AVOID SUMMER HOLIDAY HELL AND EXTORTIONATE COSTS

EUROP ASSISTANCE ADVISES MOTORISTS ON DRIVING ABROAD

Thousands of UK motorists have car accidents while abroad and driving on unfamiliar roads. This can cost travellers thousands of pounds to bring their vehicles home and can also result in serious injury or worse. Europ Assistance, a leading UK travel insurance and motor assistance company, has issued this stark warning and highlights accident hot spots, as many start the great summer getaway.

“Turkey, Latvia and Portugal are the most dangerous European countries in which to drive*. Motorists need to take care in these hot spots,” says Paul Everett, Director of Sales and Marketing, Europ Assistance, UK. “We have also put together some basic but essential tips to help drivers abroad.”

· Plan your journeys – while still at home take time to familiarise yourself with area maps, calculate how long specific journeys will take you. It is also advisable to be aware of specific driving etiquette in your destination.

· Ensure you have Motor Assistance cover – whether taking your own car, a hire car or renting when you get there, the key is to prepare. Taking out personal travel insurance and motor assistance in addition to vehicle insurance is essential. If the worst happens and you are left stranded or hospitalised in a foreign country this will save you time, money and grief. From a cost of just £10.60 Europ Assistance’s European Motor Breakdown policy could potentially save you over £1,250 (the average cost of transporting an un-roadworthy vehicle back to the UK).

· Remember your essential contact telephone numbers – a quick call to Europ Assistance’s 24 hour multi-lingual call centre and all the hassle can be taken out of your situation, however dire. Europ Assistance can even help if your car is broken into and items are stolen or if you fall ill, its European Motor Breakdown policy offers comprehensive cover.

· Check your vehicle before you travel – If you choose to drive your own vehicle abroad check tyres, oil, filters, fluid levels etc before you leave.

· Remember what side of the road you’re driving on! – It sounds simple enough but most accidents abroad are caused by confusion at roundabouts and junctions due to right hand drive rules.

· Don’t Drink and Drive – Most European laws are stricter than the UK’s and any offence could invalidate your insurance.

Last year The Europ Assistance Group provided 2.6 million motorists with breakdown assistance. The company is offering customers a handy guide to continental motoring online at http://www.europ-assistance.co.uk/.

Europ Assistance advises motorists to make sure they are covered for continental motoring in addition to their UK cover. If their standard UK policy does not allow for journeys abroad, they should extend their cover to ensure that it includes breakdown whilst in Europe. Customers should also consider whether they are covered for their journey to and from the ferry port. If for any reason they are unable to take their vehicle abroad, they can benefit from a hire car for the duration of the holiday. Many companies also offer a combined breakdown and travel insurance package.


* Geneva’s International Road Federation Survey, source: Moto Europa