traveling aboard with car

severn786

im 19 and there is 3 of us planning on going on a road trip across france and maybe spain, with insurance company i am with now which is e-car insurance they say and i quote "All eCar Insurance policies provide cover within the Territorial Limits of the policy throughout the policy year. This extension is provided for the purpose of travel only. Your permanent home must be in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and must also be your primary residence.The cover provided within the Territorial Limits is the same level of cover you have in the UK." so i think form reading this i am covered to drive in an EU country with the same amount of cover that i have in this country with out have to alter my policy at all, the question that i am wondering is though i have heard that you have to be 21 to drive on the contient, also would i have to inform my insurance if i was to go and drive on the contient and also are there any extra measures that i would have to take if was to take my car on to the contient for example breakdown.
thanks any feedback would be of great help

lisyloo

also are there any extra measures that i would have to take if was to take my car on to the contient for example breakdown

It would certainly be a very good idea to have breakdown cover (it could be very expensive to get you all back plus car).

Also be aware that some countries have legal requirements such as carrying a full set of spare bulbs, warning triangle etc.

If you have breakdown cover then they should be able to advise you for the countries you are going to, if not then it's a case of googling on the internet.

If you are driving on the left you can get some sticky things to put on your headlights. This because currently you headlights will be pointing the "wrong way" and could cause problems for other drivers.

Debt_Free_Chick

severn786 wrote: »

so i think form reading this i am covered to drive in an EU country with the same amount of cover that i have in this country with out have to alter my policy at all

I'm not so sure - is the term "Territorial Limits" defined in the policy? What does it state?

the question that i am wondering is though i have heard that you have to be 21 to drive on the contient

Minimum age in France & Spain is 18 - it's generally 18, but only 17 in Germany.

also would i have to inform my insurance if i was to go and drive on the contient

Yes, tell them anyway, even if you think the policy covers you. Very many policies require you to inform the insurer before you take the car out of the Country.

and also are there any extra measures that i would have to take if was to take my car on to the contient for example breakdown.
thanks any feedback would be of great help

In addition to breakdown, the general motoring regulations & requirements are different. Have a look here for France and here for Spain.

You'll need to concentrate more, driving on the Right - negotiating a roundabout for the first time is an ... erm ... interesting situation :rotfl: You;ll need your wits about you so I would strongly suggest that you do not drink a single drop of alcohol whilst driving and don't "fiddle about" with CDs, sweet wrappers etc whilst at the wheel. This applies to whoever is driving!

Make sure that all passengers know the full route in advance so that any one of them can navigate for you. You need clear instructions e.g. take the E15 signposted Reims. Use the Route Planner on Via Michelin or something similar.

Identify stops in advance, if you can. Small towns/villages off the Autoroute (Tolls) in France have plenty of bars/cafes (but no alcohol for the driver!) and parking can usually be found fairly easily (unless you hit the town on Market day!).

HTH