Driving Abroad

Before you go:

• Prepare your car:
• Get your car serviced and have your headlights adjusted.
• Make sure you have a full tank of petrol (but don't carry any in a petrol can, this is prohibited by ferry companies).

Things you should take with you:

The following items are mandatory in many countries

• A warning triangle
• Spare headlight bulbs
• A first aid kit
• It is also handy to take a spare clutch cable as most overseas makes don't fit UK cars.

Don't give burglars clues that you are away

Some suggestions that will help:

• Cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries.
• You can also arrange for the Post Office to hold onto your mail.
• Programme your radio to come on during the day.
• Install light timers in parts of your home to give the impression you are in at night.
• If you are away for more than a month, you should also let the Police know.

Take a copy of your insurance details including the number of your policy, and insurer's emergency contact telephone numbers.

On The RoadDriving on the right hand side of the road

Most countries abroad drive on the right hand side of the road. It's easy to forget this when you first get the other side of the channel so to remind yourself:

• Put a brightly coloured sticker on the driver's side of the windscreen.
• Watch your speed
• Drive slowly at first to get used to the roads. (Don't break the speed limit as you could face stiff 'on-the-spot' fines).
• Take frequent breaks
• Tiredness is one of the biggest killers on the road. Take a 20 minute break every two hours and, if possible, try and share the driving with a friend or partner.
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Thieves often target foreign owned cars. Never leave any valuables lying on the seats of your vehicle, especially if it is left unattended.
• Keep money and passports on you.
• Park your car in a busy well-lit area.

If You Have An Accident FIRST - try to be calm! Check whether anybody is injured. If there are injuries contact the emergency services, including the Police. Make a note of the Police Officer's number.

Obtain the following details of other driver(s):

• name and address
• vehicle number plates
• make and colour of vehicles involved
• other driver(s) insurers and policy number.
• If there are any witnesses, try to get their details.

NEVER ADMIT LIABILITY or make any promise to pay any person involved.

If you are required to sign a document that you do not understand, write on the form 'DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS DOCUMENT'

If driving in Europe, complete a European accident statement.

If you can, take several photographs of the accident.

If the damage is minor, contact your insurer's claims line on your return to the U.K.

If your vehicle is badly damaged, contact your insurer's emergency claims line telephone number for assistance.

Do not contact the Green Card Bureau.