Half Of UK Drivers Not Prepared For Foreign Roads

Many people now take their cars on holiday with them. It can be more convenient to have your own transport at your destination plus there is no luggage allowance. However, many do not realise that some preparation is required when driving abroad, even in Europe.

Over half of all drivers in the UK fail to prepare for the Continent when they take a driving holiday a survey has claimed. Almost one in seven of us seem unaware of the requirement in many EU countries to drive with insurance documents, and we leave them at home. This could mean you are driving illegally.

Almost a quarter find adjusting to driving on the right confusing, 15 per cent say that they are irritated by foreign drivers and almost ten per cent are bothered by the kids on the back seat. More seriously, almost two fifths find reading foreign signs difficult and a fifth get the urge to drive clockwise round roundabouts.

"Driving licences and insurance documents are compulsory for driving abroad and should be the first thing you pack," said the representative of a specialist insurance company.

"To limit the chances of getting into difficulty, people should plan their route before they leave and ask their passengers to navigate."

General tips for driving in Europe:

•    Documentation – take a full and valid driving licence, passport, motor insurance certificate, international driving permit if required.
•    Breakdown cover – this may be already included in your insurance but make sure you are covered if not.
•    Do not drink and drive – some countries are stricter about this than UK.
•    Be careful not to leave valuables on show in the car – this will deter casual thieves.

Fully comprehensive travel insurance and EU-applicable motor insurance are essential before setting out on a driving holiday. Great deals can be found by looking online. It is important to read the small print and make sure the policy you get is right for your individual circumstances and covers all the activities you are planning to do while on holiday.

If you would like to know more about motor insurance why not ask AnswerBank Insurance.