Car Breakdown Cover

If you are taking your car to Europe it is essential to ensure both you and your vehicle are thoroughly prepared for the trip. Here are some handy tips on driving in Europe:

• Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting.  Find out about licence requirements and other driving regulations well in advance of your trip. Be aware that the driving age limit is 18 years in most European countries. Don’t assume all European countries have the same laws! If you plan to visit several countries be sure to find out all the relevant information.
• Make sure you have all necessary documentation with you at all times during your trip. You may be asked to produce these at any time:
1. A full valid driving licence with paper counterpart where applicable s
2. An International Driving Permit if required
3. Your passport
4. Vehicle insurance certificate
5. Vehicle registration document
6. Breakdown cover documents
• Most European countries recognise a valid UK driving licence but an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be used in addition to your own licence. Some countries require an IDP by law so be sure to check before you go. 
• Before you travel ensure you have a sufficient level of European Breakdown Cover. Breaking down abroad without cover can ruin your holiday plans and be very expensive.
•  Make certain you have an adequate level of insurance, which covers you for travel in Europe.
• It is a good idea to have your vehicle serviced before travelling abroad. A well serviced vehicle is much less likely to breakdown when you are away. In addition be sure to check your tyre tread is sufficient; as with the UK, most European countries stipulate a minimum depth of 1.6mm.
• Find out about the safety laws for the countries you are visiting. Many European countries require all cars to carry a warning triangle and reflective jacket at all times. Even if this is not a legal requirement for the country you are visiting it is still a good idea to carry these items for the safety of yourself and other road users.
• Before you go be sure to check the speed limits of the country you are visiting as well as those you are driving through. Speed limits vary across the continent and you could face heavy fines if you break these limits.
• In many European countries it is a legal requirement to adjust your headlight beams. This is because most European countries drive on the right and without adjustment your headlights will dazzle oncoming road users. Headlight beam converter kits are readily available but it is advisable to check in your manual as in some cases a dealer is required to make the adjustments. For safety reasons you must remove the headlight converters as soon as you return to the UK.
• By law you must display a GB sticker, unless your car has Euro-Plates. You can be fined if you do not show a country of origin sticker for the duration of your visit. Some countries outside the EU still require a GB sticker even if you have Euro Plates so it often easier to display a GB sticker regardless of your plates.