Motorhomers heading to Europe warned to check they have appropriate breakdown cover
Motorhomers and campervanners heading to Europe this summer have been warned to check their policy documents to ensure they have appropriate breakdown cover before embarking on their travels.
The warning to have appropriate European breakdown cover was issued by insurance specialist Safeguard as a study of its data revealed an average of 25 customers suffer a breakdown in Europe each month. As well as this, Safeguard’s data highlighted an average of two customers require their vehicles to be repatriated each month.
Mark Sheppard, senior trading manager at Safeguard, warned: “Owners can often neglect to take out breakdown cover when travelling abroad. This may not be included in your European policy as standard, so it’s always worth checking your policy documents and confirming with your insurance provider if in any doubt.”
Breakdown cover is important for every ‘van, but for those who have bought or who are buying an older motorhome, Mark added the further warning: “Breakdown cover is particularly important for older or low-value vehicles, where the cost of repairs and repatriation could exceed their value.”
Motorhome owners have also been advised to plan out the route they will be taking prior to heading off too, so they can see whether they will be travelling through any low-emission zones, which are in place in various places throughout Europe. To avoid fines, motorhomers have been told to register for the appropriate stickers or certification, based on their motorhome’s emissions.
Mark advised: “To successfully navigate low-emission zones as a motorhome owner, plan your routes in advance and familiarise yourself with the designated low-emission vehicles and zones. It’s crucial for owners to be aware of and comply with the enforcement measures in place to avoid penalties and contribute to cleaner air in European cities.”
Planning a trip overseas is not just a case of making your mind up about the Eurotunnel or Ferry either. Those heading to Europe this summer will also want to ensure they have the right documentation and are aware of the country’s rules regulations – for instance, you may own the best dash cam for a motorhome, but the use of one is restricted in certain countries, potentially resulting in fines and a jail sentence.
When it comes to documentation to take, check the country’s regulations before you set off. However, as a general rule, you will need to make sure you have a UK sticker in a prominent position (not the traditional GB one), the V5C, your driving licence, the MOT certificate, a copy of your insurance policy, and a green card should you enter a country outside the EU.
The advice from Safeguard has come at a time when the EU has agreed to licence changes that will increase the motorhome weight limits.
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