Brits get the jitters when driving abroad

Brits dread the thought of taking to the roads abroad and two-thirds (64 per cent) admit that they lack confidence.

New research by Prudential Car Insurance has found that 57 per cent of Brits are set to take their own car overseas. However experts say the nerves behind the wheel could increase the likelihood of accidents. Given the increased chance of accidents the research found an alarming three-in-five drivers did not even know what insurance cover they had when abroad.

Top five reasons for Brits jitters when driving abroad:

1. Confusing road signs

2. Driving on the wrong side of the road

3. Unfamiliar roads

4. Not sure of the driving laws

5. Negotiating roundabouts from the right-hand side of the road

Furthermore, many discover that they are not protected under fully comprehensive cover when driving overseas. Only a third of insurance providers2 offer comprehensive cover that includes driving in other EU countries for extended trips abroad. The rest offer only up to three days or simply do not provide comprehensive cover outside the UK. Prudential Car Insurance is also warning that many providers only offer the legal minimum cover required in the respective country and that this may not include fire and theft, let alone fully comprehensive insurance.

Phil Southgate, media relations manager comments: “With almost two-thirds of drivers nervous about driving abroad, it is vital they double check what protection their policy will offer once they cross the Channel. Should they be involved in an accident some drivers may otherwise find themselves at a loss with only third party insurance despite having fire and theft or even fully comprehensive cover in the UK. We urge drivers to speak to their insurers so that they can set off to foreign climes with peace of mind.”

Prudential Car Insurance offers customers the same level of cover they enjoy in UK, wherever they take their car.