Get fully covered before clocking up the miles abroad

Around 17% of people are planning to take their cars abroad over the next 12 months, according to new research from Sainsbury's Car Insurance. However, unless they inform their insurer before they set off, they could find that their fully comprehensive policy in the UK has diminished to third party. Almost half (48%) of those people taking their cars outside of Great Britain over the next 12 months say they will be driving over a thousand miles on foreign soil; some 19% say they'll be driving between 501 and 1,000 miles and 29% of people will drive under 500 miles.

Sainsbury's Car Insurance is not only warning motorists about the importance of ensuring they have fully comprehensive cover before driving abroad, but also that they inform their insurer before doing so. While most insurers will provide cover for driving in Europe, they also require policyholders to notify them before setting off. If they don't they are likely to only have cover for third party, fire and theft.

Joanne Mallon, Sainsbury's Car Insurance Manager said: "When going on holiday, most people will remember to take travel insurance but we are concerned that some motorists are overlooking the need to ensure that their car journey is fully covered. Having an accident anywhere is bad enough but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local knowledge, to then find that the other party's damage is covered but not your own, is surely a blow worth avoiding."

The bank advises people keep their wits about them, not just because they'll be driving on the right in Europe but also because there are some significant differences in driving laws between countries, and motorists need to be aware of these before they depart.

For example, in Spain, drivers must carry a spare wheel, a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them. In addition, you could be charged an on-the-spot fine if you do not carry two red warning triangles to put in front and behind your car if you have an accident or breakdown. And if you use any radar detecting device in France, your car and device could be seized and you could be fined, even if the device is switched off.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, our nearest neighbour, France, is the most popular country for Brits planning to drive their cars abroad. Sainsbury's Car Insurance reveals that 9% of people intend to drive their cars there this year; four per cent will take their car across the Irish Sea and another four per cent plan to drive across Holland or France to Germany.

Sainsbury's Car Insurance suggests the following checklist might be helpful for anyone planning to take their own car abroad:

Do some basic checks on your car to help minimise the risk of breakdowns or accidents, e.g.: check tyre pressures, oil, brake fluid and water levels.

Plan your route: invest in a map or use a European route planner on the internet.

Call your car insurer: even if you think you have fully comprehensive cover abroad, it is worth calling before you leave to double check and to top up your policy.

Take your time: Set a realistic timescale for your journey to avoid feeling pressured to drive fast or not take enough breaks. Driving on unfamiliar roads abroad can be even more tiring than usual, so give yourself time and consider planning your route to avoid the centre of major cities where driving is likely to be most stressful.

Check the motoring laws for the countries you are visiting. This can be done for free at fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo . In some countries there is a legal requirement to drive with headlights on or to carry emergency equipment. If you are going to be driving in several countries across Europe make a note of the different rules that apply in each country and take this with you. Make sure you refer to the notes before you cross the border and enter each country.

Ask friends and family about their trips: if you know someone who's driven in the country you plan to visit, why not learn from their experiences?

Sainsbury's Car Insurance offers motorists an extensive range of cover and benefits. This includes a courtesy car when using one of its recommended repairers following an insured accident (comprehensive cover only) and a no claim discount of 70% if you take out a policy and have not made a claim in the past five years, rising to 75% after a further five years' claim free driving with Sainsbury's Car Insurance. It is also one of only a few providers to offer new for old replacement child car seats after an accident as a standard feature of its comprehensive policy, even when there is no visible damage, as well as support and compensation if you're a victim of car jacking or road rage.