Get covered for motoring abroad

This Bank Holiday heralded the start of the summer holiday season, and getting away by car to Europe is still a firm favourite with thousands of holidaymakers.

But if you're thinking of taking your car to the continent this summer, make sure you're properly insured, advises over 50s insurance specialist RIAS.

Many drivers don't know whether they are covered or not until it's too late, and getting involved in an accident without cover while travelling outside the UK can be an expensive business. Footing the bill for vehicle repairs, for example, plus compensation and legal expenses, can run into hundreds of pounds. Even a tow home can cost in excess of £1,000 and not all motor insurance policies provide cover for driving abroad as standard. The advice from RIAS is for all drivers to double check their policies before setting off, or they could be storing up trouble for later.

"Before you take your car across the channel, make sure all your paperwork is in order," says RIAS Managing Director Janet Connor. "Getting the correct insurance in place should be as essential a part of a pre-holiday to-do list as remembering to pack your toothbrush. RIAS Motor Insurance provides cover as standard for customers driving their cars within the European Union, giving exactly same cover shown on the schedule, for up to 90 days in any period of insurance. Any customers requiring advice or reassurance can telephone RIAS prior to travelling, and our advisers will give them all the help they need."

Besides insurance, RIAS gives the following useful advice for driving in Europe:

Take a wallet holding your passport and UK driving licence (both paper and photocard parts), the original vehicle registration document and the certificate of motor insurance - but make sure this information is kept secure at all times

Reduce the risk of car crime - never leave valuables, personal possessions or attractive items on show inside an unattended vehicle

Don't forget to make sure you have adequate breakdown cover in place