European Breakdown Cover – Get a quote with ASDA
EUROPEAN DRIVING – A CHECKLIST
Whether heading for the coast of Brittany, or an Austrian ski resort, driving to a European holiday destination is a popular choice of travel for many Britons. But what should you pack before you turn the key on a European adventure? There’s so much to remember - spare bulbs, travel documents, European breakdown cover…it can be difficult to know where to start.
This guide to driving in Europe will assist you when it comes to organising your trip, courtesy of our expert team of travel gurus.
Get protected with European breakdown cover
A priority purchase before undertaking any road trip in or around Europe is a European breakdown cover policy. Why?
A car breakdown is an inconvenience at any time. But during a motoring holiday it can pose a major headache if you’ve not got European breakdown cover. If your car ground to a halt, you would need to organise vehicle recovery. And then once at a garage, parts specific to UK right-hand drive vehicles could take days, or weeks, to arrive.
Asda offers great value, European Breakdown Cover which can help with alternative transport, accommodation, and repatriation for you, your family and your car.
Get your paperwork in order
If you have an accident, or are stopped by the police in a European Union member country, you will probably have to present a range of documents.
First, you’ll need to carry your driving licence. If you’ve got a photocard licence, you’ll also need to pack your paper counterpart document. If you haven’t passed your driving test – forget it. A provisional licence isn’t valid outside the UK.
Second, carry your car insurance and European breakdown cover documents. Check the small print before you travel because not all policies cover driving abroad or may simply provide third-party cover. If in doubt, contact your insurer.
Third, always carry your passport when driving, so you can prove who you are.
And finally, pack proof of ownership. That means having your car’s V5 registration document to hand, which shows you are the vehicle’s keeper.
Spare bulbs, warning triangles, GB stickers…
Many European countries have specific rules about what you should carry in your car.
For example, the French demand you carry high-visibility reflective jackets for car occupants to use in the event of a breakdown. You’ll also need a warning triangle. French police can impose heavy on-the-spot fines for motoring offences, such as speeding. And radar equipment to detect speed cameras is banned. Meanwhile, in Spain, you’ll need to carry a set of replacement bulbs and two red warning triangles.
All countries will require you to fit headlight deflectors. Otherwise, your lamps will shine into the eyes of oncoming drivers when driving on the right.
And finally, you’ll need a GB sticker if your car isn’t fitted with Euro number plates which have a GB logo.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides a full list of requirements.
Don’t drink and drive
This is obvious advice at all times. But in the UK, we have one of the most tolerant alcohol limits for drivers in the world. In some countries, such as Hungary, the blood-alcohol concentration limit is zero – which you can easily breach if you’ve drunk the night before.
Prepare your car
You’ll probably be covering some big distances on a family summer driving holiday – so ensure your car is serviced before you go, and consider European Breakdown Cover if you are worried about breaking down abroad.
A service will ensure engine fluids, such as oil and coolant, are topped up or replaced. Mechanics will check all vital components, such as brakes, steering, suspension, bodywork and tyres.
If you’re travelling in cold or mountainous conditions, such as to a ski resort in winter, you should consider fitting snow tyres and carry snow chains.
It is compulsory to use snow chains in countries including France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland on certain roads in wintery conditions. Driving on snow and ice requires skill. So can fitting snow chains – so practise at home first.
