Now you re ready to set off on what should be the perfect spring holiday or shopping trip. But as you drive the car onto the ferry, or the Eurostar, you could be heading for disaster if you are one of the four in ten drivers who have no breakdown cover. The cost of having a car transported back to the UK can be steep. According to RAC estimates repatriating a car from the Mediterranean to Birmingham could cost as much as 1,200 and from Paris to Glasgow, the cost could be 1,500. Don't have a breakdown Making sure of insurance is as important as filling up with petrol before setting off.
Many motorists are unaware of two important facts.
First, it s no longer necessary to have a green card to prove the car is insured. And most comprehensive policies are downgraded for driving abroad so you re covered only for third party fire and theft, not accidents. Even drivers crossing the Channel for the day to do some cut-price shopping need to check what cover they have. Tell them how long you ll be away and list any valuables in the car that could be stolen. If necessary, ask for an extension to your policy that will keep you covered.