Brits risk driving uninsured abroad
UK motorists could be driving into trouble this summer if they fail to let their insurer know they are taking the car abroad.
According to research from uSwitch.com, 38 per cent of the two million motorists who head to the Continent each year do not know what cover their insurance would provide, while a further 22 per cent believe they have the same level of cover as in the UK - but admit they have not checked.
But with some insurers only allowing Brits three days consecutive driving abroad, and most not accepting liability if they were not told the car would be abroad, many could be driving without any protection.
Mark Monteiro, insurance expert at uSwitch.com, said: "Drivers are paying to have top level cover in the UK and mistakenly believe that they will automatically enjoy the same protection while driving abroad.
"This is wrong - they should always check the policy small print, make sure they are aware of any restrictive clauses in their policy, such as the number of consecutive days a car can be driven abroad before the driver must return to the UK, and absolutely always contact their insurer before going."
Simply contacting the insurer to let them know they are taking their car out of the country is usually enough for most policies, uSwitch.com said.
But if they fail to do this, they could be left liable for any damage to their car and to another driver's car if they are involved in an accident.
They could also end up picking up the tab in the event of damage caused by fire or if their car is stolen, the comparison site added.
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