Choosing the Right Holiday Loan

Car Insurance For Driving Holidays

Author: Alex Gregory
Source: ezinearticles.com

Many of us are scrapping our flights abroad this summer and are instead opting for driving holidays on home turf in a bid to save cash. However, do we have the car insurance cover in place for these trips?

Research from Saga shows that many Brits are not prepared for long distance journeys. Around three quarters do not pack any kind of emergency equipment or even take details of their breakdown policy; while more than a quarter forget to check their tyre pressures; and a third do not check oil levels before departing.

Things get even worse when setting off on a holiday by car in the UK compared to similar holidays abroad, with a significantly higher proportion of motorists making car maintenance checks before travelling overseas.

How your insurance cover can help

Car insurance can be a saving grace, assuming your policy is adequate.

With a comprehensive policy it is possible to take out breakdown cover alongside traditional insurance. This could offer roadside assistance and even onward travel in case you need to get to a destination in a hurry. Some breakdown policies will even offer overnight accommodation which is useful for driving holidays as you’re likely to be a long way from home.

Assuming you don’t want to turn around and end your holiday, it’s also worth taking out a policy that provides a courtesy car. If your car needs extensive repair time, many insurers will provide a courtesy car for as much as 14 days while repairs take place.

Look for a policy that offers cover for personal effects left in your car too. Imagine if your vehicle was stolen for example, with all of your clothes and baggage inside. If you are travelling abroad then check that your insurer provides the same level of cover in the European Union as it does in the UK.

Tips for driving holidays

Before you leave don’t forget to carry out spot-checks on your car. Ensure that the oil and brake fluid levels are appropriate, top-up the windscreen washing fluid and check tyre pressures. Ideally you could even consider getting the car serviced before you travel.

Make sure you have plenty of emergency equipment on board too. Pack a warning triangle along with fluorescent clothing, warm blankets, tinned food and a torch in case you are stranded during the night.

Finally, check with your car insurance provider to ensure you have appropriate levels of cover in place. If you’re not happy with the terms of your policy then compare car insurance online to find a more appropriate deal.