hot Tips and Info

Even if you're not planning to incur the costs of mobile calls abroad, take your mobile with you - just in case!

Carry all your documents in one folder in the car. Carry important duplicates with contact numbers on your person.

Brush up on basic car maintenance such as oil and water top ups for the vehicle you're using.

Take plenty of rest breaks on long journeys.

Make sure you take your policy and the 24-hour emergency phone number with you.
Make sure you know what you should do if the you-know-what hits the fan and your vehicle breaks down on a French or German motorway
Some insurance companies expect you to contact their assistance company as soon as possible after a problem arises, so cover your back - pick up the dog and bone straight away and bend their ear.
Don't throw any paperwork away - tickets, receipts, medical bills, police reports etc - are proof of your claim

Related Info