Preparing for driving abroad

Driving abroad can be a pleasurable experience, allowing holidaymakers a new level of freedom and the opportunity to get off the beaten track and explore.

However, it also presents another set of practical considerations, which tourists must take into account before getting behind the wheel on foreign soil.

Firstly, a motorist must be insured to drive abroad. Some policies will allow holders to extend their cover for their car, but others will not and a separate product must be taken out to ensure that the motorist is covered while driving abroad. Furthermore, there are often limitations of how long the individual can be abroad for (i.e. a maximum of 90 days) and the small print of any insurance policy should be looked over with a fine toothcomb.

Motorists should also ensure they have all the relevant documents with them while driving abroad, in case they have an accident. When driving in Europe, a motorist should have their Certificate of Motor Insurance, which provides details of their insurance cover.

The International Motor Insurance Card is another vital document, which indicates the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country they are in. However, this is not needed when in the EU, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Croatia or Liechtenstein.

When travelling further afield, motorists will often need to apply for an International Driving Permit. This can be obtained at any Post Office for a small fee and gives the holder the right to drive in the country they are visiting. Without this document, hiring a car in certain countries, such as South Africa, is illegal.

Some insurance providers also offer a breakdown cover service in Europe, which gives motorists the peace of mind of knowing that a 24-hour English-speaking telephone assistance service is at their disposal.

Once a motorist has these documents in place they should take some basic practical steps to help ensure their safety, such as familiarising themselves with the driving laws in the country they are visiting.

Motorists should ideally have their vehicle serviced before taking it abroad and check their car complies with the requirements of the country they are visiting.

Furthermore, to improve safety, motorists should always take a spare set of car keys with them, pack a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs in their vehicle, ensure they have a warning triangle, the contact number for their breakdown policy and the relevant emergency help numbers.