European driving and the law




European motoring may involve you crossing many different boarders and have to take into account the various different driving regulations of the countries you are in. Making yourself aware of these different requirements is your responsibility, and can affect your insurance cover and the legality of your vehicle.

You should always endeavour to research the different requirements of each country you intend to visit to make sure that you don't fall foul of the local laws.

Not adhering to these regulations could also invalidate your European motor insurance cover so it's wise not to be complacent.

Your European car insurance policy

When the documents arrive for your European car insurance policy, be sure read through it thoroughly. There may well be clauses in it that can invalidate your cover if you do not comply with the local traffic regulations for that country.

Make sure that you meet all the requirements for safety equipment and documentation for the countries you intend to visit, otherwise you may find yourself in trouble if you have an accident.

Follow the local regulations

If you are prosecuted and convicted for not complying with the local traffic regulations you could find yourself facing some harsh penalties. In many countries the police have the power to fine you on the spot for breaches of the local traffic rules.

On the spot penalties

If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation you may have to pay a fixed penalty fine in cash and on the spot. If you are unable to pay at that moment, you may end up with your car being impounded until you can.

Drive safely and carefully when you are in another country, and do your homework and find out their local traffic rules.

Don't drink and drive

The limits for drinking and driving are not the same as they are in the UK. In addition to this, the penalties also vary considerably from one country to he next.

Even though a driving ban will only be applicable to the country you receive it in, it is simply not worth the risk. Never drink and drive.

If you have been involved in a car accident in the UK that was not your fault, Car Call and our partners can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation.

Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.



No need to claim on your insurance

Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.

However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.

We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.

No excess to pay

Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.

This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.

By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.

Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle

Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.

Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.

Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.

So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.

Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs

If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.

Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.

Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.

Legal Assistance

Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.

They issues they can assist you with include:

  • Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
  • Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
  • Recovery of all repair costs
  • Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
  • Seeking financial compensation for an injury