Many British drivers mistakenly believe that their UK car insurance will automatically cover them on European roads, an industry expert has said.
However, esure’s Adrian Webb explained that most policies only covered third party damages.
Mr Webb said that it was important the drivers contacted their provider and arranged additional cover before driving in Europe.
“People have got very confused over this whole area; people seem to have absorbed the view erroneously that having an insurance policy with a UK company covers you anywhere within the EU,” he explained.
“EU cover is worth nothing to you – it’s only worth anything to someone you hit.
“Don’t ever take on a car abroad without having checked that there’s an insurance policy in place for that car that covers you. Otherwise you’ll be in for a very nasty shock.”
A recent report from Halifax suggested that Britons drive 15 billion miles each year on holiday road trips.
Paul Birkhead, of Halifax Travel Insurance, commented at the time: “From Easy Rider to Road Trip, popular culture has glamorised heading out on the open road. Millions of Britons have been inspired to hit the highway and embrace the freedom provided by a holiday road trip.”