Drivers 'need to check insurance details before heading to Europe'
Published On 19 February 2008
People from the UK planning driving holidays in Europe have been urged to carefully check the details of their car insurance policy before setting off on their trip.Ian Crowder, public relations manager at the AA, explained that UK car insurance policies always featured third party cover while in Europe, but that many drivers also mistakenly thought they were comprehensively insured while away.
Figures from the RAC Foundation show that three million Brits head to the continent by ferry and the channel tunnel every year in their cars and that people from the UK who drive to Spain or Portugal are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than at home.
As a result, Mr Crowder commented: "If you're thinking of taking a car into the continent, you do need to check with your insurer.
"Some insurers do provide up to 90 days free comprehensive cover for your vehicle anywhere in Europe and some other non-EC countries like Switzerland. But others don't automatically provide it for free, and they might charge a little more.
"If you do have an accident when you travel abroad [and you have comprehensive cover], you'll find that … you've got the expense of getting your car removed and so on, which wouldn't be covered by your insurance if you haven't extended your comprehensive cover to drive in Europe."
