Driving in the EU and abroad

Most people know that drivers in many other countries use the right side of the road and not the left. But there are many other important considerations for any one wishing to drive in the EU or abroad. For example, did you know that is a legal requirement for motorists traveling in Spain to carry a red warning triangle in the event of an accident or breakdown? All vehicles in Spain must also carry a spare fan belt and a full set of spare bulbs, as well as the tools needed to change them.

I would like to use my car abroad, what do I need to do?

• Inform your insurer before you go abroad, and check that you
  have at least the minimum level of cover for the country you
  are travelling to. Ensure that the policy covers you for everything
  you require (e.g. damage, theft etc).

• duck2water Car Insurance Services will provide you with a ‘green card’.
  This is internationally recognised and should be taken with you.
  
  The ‘International Motor Certificate' or ‘green card’ is issued to drivers travelling to Europe as proof that they have car insurance that complies with the minimum insurance requirements of the states they drive through.
  
• If you are involved in an accident whilst abroad you should:
  
  • Stay calm
    
    
  • Don’t admit fault
    
    
  • Check for injuries to yourself or passengers
    
    
  • Contact the emergency services if anyone is injured
    
    
  • If the police are involved ensure you get their reference number
    
    
  • Try to get the details of the other people involved in the accident
    (name, address, registration number, insurance details)
    
    
  • If there are any witnesses, try to get their names and addresses too
    
    
  • Take some photos of the accident
    
    
  • It is not unusual to be presented with a document in a foreign
    language that you don’t understand – never sign a docume
    
    
• Prepare your car prior to trip abroad – any maintenance work
  that needs doing should be completed before leaving

• Adjust your headlights to dip towards the rig
  
  
• Always display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle - a legal
  requirement when driving abroad.
  
  
• Ferry companies do not allow petrol to be carried in cans onboard
  due to the risk of fire.
  
  
• Carry spare bulbs, a first aid kit and a warning triangle (many of
  these are compulsory in some countries)
  
  
• It may be a good idea to carry a spare clutch cable as those
  available overseas may not fit UK vehicles

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