As part of this week’s European Breakdown Cover special we want to prepare Britain’s motorists fully for their planned trips abroad and what better way to kick start that process than with a little preparation advice?!

The first step in the process of planning a European getaway is to obviously read through the small print of your car insurance. It can be very easy to make the mistake of just expecting your policy to cover you for such trips when, in actual fact, the majority do not.

Some car insurance policies will allow you to extend cover to include European driving for a short period of time but if not a separate policy MUST be taken out before you go.

You should also check the small print of these policies to ensure you can stay for an extended period of time as often tips will be limited in duration as well. Worth checking if you have a long holiday planned.

It is also very important to take the right documents with you as quite often you will be required to have insurance certificates with you if you do have an accident

The International Motor Insurance Card is another vital document, which indicates the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country they are in. However, this is not needed when in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia or Liechtenstein.

If your holiday is further afield remember also that you may need an International Driving Permit, which can be obtained through any Post Office.

Then we come to European Breakdown Cover, possibly the last thing on many people’s list but the one thing that is more likely to be needed. Without it recovery fees can be extortionate and, worse still, a breakdown can leave you without transport for the holiday, ruining the whole break.

For more advice on the things you will need for your European Driving adventure contact our team now on 0800 0199519.