Car insurance – Tips & Advice – Stress-free driving
Popping across the Channel and exploring the Continent by car can be a wonderful adventure, but before you set off make sure you have everything you need for a successful trip.
Your checklist of necessary paperwork should include your full driving licence (with paper counterpart), the original vehicle registration document and your passport.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) will allow you to drive your car overseas when it’s accompanied by your licence. These are valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be obtained from most Post Offices. While you’re there, pick up the Health Advice For Travellers leaflet. You can also apply for an IDP online via the Green Flag website
You’ll need to fill in the EHIC form at the back of the IDP so that you can produce it if you or your family are taken ill and require medical treatment.
You might also want to set a reminder to yourself to drive on the right when you get there!
Look after yourself
You will need to ask your car insurer for an International Motor Insurance Certificate (green card). Direct Line will automatically extend your policy cover to travel within the EU for up to 90 days for the minimum cover required for the country you are traveling in.
Contact us to find out about extending the cover to match what you have in this country on 0845 246 8706. It’s also a great idea to make sure there’s someone on hand to assist you in the event of a breakdown. You can take out Direct Line European breakdown cover for the duration of your trip – there will be an extra discount if you’re already a Direct Line car insurance policyholder.
Don’t leave home without…
It’s important to remember that each country you drive through will have different laws about speed restrictions, drink driving, road signs and other dos and don’ts. There are some items though that will be essential in most if not all of the countries you’re travelling in. Before you start your journey buy and pack a first aid kit (the European Good Samaritan Law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance when encountering an accident or incident, providing it is safe to do so).
You should also have a fire extinguisher, reflective jacket/waistcoat, hazard warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors and spare lamp bulbs. Display a GB sticker on your car. If you are driving in winter you may encounter more severe weather than you would in the UK and are legally obliged in some places to equip your car with the appropriate winter tyres and snow chains.
Pay as you go
Quite a few European countries operate toll systems on some of their roads, so make sure you have spare change in the car to cover these costs (you may even need a permit to travel on some of them). If you commit a traffic offence you may be liable to an on-the-spot fine. If you are unable to pay this using local currency in some parts of Europe, you will risk having your vehicle impounded until the fine is paid.
Rest and recuperation
Pull up for a break at a lot of the service stations in France and you’ll be pleased to find that there are ‘aires de repose’, complete with picnic tables and children’s play areas. Drivers can stop along the Austrian and German autobahns at rest areas for fuel, food and a bed for the night. If you are planning on camping for the night, or pulling up your caravan, pick up a Camping Card International for discounts at over 1,100 campsites throughout Europe.
Now all you have to do is pack your suitcase!
Related information:
Driving from the UK to Europe – suggestions on the best resources to plan your route
Breaking down abroad – make sure you’re well prepared for breakdown before you drive abroad
Driving in adverse weather conditions – even in summer, you may encounter hazardous driving conditions in some parts of Europe
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