'Insurance needed' for foreign travels
- Published: 04/07/2007
Holiday makers taking their vehicles on to the continent this summer need to make sure that they have the correct car insurance, a new report indicates.
A study from MoneyExpert.com shows that many travelling Brits could be left stranded while in Europe - as a quarter of UK car insurance policies only give three days foreign cover.
A further 25 insurance policies offer no free cover at all, the research reveals.
While comprehensive insurers give an average period of 56 days free foreign cover with their policies, some providers - such as Direct Line, Egg, Esure, Halifax, MBNA, Sheila's Wheels, Tesco and Virgin - place severe limits on continental cover.
"The exodus to France and Spain is part and parcel of the British summer, and many holidaymakers prefer to drive. If you are planning a road trip to the continent you can’t take it for granted that your car insurance will cover you abroad," Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert.com, said.
"Many of the biggest names in car insurance will only cover you for a couple of days. That might get you to the Costa Brava and back but it certainly isn't enough for a decent holiday.
"There's no need to get caught out as there are a number of comprehensive policies on the market which will cover you without a charge. The key is to check before you buy."
A study from MoneyExpert.com shows that many travelling Brits could be left stranded while in Europe - as a quarter of UK car insurance policies only give three days foreign cover.
A further 25 insurance policies offer no free cover at all, the research reveals.
While comprehensive insurers give an average period of 56 days free foreign cover with their policies, some providers - such as Direct Line, Egg, Esure, Halifax, MBNA, Sheila's Wheels, Tesco and Virgin - place severe limits on continental cover.
"The exodus to France and Spain is part and parcel of the British summer, and many holidaymakers prefer to drive. If you are planning a road trip to the continent you can’t take it for granted that your car insurance will cover you abroad," Sean Gardner, chief executive of MoneyExpert.com, said.
"Many of the biggest names in car insurance will only cover you for a couple of days. That might get you to the Costa Brava and back but it certainly isn't enough for a decent holiday.
"There's no need to get caught out as there are a number of comprehensive policies on the market which will cover you without a charge. The key is to check before you buy."