Driving Abroad: are you Covered?

We have all seen or personally experienced the devastating floods of recent weeks across the UK. Looking at the flooded streets and submerged cars, it is difficult to imagine what effected families are going through as they face another week without their homes, cars or even running water. For most people, however, insurance policies will cover at least the material losses, if not the emotional distress. But how far do you consider your insurance cover if you are driving abroad? Faced with a similar flooding situation while on your summer vacation might get you a celebrity shot on 'Holidays from Hell', but if you were to look out from your villa balcony to see your car bobbing in the storm waters, you may feel far happier just knowing you'd carefully organised your car insurance, in advance.

While many of us take pains to choose the right insurance for our homes and vehicles in the UK, there is far more confusion as to what happens when we travel abroad. Packing your car and driving into the sunset for, say, a road trip around Europe, may sound like an adventure of a lifetime. And there's no reason it shouldn't be - just ensure you check your insurance cover ahead of your trip. Like many drivers, you may assume, for example, that a UK car insurance policy will provide the same level of cover if you take your car abroad. In most cases, however, existing policies will only cover for basic road traffic accidents (RTAs) or at best, third party cover for overseas trips. This means you would not be covered for theft, fire or damage. Nor would you be covered for legal matters following a car accident.

You may also have heard of a 'Green Card' for driving abroad? This is an internationally recognised document, that proves you have the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. The key word, however, is 'minimum' - the card does not provide insurance in itself and although it will provide useful evidence of your basic cover, you will still need to get further insurance cover if you want comprehensive protection.

Getting the same insurance cover you enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad is a simple enough process, however. You could just ask your existing insurer to extend the scope of your cover before you travel, if it is not already included in your policy. An additional premium may be charged for this extension and will depend on where you're travelling and for how long. Alternatively, this may be a good opportunity to check out the car insurance market generally - it's always worth ensuring you're getting the best deal especially if you're planning to frequently travel with your car. Also ask your chosen insurer about Green Cards - although you no longer need a Green Card in EU countries, it still provides useful evidence of basic insurance, and if you're travelling outside of the EU you will certainly need one. Your insurer should be able to help you obtain one.

Some insurers may offer what is known as 'Green Card cover' - as Green Cards in themselves are free (and do not provide insurance cover in themselves), this really means that you are paying for extending your UK insurance cover overseas. Whichever kind of cover you choose, though, and whether you take a Green Card or not, be sure to take your insurance documents with you, just so that you are prepared if you need to make a claim. And don't leave any such documents in your car - if you were to face a UK-style flood situation while abroad, your careful organisation and paperwork would be meeting a soggy end.

You may also want to consider your breakdown cover. You can purchase car breakdown policies with your holiday insurance or separately. Your motor insurer might also provide this cover. Such insurance might cover the cost of hiring a car while yours is being repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, and even emergency accommodation if you can't use your vehicle. Prices will vary depending on what level of cover you want or need, but whatever policy you choose it will be a great reassurance, especially if you are driving long distances.

The following general tips may also help you plan your driving trip of a lifetime:

* Get your vehicle serviced before you set off on your holidays and ensure you research and comply with any vehicle requirements in the countries you are visiting.
* Do not forget your motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers. Also take your registration document, driving licence and, of course, passport. For some countries, you may need to take an International Driving Permit - check your destination/s in advance.

* Get a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle for your vehicle. Many of these items are a legal requirement in some EU countries.
* Take a spare set of keys and keep them somewhere safe!
* Familiarise yourself with road signs and the road rules of the country you are visiting before you go.
* Do not forget your registration document, driving licence and passport. Also check your destination/s to see whether you need to take an International Driving Permit with you.

All this planning may not sit very comfortably with the ideal of speeding into the great unknown with just your car and the road ahead. But if you really want a road trip of a lifetime, a little advance preparation will ensure that you can have just that.