Check Your Policies Before Driving In Europe
In his article, “Caught short in Europe”, Ali Hussain urges motorists to check their insurance cover before they set off for Europe.
Check your fully comprehensive driving insurance before you go, it may not be as fully comprehensive as you would like it to be! Many travellers find themselves abroad with less cover than they need or worse, without cover at all!
Do not assume anything! Many companies including the RAC, Norwich Union Direct and Direct Line provide third party cover ONLY once you leave the UK. An additional premium is necessary in most cases while some companies require you to inform them prior to your trip.
Sheila’s Wheels’ research revealed that out of the 4.3 million British motorists who are set to drive in Europe this year 15% ASSUME they have full cover from their insurance company. This is frightening! Always ring up your insurance provider informing them of your trip and that you will need to extend your cover.
Do not assume anything! The market analyst, Defaqto revealed that 61% of comprehensive policies do not actually cover breakdown in Europe. Those offering cover for Europe as a standard feature account for only 11%. Third party cover is only standard thanks to EU law, where damage is paid only to another motorist when involved in an accident. This type of cover does not protect you against accidental damage, theft and personal injury.
While comprehensive insurance can be provided as an extension, how much insurance companies charge for it can vary considerably.
Direct Line, Admiral and Diamond offer differing rates that depend on the length of cover required. Barclays charge about £21.90 for 90 days of cover. Diamond will sell annual cover for an extra £34.50. Admiral will charge £9 for four days and £17 for thirty days. Marks and Spencer, Churchill and Endsleigh offer free comprehensive cover for up to 90 days per year.
Free annual cover is available from Ecar and SAGA. Don’t rely on price comparison websites because they can be deceiving. The insurance companies featured can often provide different versions of their policies so they stand out on the tables. For example, the Norwich Union Direct charge £26 extra for 90 day cover abroad although via a broker, the whole trip cover is standard with no extra charge. The cost for normal cover is more likely to be more expensive overall however. While you are at it, check there are no restrictive clauses concerning numbers of consecutive days you can drive abroad.
A couple of other things mentioned in the article, that we should all be aware of when driving abroad include alcohol levels, speed limits and general safety.
Europe is much tougher on alcohol levels than the UK, that everyone has to wear a seatbelt and that speed is monitored regularly. If caught driving 25 kilometres per hour more than the speed limit, you could face an on-the-spot confiscation of licence and you’ll certainly get an on the spot fine (yes, they do take credit cards). Do yourself a favour and read up on the European Highway Code before you go.
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Tags: comprehensive insurance, driving in Europe, insurance company