Lack of car insurance hits Brits abroad hit for 3,000

Many Britons driving to Europe risk up to 3,000 on vehicle breakdown bill.

09:08 05 June 2004

Many Britons driving to Europe this summer are risking up to 7,000 on a vehicle breakdown bill.

With thousands travelling to Portugal for Euro 2004, some could be facing unexpected bills for repair and other associated costs should their vehicle break down.

The motoring services provider, Motoreasy, found that on average motorists had had to fork out 3,078 after breaking down abroad.

It found that sixty five per cent headed for the continent in the second family car, which is invariably older and more prone to suffer from a breakdown.

"Over 75,000 of the one million holidaymakers expected to drive to the Continent this summer will require breakdown assistance during their trip," explained David Gerrans, managing director of Motoreasy plc. "As many as 10,000 will need repatriation back to the UK."

Added extras such as call out charges, vehicle parts, unplanned accommodation and new tickets can easily jump the total expenditure to 3,000 and upwards.

Mr Gerrans added: "The combination of warmer climes and vehicles more accustomed to local shopping trips and the school run having to complete journeys of over 1,000 miles without being properly prepared is a recipe for disaster."

Motoreasy suggest people should undertake basic service checks on their vehicle before setting off.