Millions of UK drivers are taking to the roads on the continent while unsure as to whether their car insurance covers them on trips abroad, a new report states.

The study from price comparison site uSwitch.com reveals that around 2.8 million Brits break speed limits while driving abroad - despite the fact that around 66 per cent are unaware that many car insurers only offer third party cover overseas, regardless of their UK policy terms.

Additionally, around one million people don't wear a seatbelt while driving on the continent or fail to go hands-free on mobile cars while abroad.

"This is a major issue for holiday makers as they can end up facing an unpaid claim if they drive their car abroad without getting their insurance lined up properly beforehand," Aron Thompson, head of insurance at uSwitch.com, said.

"This is a classic case of 'know before you go.'

"Many providers demand extra payment from drivers to take out insurance for overseas use. Even if a policy does extend to cover driving abroad, motorists need to be aware that insurers often limit the number of days that a car can be driven abroad in any one year, and that sometimes you cannot use this allowance in one go - you have to return to the UK in-between."