As UK drivers prepare to travel abroad, a large gap between confidence behind the wheel and understanding of car insurance coverage has been found.
Prima Insurance has released data showing that while 50% of people feel confident about driving on European roads.
And, more than four in five said they are very, or fairly, confident that they understand the driving laws and requirements of the countries they visit.
However, 49% of respondents said they didn’t know exactly what their car insurance covers.
The data also shows younger drivers are more likely to be less confident and worry more about their car insurance when driving abroad.
20% of 16-34 year olds, the youngest group, said they are unsure what their car insurance covers and for how long, whereas only 5% of over-55s felt the same.
22-year-old Rowan Thompson-Chatburn drove abroad in Italy last year, and is in the process of insuring his own car to drive to France this summer, and agreed that he felt nervous driving abroad.
“Our coverage does not extend into Europe, but I find it quite hard to understand what is needed,” he said.
“In Italy, due to a lack of understanding on insurance cover for hiring a car, we were more inclined to opt for the premium cover.”
Prima Insurance data also found that younger drivers were more likely to worry about not having the right insurance cover, with only 2% of over-55s agreeing.
Thompson-Chatburn added he felt that local companies could use scare tactics in order to make tourists spend more.
He also said he felt more pressure with a hire car than he is feeling about taking his own car to France this summer, even without his current insurance covering drives abroad.
The data shows drivers are also more nervous about rules and laws on the road when driving in another country.
Thompson-Chatburn said roundabouts and lane crossings feel particularly tricky when abroad.
“Especially city driving where road laws and etiquette are different,” he added.
More than one in 10 Prima respondents said that they had driven abroad without fully understanding the road rules there, while 8% were unaware that parking regulations can change significantly.
Prima has advised drivers planning to take their car overseas should check if their current insurance also covers driving in the country they are visiting, and understand whether they have the same level of cover as they do in the UK.
The company also said drivers should check if additional documents are needed, research local driving rules and speed limits, and to make sure their vehicle is roadworthy before heading on their travels.
Morad Benmoussa, head of Customer Care UK at Prima commented: “Driving abroad can be a brilliant way to explore and enjoy more freedom on holiday, but drivers need to be clear on what protection they have before they set off.
“Our research shows a clear gap between confidence and clarity.
“Many drivers feel comfortable taking to the roads overseas, but almost half do not know exactly what their insurance covers abroad or how long it lasts.
“If something goes wrong, the last thing anyone wants is to discover they misunderstood their policy.
“Before travelling, drivers should take a few minutes to check their insurance documents, confirm the countries they are covered in, understand the level of cover provided, and make sure the duration of their trip is included.
“They should also check any local driving requirements, such as compulsory safety equipment, before crossing the border.”
Featured image credit: Kenneth Li via Unsplash
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