Don't drive abroad uninsured

Despite a general tightening of purse strings across the UK, over 4.3 million motorists plan to drive their car to Europe this summer - but for shorter weekend breaks.

The research, conducted by female-friendly car insurer 'Sheilas Wheels, reveals that nearly half (49 per cent) of all motorists are swapping air travel for car journeys when heading to European destinations as it's much cheaper. Over 1.5 million (6 per cent) motorists will be driving to Europe for a day trip or long weekend.

Alarmingly, the poll shows that 15 per cent of motorists assume that they are automatically covered for comprehensive cover to drive abroad, but are still happy to drive on foreign roads regardless. Furthermore, almost a fifth of motorists (18 per cent) would just rely on checking their insurance documents to see if the cover was valid outside the UK. Surprisingly, only one in ten (10 per cent) actually call their insurer to check whether or not they are covered whilst driving abroad.

Motorists may think that having a Green Card within their insurance documents means they're covered when driving abroad. However, this only provides proof that a motorist has the appropriate minimum level of cover required to drive in that country - which is usually only third party cover. Motorists must call their insurer to get their cover extended to fully comprehensive and flag-up that they'd be taking their car into Europe - in case they need to make a claim.

Top five concerns motorists have whilst driving abroad:

Being involved in an accident (67 per cent)
Driving on the opposite side of the road (49 per cent)
Not being able to ask for directions in a foreign language (46 per cent)
Getting lost on unfamiliar roads (41 per cent)
Unfamiliar traffic rules and regulations (40 per cent)

The research also revealed that 38 per cent are worried about not being able to understand road signs.

With one in ten motorists (10 per cent) sustaining damage to their car whilst on foreign soil - be it a collision, bump or a damaged windscreen - the importance of making sure that you have fully comprehensive cover for any unfortunate mishap is clear.

Surprisingly, nearly a third (33 per cent) think that the driving rules and regulations in the UK are the same as those in Europe countries and over half

(57 per cent) of motorists drive illegally in Europe, by not carrying a warning triangle in their car - one of the compulsory requirements when driving in France, Belgium and Germany - as well as having headlamp adjustments and displaying a G.B. sticker.

Over 3.6 million motorists don't know their speed limits on foreign roads, with 84 per cent of those surveyed revealing that they don't know that the speed limit on a motorway in France is 130km/h. If caught speeding they could be faced with hefty on-the-spot fines.

Jacky Brown at Sheilas' Wheels car insurance said: "When planning to take a car to Europe, it is crucial for motorists to call their insurer and tell them that they want to extend their level of cover for driving abroad.

It is also vital that motorists understand the basic rules and regulations for driving on foreign roads and be fully prepared by planning their journeys, carrying the essential equipment and giving their car a maintenance check before setting off."

Sheilas' Wheels has compiled some useful tips for driving abroad:

Make sure you have the insurance cover you need for travelling abroad - always call your insurer to extend your cover before you go

Carry some identification with you whilst travelling as you may be asked for it if stopped by the police. Never leave it in the car - take it with you at all times

Carry out basic car maintenance before you go. For example, make sure your oil and water is topped up, your tyres have enough tread

Remember normal safety precautions such as wearing seatbelts in the front and rear and don't use your mobile phone whilst driving

Drive sensibly and carefully as speeding and other traffic offences are often subject to on-the-spot fines

Blood alcohol levels are stricter than in the UK (0.5mg/ml in France, Belgium and Germany, rather than 0.8mg/ml in the UK). If you're driving, then don't drink

Contact your breakdown cover provider to get your cover extended to cover you whilst abroad