Driving your motorhome abroad
Driving abroad in any type of vehicle can be a daunting prospect. When you’re taking a motorhome overseas, the risks can increase significantly.
Forward thinking goes a long way…
Planning ahead can help make sure you have a safe and enjoyable trip in your motorhome. Who needs the stress and inconvenience of needing to call your insurer about a breakdown? Nobody.
Avoiding a breakdown in your motorhome
Major causes of motorhome breakdowns include problems with the wheels and tyres. Other issues include the vehicle not starting, engine problems, and issues with the battery. Take a few simple steps to maximise your chances of an incident-free break and avoid common difficulties.
Get your holiday off to a great start with a fully charged motorhome battery. It also pays to check your wheels and tyres before taking to the road. A full professional service before you set out may also be advisable, too - just for that extra peace of mind.
Understanding your insurance cover
We all know that even the best laid plans can’t prevent unexpected problems. It’s vital that you know what your insurance policy covers. Making sure your cover is valid is more important than checking the weather at your destination.
Following local laws
It’s important that you’re familiar with the rules of the road in the European country where you’re driving. This helps to avoid any accidents or unwanted fines and penalties. When it comes to driving abroad, it’s not just about which side of the road to drive on. Many countries have lesser-known laws which dictate that drivers must carry or fit certain items to their vehicle when driving.
You may be aware that both French and Spanish road regulations require drivers to carry a high visibility jacket. Your reflective jacket must be worn if your motorhome does break down. However, it’s the finer details of rules like this that might catch you out. French law stipulates that the jacket must always be within reach. However, in Spain you’ll only face a penalty if you’re standing on the hard shoulder without one.
Similarly, the majority of European countries require drivers to carry a warning triangle if a problem occurs. When driving in Spain, however, you must also fit either one or two reflectors to the rear of your motorhome if it exceeds 12m in length or is towing a car.
Knowing the difference could save you a hefty fine and avoid adding insult to injury.
Remembering your documents
You’d never dream of going abroad without your passport and health insurance. But what about your motorhome documents? Think proof of ownership, vehicle insurance certificate, proof of identity and a full driving licence. These continue to be required in the majority of European destinations, despite domestic driving licence changes.
Some countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, also require that drivers carry proof of insurance. This is so officials can verify that you are covered if a problem does occur.
It is always a good idea to have to hand:
- your certificate of insurance
- a summary of your policy
- the contact details of your insurer
Motorhome insurance through Safeguard
Extra support and protection when travelling in Europe can give added peace of mind. That’s why, as part of Motorhome Insurance through Safeguard, AA’s UK and European breakdown support is included as standard with all policies.
We aim to help solve any issues with your motorhome as quickly as possible, so that you can continue to enjoy your break.
As we specialise in insuring caravans and motorhomes, we understand what you need from your cover. That’s why we include unlimited windscreen and body glass replacement cover (minimum £100 fixed excess applies for replacement, but not repair) with policies through us. Not only that, but we’ll also provide personal contents cover (up to a total of £3,000) for fire, theft, and accidental damage.
Returning to the UK
Should the worst happen and it’s not possible for you to return to the UK with your motorhome, we can help with making alternative arrangements. If the vehicle cannot be repaired in your destination country, we’ll look after returning the motorhome to your home or nominated repairer in Britain.
We also understand that you may have commitments at home, and the repairs to your motorhome may take longer than the duration of your break. If you have to leave your motorhome abroad, we’ll look after the driver and one other person when you go to collect the vehicle. If you can’t return the motorhome to the UK yourselves, we’ll find a trusted replacement driver to do this for you.
From the moment you start to plan your trip to the day you arrive home, Safeguard aims to cover every eventuality. Double check that your motorhome insurance policy covers everything you need - and if it doesn’t, give us a call.
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore Safeguard cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
