Summer holidays are a perfect time to load up the car, escape the unpredictable weather in the UK and head for some warmer weather on the continent. But before you drive off in search of the sun there are a few things you should remember to check before leaving:

Car Insurance – does your policy cover you when driving abroad? It is well worth calling your current insurer and letting them know which counties you are planning to visit. They can then check your policy features and limitations to make sure you will be covered in event of an accident abroad. If your cover needs to be extended, this is likely to be subject to an additional premium however it will give you the peace of mind that you’re covered for all eventualities.

On another note make sure you pack both the paper part and photo card of your driving license along with your car insurance certificate when driving aboard. Your insurer can also issue you with a green card if required.

Breakdown cover – Likewise, also check your breakdown policy covers you whilst driving abroad. Your current policy may only cover you in the UK or in certain named countries in the EU – it is worth clarifying with your provider before hitting the road. On the other hand, if you currently do not have any breakdown cover in place and are contemplating a long trip, it might be worth purchasing cover. Repair and relay costs can be expensive when stranded abroad!

Is your car ready? – It is compulsory in most EU counties to apply headlamp adjusters, carry a warning triangle and display a GB sticker when on the road. Other country specific rules apply such as carrying replacement headlamp bulbs in Spain so it is worth checking the rules for each country you are planning to drive in before leaving and avoid being caught out.

We would always advise you get your car checked over by a local garage before embarking on a long journey to ensure your oil & fluid levels are topped up and blades, filters, tyres and alike are in good working condition.

Plan your route – get organised and plan your route ahead packing the relevant maps and directions for your trip. This way you know how much fuel and time you need to reach your destination and can plan comfort stops along the way. Don’t forget in some counties such as France, you will be required to pay tolls to travel on certain sections of their roads so factor these costs into your holiday budget.

If you are planning to stop overnight on route – it’s advisable to book a room in advance or at least have somewhere in mind before leaving to save you scouring the roads for a B&B with a vacancy late into the night.

Know where you’re driving – look out for local speed limits and stick to them. There would be nothing worse than getting pulled over and fined whilst on holiday or worst of all, getting arrested. Foreign Police are renowned for treating tourists differently so take great care.

Also be mindful that in countries like France where there are toll roads in place, Police often monitor peoples driving speed between two toll booths to catch anyone exceeding the speed limits.

Finally, air on the side of caution when driving on unfamiliar roads, especially at times when you are driving on the ‘other side of the road’. European roads can be twisty so don’t be tempted to drive at the same speed as the locals who know the road - cut your speed and stay safe.

Entertainment for the kids - Finally if you are travelling with children it is always advisable to pack travel sickness pills, water, snacks and some in car entertainment. Children find long journeys frustrating so keeping them entertained is integral to a peaceful trip!

Related articles:

• Why you should buy travel insurance cover

Related Products:

Temporary Car Insurance  |  European Bike Insurance  |  Holiday Insurance  |  Camera Insurance  |  Airport Car Hire  | Hotels and Car Hire |