Car Insurance
Half of Brits not checking car insurance abroad
Wed, 31 May 2006
Half of all British tourists do not believe they have full UK car insurance cover while abroad but this does not stop them from driving anyway, according to a new poll.
Research from motor insurer esure revealed that some 3.5 million people plan to take their car abroad this summer, although half of them will fail to check the terms of their car insurance policy before they go, which could leave them with the potentially ruinous cost of repair
The research revealed a worrying degree of ignorance in terms of foreign car insurance regulations. More than half a million drivers are not aware of the speed limit on foreign roads, despite the fact that if caught speeding fines can raise their car insurance premiums back home.
Meanwhile, many motorists believe that carrying a Green Card covers them to drive abroad. However, the Green Card only provides the minimum amount of cover to drive legally on the road. To upgrade car insurance cover for driving abroad policyholders must typically call their insurer and inform them they will be driving abroad.
However, just one in ten motorists would check their car insurance before they go, while 27 per cent would simply rely on checking their insurance covered them outside the UK.
But with 315,000 drivers having had an incident of one form or another while abroad, motorists must ensure their car insurance is adequate to cover any eventuality.
Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure, said: "It is crucial for motorists who intend to take their cars to Europe to call their insurer and tell them that they want to extend the level of cover they have for driving abroad.
"It is also vital that motorists understand the basic rules and regulations for driving on foreign roads and be fully prepared by planning their journeys, carrying the essential equipment and giving their car a maintenance check before setting off."
© Adfero Ltd
