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Holiday Driving

Holiday driving can be a stressful experience for some, but if you take a bit of time to think about what you want from a holiday, then it can be a little easier.

Obviously, for many holidays, especially in Europe, there’s a choice between taking your own car and hiring one.

If you can, taking your own car can offer many advantages, most of all being you know its performance limits and its levels of reliability. Basically, you are usually more comfortable with your own car, than a hire vehicle.

But you have to consider two things: cost and insurance. And by cost, it’s not just a matter of fuel, expensive as it is, but also the real cost of running your car that bit further. Bear in mind that a mid-way point in Britain to say the south of France could be a 1,000 mile journey; 2,000 miles there and back. Let’s say fuel costs £5 a gallon and you’re car does a steady 35 miles to the gallon. That’s a fuel bill over the 2,000 mile journey of £286. But, use the accepted actual cost of 0.40p per mile (covering fuel, depreciation, wear and tear etc), and your actual bill is £800.

Also, you are risking your car to a greater degree overseas than in the U.K., and most of the driving is on the other side of the road and on very unfamiliar roads. Therefore, don’t attempt it unless you are a confident and experienced driver.

As to insurance, the countries where you are most likely to do your overseas driving, there is the Green Card system, which is governed by the Economic Commission for Europe. It was set-up to allow the free movement of vehicles between countries and protects the residents of those countries with documented, legal proof that overseas car drivers have at least third-party cover via their own motor policy.

It covers 40 countries, including all of the European Union (EU), but does not cover Russia and Iraq. You don’t need the actual card within the EU and some other countries, although some suggest that it’s a good back-up for less metropolitan areas who might be unfamiliar with the rules. It’s best to get the advice of your insurance company, as don’t forget, the Green Card only provides proof of third-party cover. You will want to ensure greater cover than that when you go abroad.

Breakdown cover is virtually obligatory when taking your own car aboard. It’s not a legal requirement, but trying to get your car rescued when stuck on a foreign motorway, or in a sleepy village, is not recommended. Have the peace of mind that if you do breakdown, then you can call a number which will take over the problem for you. It make’s a lot of sense.

Obviously, travelling much further than Europe and you’re going to really have to hire a car. This is far easier in some countries than others. It’s not that the principles are different, it’s just that the systems are more geared-up to providing a seamless service. Take the U.S. for example. Hiring a car in most states is an easy process. Airports have tens of hire companies to choose from and everything can be booked from the U.K. Things to consider are cost, any mileage charges, type of car and insurance waivers.

Volunteering to pay a waiver can dramatically reduce the cost the an excess should you have a bump. Also, have a close look at the personal insurance covers, and you want to ensure that your own passengers, and those that might be involved in any collision, are also covered.

In smaller countries, as said earlier, hiring cars can be a little more awkward, but you have to watch out for the same things as basic costs, insurance waivers and excesses.

Holiday driving is great fun, but get the paperwork done first; it will save you a few headaches.

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