Tips when driving abroad
On the programme on 24 January 2024, we spoke to travel expert Rob Staines who shared his advice and what to look out for if you decide to drive overseas on holiday.
Rob’s top tips:
• Read your insurance policy carefully before taking it out. There can be big differences between the various policies available and the types of cover they provide. Make sure you understand exactly what cover you’re getting for your money. If you are confused by anything or you're worried about something, pick up the phone, speak to your breakdown cover company and ask the relevant questions.
• – contact your insurance provider to see if it is necessary to have a green card. This is a document that proves you have insurance to legally drive in the country you're visiting. It's also called the International Motor Insurance Card and is used in countries worldwide.
• Check if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is an official, multi-language translation of your driving licence and is needed in certain countries outside the EU. There's three types of international driving permits, and you can check which one you need for the country you're driving to on the website. They cost £5.50 and you can get them at your local post office.
• If something goes wrong, follow your insurer’s proper complaints procedures outlined in your policy and give them the opportunity to put things right.
• If you have exhausted your insurance company’s complaints procedure, you can refer your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). It will require a copy of your insurer’s final response letter.
