Insurers Should be Informed About Travel Holidays

It has been reported that around seventeen per cent of British drivers will head abroad, with their cars in the next year, but many could be left with a car insurance headache, for keeping mum on their driving trips.

Following a poll by Sainsbury's Car Insurance the firm's warning state, that motorists are failing to inform their insurer, before they set off could, lead to their fully comprehensive UK policy being diminished to a third party level of cover. 

Almost half of the motorists intending to drive their own car abroad, say they will clock up, up to a thousand miles of travelling on foreign roads.  Nineteen per cent say they will be driving between 501 and 1,000 miles, with 29 per cent going under 500 miles.

Most insurers provide cover for driving in Europe, however, these providers also require policy holders to notify them before they set off on their travels.  If they fail to do so, only cover for third party, fire and theft could be provided.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury's Car Insurance manager said: "When going on holiday, most people will remember to take travel insurance but we are concerned that some motorists are overlooking the need to ensure that their car journey is fully covered"

Mallon added:"Having an accident anywhere is bad enough but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local knowledge, to then find that the other party's damage is covered but not your own, is surely a blow worth avoiding."

Another piece of advice would be to study or read up on the local road laws.  For example, in Spain, drivers must carry a spare wheel, as well as a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs, plus the tools to change them.  Failure to carry two red warning triangles to put in front and behind your car if you have an accident or break down could also result in a penalty.

The use of a radar detecting device in France could see your car and gadget seized, with a possible fine.

When driving in Switzerland, drivers must have a warning triangle kept in their vehicles, as this is compulsory, also drivers who wear glasses, must have a spare pair in the cars, when they are driving.

Moreover for travellers, preparing for journeys during the winter periods, are advised that snow chains are recommended to be carried everywhere in Germany during the winter and if you do not carry and fit them when conditions demand the police can prevent you continuing your journey.

Visibility vests are now compulsory in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain - and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU.  The rules vary from country to country concerning the number of vests required and whether they should be carried in the car or boot.  Common sense, however suggests that there should be a vest for every occupant and that the vests should be carried in the car. 

However, UK registered vehicles displaying a Euro plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.

Applying all of the above points should result in a bump free, smooth driving journey for travellers as well as insurance porivders.