If you are planning on taking your cars on holiday this summer, you need to make absolutely certain that your car insurance policy covers all eventualities across the border, including in particular, protection for breakdown or if you are involved in an accident.
According to research carried out by Marks & Spencer Money, a shocking one in five drivers who took their cars on holiday last summer had taken out the appropriate cover in case their vehicle broke down, and only a third were insured against theft and damage. The majority of motorists are unaware of the fact that while their fully comprehensive policy will cover them adequately on British soil, this does not necessarily extend to the Continent with only one in ten policies including European breakdown cover. Consumers are advised to shop around for the best motor insurance deals as well as the cheapest breakdown cover; it might even be worth asking your neighbours how much they are paying and where they purchased their motor cover.
Most insurance policies will only provide the minimum legal requirement third party cover when driving outside the UK. However, comprehensive policies offered by insurers such as the AA, esure, Churchill and Endsleigh will still apply on the Continent. M&S Money’s motor insurance also includes comprehensive and breakdown cover as standard, but with all policies you need to check how many days driving abroad you are covered for. The majority will apply for up to 90 days, however, others will limit you to 30 so make certain that you have investigated this prior to your trip or you could find your holiday being cut short.
Another point to research while planning your vacation, is whether the country you intend to visit is included as one of the locations your insurance provider deems applicable to cover you for when driving abroad. Those countries that are within the jurisdiction of the European Union will have the same rules as the UK, and this includes Switzerland. However, if you are travelling to a non-EU destination you can add comprehensive cover abroad at a relatively low cost. Taking out full comprehensive cover is definitely worth considering, as thieves are more likely to target cars bearing foreign number plates. Moreover, the chances of having an accident is highly increased due to the fact that you are driving in places that are unfamiliar to you, not to mention the fact that in most cases you will be driving on the opposite side of the road than you are used to.
If your policy will not permit you to include European breakdown cover free of charge, the AA and RAC offer stand-alone policies which you can purchase for a potentially lower cost. The AA’s prices start at around £64.80 for a fortnight’s holiday for a family of four in mainland Europe, and £117 for annual cover, with each trip lasting up to the maximum 90 days. Breakdown cover from the RAC includes you and up to seven passengers across 47 countries. Policies tend to start from £10 a day, but the cost may be affected somewhat by how many people you are travelling with, the age of your car, the places you intend to drive through as well as the dates you are going to be on holiday, peak periods dependent on destination may hike up the cost. Members of the AA and RAC are entitled to a discount. There are also 10% discounts available when you buy your policy over the internet.
Basic facts to be aware of when driving abroad are as follows: in most cases the driver must be over 21, as the majority of insurers will not provide comprehensive cover for use on the Continent; you must have with you both parts of your full and valid driving licence; original vehicle registration documentation; an up-to-date MOT certificate; a GB sticker if you do not have an EU number plate with the GB symbol and a spare set of car keys. In some countries you may also require a first aid kit and a hazard triangle in case you are involved in a road accident. Take the correct precautions and have a safe journey.
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