Have peace of mind when you drive abroad

With the school year now at an end, many families will be taking to the roads for their annual holiday, with France and Spain possible destinations.

Rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging these drivers to check their car insurance before setting off to make sure they are covered when they venture to the other side of the Channel.

Laura Wood from NFU Mutual comments, "It is important that you check your car insurance when you travel overseas as there is often a limit on the number of days that you are covered for. NFU Mutual's standard car policy automatically insures policyholders whilst driving in Europe for 365 days a year*. This offers real peace of mind and means that you can tour the continent safe in the knowledge that you are insured.

"Driving on unfamiliar foreign roads can be a tricky business but it is important that you also check whether you are covered in the event of an accident or theft.

However, it is not just car insurance that drivers should check before setting off on their summer holiday. 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
You check what equipment you need in the event of a breakdown. Some countries require you to have a fluorescent jacket and warning triangle in your car at all times.

NFU Mutual also suggests that drivers check the different legal requirements for driving on foreign roads.