Driving to the ski slopes – guidelines for half-term hols

Driving to one of Europe’s ski resorts this season?

The car can be a cost-effective alternative to flying, particularly if you are travelling with children during the frantic February half-term rush.

OK, you might have to buy some in-car entertainment, but at least you won’t have to pay for airline seats, luggage and speedy boarding.

You will, though, have to make sure you have the right motor insurance.

Compliant on the Continent

Insurers are obliged by law to cover your vehicle if you drive within the EU. But they have to provide only the minimum legal level of cover, which is usually third party.

In other words, if your car is stolen, or you damage or even write-off your vehicle in an accident that was your fault, you will not be able to claim on your insurance.

Most insurers offer only minimum European cover as standard. You can usually extend your UK comprehensive policy if you plan to drive in Europe, but in many cases you will have to pay an extra premium.

The cost varies from insurer to insurer and depends on a number of risk factors, such as your age and occupation, the make and model of the car.

Half-terms and conditions

Your policy will usually cover driving in Europe up to a certain number of days, which could be as many as 90 in one policy year.

But always read the small print, especially if you are planning a long trip.

Check, too, that your destination is covered. You are probably safe if you are driving to a ski resort within the EU.

Most insurers also cover a number of non-EU countries, such as Switzerland, but the list varies.

Big-up your breakdown cover

The average cost of a breakdown in Europe is about £600, so you should upgrade your breakdown cover, too.

Most standard breakdown policies don’t cover Europe, but you are more likely to have an accident or a breakdown on unfamiliar roads in cold weather.

Most firms offer various levels of cover so you can pick a policy to suit your budget.

On the level

If you opt for a basic plan, someone will either repair the car at the roadside, or take you and the vehicle to the nearest garage.

A premium package would usually cover the cost of any emergency accommodation, in case you have to wait for the garage to carry out repairs.

It would also include alternative transport if you chose instead to continue your journey, or even return to the UK.

Afore ye go…

Try to sort out your insurance and breakdown cover at least a month before you travel. If you leave it until the last minute, you could come unstuck.

For example, you may not be able to claim on a breakdown policy for a given number of days, so if you buy cover the day before you leave, you could still be at risk.

Can I see your papers?

Always take the right documents with you in the car, including a full driving licence, the original vehicle registration document, your motor insurance certificate and breakdown policy.

A UK driving licence is enough for most European countries. However, you might need an International Driving Permit if you are heading to a ski resort further afield.

Sticky situations

Every UK car must display a GB sticker unless the registration plate includes the GB Euro symbol.

Drivers in many European countries are also expected to carry warning triangles and reflective jackets in the car at all times. And if local traffic drives on the right, your car must have headlamp beam converters.

Kit and caboodle

All drivers in France should keep a breath test kit in the car.

The small disposable kits cost about £2.00, and experts recommend that you take a couple as you must always have one ready for use if you’re stopped.

Remember that the legal limit for alcohol in the blood in many European countries is lower than in England and Wales at 50 mg per 100 ml, compared with 80 mg.

Driving to the ski slopes – guidelines for half-term hols