EU driving 'kits'
Discussion
In the week I do my first bit of driving abroad; just France & Belgium. I know there are a few bits that need to be kept in the car (eg Hi-vis, headlamp converters, GB sticker), and have heard of a few places selling 'kits' that contain everything you need. I know a fair few people here do quite a bit of overseas driving and was wondering if any came recommended? 
Or indeed if they're just not worth it, and if not where's best to buy those bits?
One other thing, my insurance documents 100% state that I'm covered for driving abroad for, IIRC, 14 days. I've seen a few sites online suggesting that if you're driving abroad you need to notify your insurers even if you're covered anyway and don't need to make changes to your policy, is this correct?
Cheers
Or indeed if they're just not worth it, and if not where's best to buy those bits?One other thing, my insurance documents 100% state that I'm covered for driving abroad for, IIRC, 14 days. I've seen a few sites online suggesting that if you're driving abroad you need to notify your insurers even if you're covered anyway and don't need to make changes to your policy, is this correct?
Cheers
cheers!Also just because you are think you are in Europe doesnt mean your covered. For example im not covered to drive in Croatia, and until recently wasnt covered in Slovenia.
When are you traveling? Remember winter tyres are a must in some of Europe. Also in alot of Europe you are meant to carry spare bulbs. Not sure why, as to replace my bulbs you need to remove the bumper, not something im likely to do at the side of the road.
Sorry just realised you said France and Belgium, so not sure what the rules are re winter tyres and bulbs in either of them.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
The above may be of help.
Also remember the French have different speed limits on the Mways for when its raining.
When are you traveling? Remember winter tyres are a must in some of Europe. Also in alot of Europe you are meant to carry spare bulbs. Not sure why, as to replace my bulbs you need to remove the bumper, not something im likely to do at the side of the road.
Sorry just realised you said France and Belgium, so not sure what the rules are re winter tyres and bulbs in either of them.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
The above may be of help.
Also remember the French have different speed limits on the Mways for when its raining.
Edited by s_zigmond on Monday 23 January 13:33
TheEnd said:
You have 14 days allowed, but you have to tell them, so they can cross off your allowance as time goes on.
With Admiral I have:"Your policy automatically includes a FREE International Motor Insurance Certificate (on the back of your current Certificate of Motor Insurance) for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in any one trip, and up to a maximum of 90 days in a year.
The International Motor Insurance Certificate is only valid for the above named countries. You don't need to call us if you are taking your car to any of these countries, but you do need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance."
I thought that was pretty standard, 30 days per trip, don't need to inform anybody of anything etc.
Shmee said:
With Admiral I have:
"Your policy automatically includes a FREE International Motor Insurance Certificate (on the back of your current Certificate of Motor Insurance) for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in any one trip, and up to a maximum of 90 days in a year.
The International Motor Insurance Certificate is only valid for the above named countries. You don't need to call us if you are taking your car to any of these countries, but you do need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance."
I thought that was pretty standard, 30 days per trip, don't need to inform anybody of anything etc.
Despite what it says on the Policy document they do still like to told (Not compulsory) according to a friend who works for their management."Your policy automatically includes a FREE International Motor Insurance Certificate (on the back of your current Certificate of Motor Insurance) for a maximum of 30 consecutive days in any one trip, and up to a maximum of 90 days in a year.
The International Motor Insurance Certificate is only valid for the above named countries. You don't need to call us if you are taking your car to any of these countries, but you do need to take your Certificate of Motor Insurance."
I thought that was pretty standard, 30 days per trip, don't need to inform anybody of anything etc.
He told me to ring up and let their customer relations team know, so that its on record.
BoostMonkey said:
Despite what it says on the Policy document they do still like to told (Not compulsory) according to a friend who works for their management.
He told me to ring up and let their customer relations team know, so that its on record.
Interesting, that could be a lot of hassle; I drive abroad a lot of times a year.He told me to ring up and let their customer relations team know, so that its on record.
With regard to Foreign Use on your insurance being 'automatically covered' I think you will need to check your policy wording but in most cases the cover will be for the minimum required by law in that country (which in some cases is third party personal injury only i.e. no third party property cover!!!).
So if you have Comprehensive cover in the UK this does NOT automatically carry over to cover you abroad - there is usually a small extra charge for this due to the higher risk of driving on foreign roads and the higher costs of administering a claim with a foreign third party/foreign repairers etc.
So if you have Comprehensive cover in the UK this does NOT automatically carry over to cover you abroad - there is usually a small extra charge for this due to the higher risk of driving on foreign roads and the higher costs of administering a claim with a foreign third party/foreign repairers etc.
elanfan said:
With regard to Foreign Use on your insurance being 'automatically covered' I think you will need to check your policy wording but in most cases the cover will be for the minimum required by law in that country (which in some cases is third party personal injury only i.e. no third party property cover!!!).
So if you have Comprehensive cover in the UK this does NOT automatically carry over to cover you abroad - there is usually a small extra charge for this due to the higher risk of driving on foreign roads and the higher costs of administering a claim with a foreign third party/foreign repairers etc.
This is the crucial one - I always check the 'free EU cover' and ask specifically about the 'legal minimum' wording and if that is just third party only.So if you have Comprehensive cover in the UK this does NOT automatically carry over to cover you abroad - there is usually a small extra charge for this due to the higher risk of driving on foreign roads and the higher costs of administering a claim with a foreign third party/foreign repairers etc.
matthias73 said:
Have you got european breakdown cover? I would reccomend the ADAC, as they are well priced, keen to help and work in the UK as well.
I've never used them abroad but they were fantastic when the clutch died on my car (ironically, I was on the way to buy a new clutch)
+1 for ADACI've never used them abroad but they were fantastic when the clutch died on my car (ironically, I was on the way to buy a new clutch)
RAC wouldnt cover me for a non UK vehicle and ADAC were not bothered they would still recover it.
mrmr96 said:
re the what?
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2012/January/jan1312-france-bans-sat-navs-with-speed-camera-warnings/Basically as from 5th Jan 2012, your Sat Nav can't have speed detectors on it.
"Sat navs and smart phones which warn of speed camera locations have been banned in France.
Offenders face a fine of €1500 (£1237).
Sat nav manufacturers are advising customers to switch off the speed camera warning function while in France.
The ban, introduced on January 4, has been branded unenforceable by critics who say police will not be able to establish whether a device gives speed camera warnings.
Motoring lawyer Eric de Caumont told French newspaper Le Monde that police would not to be able to scrutinize GPS devices at the roadside because it would infringe the owner’s right to privacy.
A spokesman for Garmin, a leading supplier of sat navs for bikes, said French government had agreed new software could be supplied with ‘danger area’ warnings which ‘might or might not’ be a speed camera site. She said the French market was being prioritised but the new software would be available in the UK soon. "
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff