Drivers have been told to make sure that their car insurance policies cover their trips to other countries in the EU.
Adrian Webb, head of corporate communications for car insurance provider esure, said that often people believe that their policies cover them anywhere in the EU.
However, a comprehensive policy in the UK provides the “minimum EU cover” elsewhere, he explained, adding that this amounts to third-party cover.
“EU cover is worth nothing to you – it’s only worth anything to someone you hit,” he argued.
Instead, motorists should contact their insurer ahead of their journey to request that their comprehensive cover be extended to whichever part of the EU they are going to for the length of their trip, he advised.
The RAC Foundation estimates that three million British motorists travel over to the continent by ferry or the Channel Tunnel each year.