Check your insurance before taking your car abroad

British motorists hopping in their car and heading overseas in search of the sun could be driving into a heap of trouble, according to new research from uSwitch.com. While most will remember their toothbrush, many will forget to contact their insurer to ensure that they are fully protected by their car insurance when driving abroad. Although most providers have extended the number of free days overseas cover they offer, there are still some loopholes that could trip up unsuspecting drivers and leave them saddled with an expensive unpaid claim.

Over 2 million British motorists head overseas in their car each year, but the research shows that over a third (38%) of all drivers have no idea as to the level of cover their policy offers when driving abroad. Almost a quarter (22%) think they receive an identical level of cover overseas as they do in the UK, but admit that they have not checked. Perhaps more worryingly, almost one in five drivers (18%) are under the illusion that their travel insurance will cover them for driving abroad - only a third (35%) of motorists are savvy enough to know that it doesn't.

If motorists want to enjoy the same level of protection they have in the UK when travelling overseas, for example fully comprehensive or third party, fire and theft, they must contact their insurer to upgrade their policy prior to their trip. If they fail to do this, they could be left liable for any damage to their car and to another driver's car if they are involved in an accident. They could also end up picking up the tab in the event of damage caused by fire or if their car is stolen.

They should also check policy documents to ensure that they do not require a ‘green card' - they may need this if going to an area that is not automatically included in their policy.

The good news is that most insurers have extended the number of days a year you can drive abroad within your policy. However, some limit the number of consecutive days cover you can get, and this can be to as little as three days. It is therefore vital for consumers to check the small print and let their insurer know they are going abroad, even if only planning a day trip.

Mark Monteiro, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, says: "An astonishing number of motorists are making incorrect assumptions about their car insurance policy when it comes to travelling overseas. Unfortunately, these could prove extremely costly in the event of a claim.

"Drivers are paying to have top level cover in the UK and mistakenly believe that they will automatically enjoy the same protection while driving abroad. This is wrong - they should always check the policy small print, make sure they are aware of any restrictive clauses in their policy, such as the number of consecutive days a car can be driven abroad before the driver must return to the UK, and absolutely always contact their insurer before going.

"Avoiding any insurance mishaps when driving overseas is simple - just make sure you set time aside before your trip to contact your insurer. Even better, if you drive abroad regularly, next time your car insurance comes up for renewal research the length and level of cover on offer before you sign up to a new policy."

uSwitch.com's top tips for Brits driving abroad:

Before you head off on your trip, check with your insurer that you have sufficient cover for driving your car while abroad and ensure that your policy includes comprehensive ‘foreign use'.

Check also the number of days - consecutively and in total in any year - that you are covered for driving abroad as these can vary from one policy to another.

When getting a new insurance quote, ask for a quote with and without cover abroad to find out the cost of adding the additional policy feature and to draw a like-for-like comparison between insurers.

Some insurers do not offer roadside assistance insurance in the UK, let alone European breakdown, so you may need to purchase this separately.

Europe has strict drink driving laws, at least as strict as in the UK, and in most countries stricter. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits are implemented rigorously and 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.