Driving abroad? Beware car insurance complications

Around 3.5million of the UK’s motorists took their cars across the Channel last summer – yet more than half did so without checking their car insurance first.

Research from car insurance provider esure revealed that while most drivers are well aware they do not have comprehensive car insurance in place for overseas motoring they are still happy to drive on foreign roads.

So just what kind of car insurance coverage do you need when travelling abroad and how do you get it? This article will explain all.

Why do you need car insurance when travelling abroad?

Many motorists wrongly assume that having a Green Card, which is issued by all insurers free of charge, within their insurance documents means they are covered if an accident occurs overseas. However, in reality this only provides the minimum amount of cover – effectively third party cover.

Yet every year around 315,000 UK motorists suffer damage to their vehicles while driving overseas. Whether the damage is big or small, the cost of paying for repairs can quickly add up – especially if your vehicle requires immediate repair and you can’t wait until you get home.

That’s why it makes sense to grab comprehensive cover for driving abroad so you never fall into a money trap and find yourself at the mercy of foreign mechanics.

Does your car insurance cover you abroad?

Before you travel you should determine just how much coverage you already have in place – and in the majority of cases this will be little more than the Green Card mentioned earlier.

As much as six per cent of drivers believe that their travel insurance policy will automatically cover them for driving abroad – but this is never the case. Around 27 per cent of motorists said they would check their insurance documents before travelling but to be 100 per cent sure you should contact your insurer directly first. One simple telephone call could put your mind at rest.

Certain specialists who regularly travel abroad may find they are already covered. The likes of diplomats, charities and religious orders are usually covered by international insurance.

How can you get comprehensive car insurance for driving abroad?

Thankfully there are now a host of UK car insurance companies that will offer coverage for driving in foreign countries.

Due to the popularity of trips abroad it has actually become common for car insurance companies to advertise overseas policies in order to attract new business. Therefore if a current car insurance provider does not offer overseas cover, my advice is for you to use a price comparison tool to see what deals are available from other providers.

Not only could this help you find the level of cover you need for travelling abroad, you could also secure cheap car insurance too by comparing quotes from a range of providers.

What else should drivers be aware of when travelling abroad?

Of course your work should not end with just securing a good car insurance policy – you must also take extra care when driving overseas too.

Many Brits travel with little idea of what to expect on foreign roads. Do your research ahead of time – especially if travelling by car is going to be a significant part of your trip. In particular, familiarise yourself with the speed limits to avoid fines which could in turn impact your car insurance costs in the UK. For example, the speed limit on town roads in Belgium is 50km/h.

In addition, make sure you are up to speed on any unique road laws that may apply in the country you visit. According to research, 46 per cent of UK motorists drive illegally in Europe by not carrying a warning triangle in their car. A triangle is compulsory in France, Belgium and Germany. You’ll also need to display a GB sticker and have headlamp adjustments.

It may seem like a lot of trouble at a time when you are already busy dealing with other aspects of your travel plans such as where to visit and where to stay. However, being stung with a charge for illegal driving overseas could see you facing significant hikes in future car insurance premiums, especially if it costs you your no-claims discount.

My advice therefore is to check you know all the rules and regulations before you travel. Carry out a car maintenance check before you leave the country too, to help you avoid breakdowns.

In addition remember to keep your level of security high overseas. Park in safe, well-lit areas and utilise alarms and immobilisers so even if the worst does happen you will not jeopardise a car insurance claim.