Ensure your sweet chariot carries you home safely

The Rugby World Cup kicks off in just a few weeks and fans from across the UK will be making the trip to France to watch their team play, with many expected to take to the roads. NFU Mutual is urging these drivers to check their car insurance before setting off to make sure they are covered when they are on the other side of the Channel.

Laura Wood from NFU Mutual comments, “As travel plans are finalised and the excitement builds for fans of all of the home nations, insurance can be the last thing on your mind. However, driving on unfamiliar foreign roads can be a tricky business. It is important that you check whether you are covered in the event of an accident or theft.

“NFU Mutual’s standard car policy automatically insures policyholders whilst driving abroad fully comprehensive for 365 days a year. This offers real peace of mind and means that rugby fans can get back to the important business of cheering their team on.”

However, it is not just insurance that drivers should check before setting off on the World Cup trail. Preparation is the key to driving abroad so NFU Mutual recommends drivers keep their cars in good condition as well.

Make sure that:

All the fluids are topped up

All the bulbs are working and you convert the headlamp beam

The tyres are in good condition and at the correct pressure

The windscreen is free of chips and the wiper blades are perfect

The paperwork (tax, MoT etc) is up to date and you pack your car’s logbook, V5 and insurance documents. The NFU Mutual car insurance certificate has the International Certificate of Motor Insurance (Green Card) printed on the reverse side

Your maps are up to date, or your sat-nav covers where you’re going

You remove any radar-detecting equipment

Put aside some loose change in euros for tolls

You have Europe-wide mechanical breakdown cover

NFU Mutual is also advising drivers to check the legal requirements for driving on French roads. Below are some tips to help get you started:

French road rules*

Make sure you have a GB sticker or an EU or GB symbol on your registration plate

Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or restaurants on the left side of the road.

Although many fans will want to enjoy the local brew whilst being away, France has strict drink driving laws. Blood alcohol levels are stricter than in the UK (0.5 mg/ml rather than 0.8) but as always, our advice is if you're driving, don't drink.

Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere in France.

Speed limits are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. In France, anyone caught travelling at more than 25km/h above the speed limit can have their licence confiscated on the spot.

Remember - Speeding and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines.

Be aware that urban speed limits begin at the town or city sign (not always where the first 50km/h sign is situated), usually denoted by a white name panel with a red border, and the limit ends where the name panel has a diagonal black bar through it.

*Tips taken from the Drive Alive website