British travellers need to be better prepared when it comes to driving abroad, according to an insurance provider.

Some 3.5 million motorists are expected to take their car across the water this summer but more than half of these will drive on foreign roads without checking their insurance first and 46 per cent will break European driving regulations, claims esure.com.

Some of the law-breaking is likely to come from the fact that over half a million Britons do not know the speed limits on foreign roads and the six per cent who wrongly believe their travel insurance will automatically cover their car while abroad.

"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," said Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure.com.

"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."

Other advice includes carrying some identification while driving, conducting basic car checks before travelling (oil, water and tyre treads) and being careful not to drink and drive as blood alcohol levels are stricter in Europe than in the UK.