What to do if you break down abroad
Driving abroad this summer? Read our guide to what to do if your car breaks down in another country.
Alex Eckford looks at what to do if the worst happens.
If you're heading out on a foreign driving trip, there are two things you must do before you leave:
• Get your car serviced
• Make sure your insurance covers you for travelling abroad
There are a number of checks you can carry out yourself, such as checking you tyres are properly inflated and have more than the minimum legal tread depth.
For more details read our lowdown on holiday motoring.
There are companies who cover European driving as standard, but it pays to check before you leave. Most insurers offer European cover for very little extra outlay. Some even provide English-speaking roadside assistance if you break down.
If you're hiring a car abroad it pays to book through a reputable company in the UK before you leave. If you wait until you arrive at your destination translation problems may mean you won’t be exactly sure which insurance cover you have.
As ever with driving abroad, make sure you have your FULL driving licence with you (plus its paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence), plus the full details of your insurance policy.
You should also carry a Green Card. This is a free card your insurer will give to you to prove you have the minimum level of insurance required for driving in the country you're driving in.
If you do break down, the normal rules apply - park or pull over safely, and contact your breakdown service provider.
The final outcome may vary as to what country you are driving in – if the problem isn’t fixable by the roadside in France or Belgium, the breakdown service may recommend you get the problem fixed in the UK, and get your car towed to a ferry port.
Once again, it’s important to check your insurance policy covers you for this – or you could face some hefty charges.
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