This article is sponsored by A-Plan Harrogate.
Many of us are keeping our fingers (and toes) crossed for a summer holiday later this year, and research suggests more people than ever will ditch the plane in favour of driving to a European destination.
But are you up-to-date on new driving regulations since the UK left the EU?
Whilst some things have stayed the same, there are new requirements which will change how we prepare and drive in Europe, including the documents you’ll need to carry with you to ensure you have the right cover and protection.
Before traveling, make sure you speak to your insurer. It might be that there’s no impact on you and it may not even incur an additional cost, but you will have peace of mind that you’ve ticked all the necessary boxes.
- Insurance Green Cards
Perhaps the most significant change is that motorists wanting to drive abroad will now need to have a Green Card certificate of insurance produced by their insurance provider. If you arrive at the border without a physical Green Card, you will not be allowed to drive in that country. Despite the name, ‘green cards’ no longer need to be printed on green paper – white paper is also acceptable as long at the text is black, but digital copies are not acceptable. Although most insurers have prepared well for these requests, as you need a hard copy it’s advised that you order these at least 4 weeks before your departure, disclosing all the territories that you will be travelling through.
- Towing a caravan or trailer
If you are towing a caravan or trailer during your trip in the EU, you will need two Green Cards: one for your vehicle and one for the caravan or trailer. If you don’t have a Green Card you may be breaking the law by driving your vehicle in Europe, and you might face a fine or your vehicle could be seized.
- International Driving Permits (IDP)
Despite some trepidation before the deal was struck with the EU, if you have a UK photocard driving licence, you do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. However, if you still have a paper driving licence this may not be acceptable in some EU countries and so you will have to obtain a new photocard licence or an IDP before you travel. Find out more about this here.
- GB sticker
As was the case when the UK was an EU member state, if your number plate has only a Euro symbol or a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, you must display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle. These can be purchased from many internet sites or at the port of departure. If your number plates show GB, you do not need to add the sticker.
- Insurance of personal items in your car
Many people do not realise that cover for personal items under car insurance is quite limited (usually only a few £100 at best). With most families travelling with a couple of tablets for the kids, mobile phones and a camera, the cost of replacing lost or stolen items without insurance could be high. A-Plan Insurance recommend that you check you have the right cover in place on your home contents insurance, as this can usually be added at reasonable cost if not already included. Be sure to check cover for high value items such as jewellery and watches as these could be subject to further endorsements such as a custody clause, meaning the items must be worn at all times.
Chris Bishop (A-Plan Harrogate Branch Manager) said:
“Although at the moment travelling throughout Europe may seem a long way off, it’s absolutely imperative that people are aware of all the changes that may impact their insurance cover. Our local team are here to help so if anyone has any queries then please do get in touch.”
Got a question about insurance for travelling or driving abroad? Contact the A-Plan Harrogate branch for no-obligation advice.