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Whether you’re heading overseas for commercial purposes or you’re off on a family holiday, there are all sorts of considerations that you need to be aware of before departing. If you’re travelling in a van, there are various steps that you should know about to ensure you’re protected and safe on your travels. Here are a few that you need to take into consideration before heading off.
Prepare in Advance
No matter the reason for your trip, it’s always best to be well prepared for your journey. If you’re driving in Europe it’s crucial that you conduct a thorough inspection of your van, ensuring it’s up to scratch and ready to go. To put your mind at ease, you may want to conduct a full service that will identify any mechanical issues, giving you time to rectify any problems. Keeping safe and protected whilst on the road is vital, so it’s best to carry out a full service.
Overseas Breakdown Cover
Before you set foot out the door, you must make sure you have overseas breakdown cover in place. While a pre-trip inspection can help you feel more relaxed, having breakdown cover in place could prove invaluable, giving you more backup. The last thing you want is to get involved in an accident or breakdown, especially when you factor in the costs involved in towing your vehicle. After all, it’s a long way home!
Check Your Driving Licence
Depending on where you’re heading to, you should be able to use your regular driving licence when abroad. If you’re planning to visit nations that are outside the EEA or the European Union you will usually have to carry additional paperwork with you when you travel, such as an IDP (International Driving Permit). Some permits can cost as little as £5.50 to purchase. You can purchase a permit from the Post Office.
Additional Documentation
While you may think having your driving licence, breakdown cover, and international driving permit would be enough, there is additional documentation that you should take with you on your trip overseas. One important addition that you should add onto the bumper of your van is a GB sticker.
Driving on the Correct Side of the Road
One of the biggest concerns that motorists have about travelling overseas is not being used to driving on the other side of the road. As a driver in the UK, you will know that you have to use the left-hand side of the road, however it’s a completely different kettle of fish throughout most of Europe. If you’ve never driven abroad, the prospect of driving on the right-hand side can be daunting, so it’s important that you do your research and practice, helping you to feel confident and prepared before hitting the road. Also, it may help to begin your journey on quieter roads.
Getting Insurance
Before you head off to the Eurotunnel, you will need to have insurance for your van that includes cover for driving abroad. Comparison websites like Quotezone.co.uk can help you find the best deals by comparing van insurance quotes from over 55 insurance providers simultaneously.
Whether it be conducting a full service on your van to ensure it’s in working order or taking out overseas breakdown cover to keep you protected, these are just a couple of things that you should do before you head out on your trip. It is crucial that your van is insured and safe to drive for anything from a fun-filled family holiday to a work trip.
Disclosure – This is a collaborative post
