17% of drivers to take cars abroad this year

Sainsbury's Car Insurance has revealed that 17 per cent of people are planning to take their cars abroad over the next 12 months.

However, it also warned motorists that failing to tell their insurer before setting off could lead to their fully comprehensive UK policy being diminished to third party.

Almost half of the motorists intending to drive their own car abroad say they will be travelling over a thousand miles on foreign roads.

Nineteen per cent say they will be driving between 501 and 1,000 miles, with 29 per cent going under 500 miles.

Most insurers provide cover for driving in Europe, but they also require policy holders to notify them before setting off. If they fail to do so, only cover for third party, fire and theft could be provided.

"When going on holiday, most people will remember to take travel insurance but we are concerned that some motorists are overlooking the need to ensure that their car journey is fully covered," said Joanne Mallon, Sainbury's Car Insurance manager.

"Having an accident anywhere is bad enough but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local knowledge, to then find that the other party's damage is covered but not your own, is surely a blow worth avoiding."

Another piece of advice would be to study or read up on the local road laws. In Spain, for example, drivers must carry a spare wheel, as well as a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs, plus the tools to change them.

Failure to carry two red warning triangles to put in front and behind your car if you have an accident or break down could also result in a penalty.

The use of a radar-detecting device in France could see your car and gadget seized, with a fine probable.