Special rules

If you wish to drive in Germany you must carry a valid driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents with you in the vehicle at all times. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, written permission from the registered owner may also be requested.

The minimum age for driving a car in Germany is 18 years old. 17 year-old British drivers with valid British licences are not permitted to drive a car. Anyone who contravenes this law may be fined and your vehicle will be impounded.

You should take particular care when driving in Germany as driving regulations and customs are different from those in the UK. Roads in Germany, particularly motorways, are of an excellent standard but speed limits are higher than in the UK and the accident rate is greater.

Many drivers undertake long journeys in, or through, Germany. Care should be taken to plan journeys and take sufficient breaks; a minimum break of 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended.

Insurance

All UK car insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries. The minimum required is cover for your liability to third parties. If you have an accident, you may not be covered for medical or hospital expenses. Consult your insurance company or a motoring organisation before leaving the UK to make sure that you are fully insured.

Taking your own car

Certain elements of the cover you have in the UK may be restricted to the UK only. So while you might have cover for accidental damage to your own vehicle in the UK, this cover might be removed when you drive abroad. Most people want the same protection they enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad and so you will need to ask your insurer or broker to extend the scope of your cover before you travel if it is not already included. An additional premium may be charged for this extension.

The Green Card

This is an internationally recognised document that serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, though a broker may levy an administration fee for arranging it.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers for details), though if you do not take one you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance. However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident, when travelling abroad.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Details of these countries can be found on the Association of British Insurers website.

Accidents.

If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned.

Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.

Many insurers offer 24-hour UK-based telephone helplines in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you when you travel abroad.

Breaking Down.

Even if you have extended your policy for driving abroad, this will not cover your car against breaking down. Vehicle breakdown policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately. Check to see if your motor insurer can provide this cover.

A policy will cover the cost of hiring a car while your own is being repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, together with emergency accommodation if you are unable to use your vehicle. A monetary limit will apply to each section of the policy.

Hiring a car

When you hire a car abroad, insurance cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum in the country or state where you hire. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Country specific tips

Driving in Austria | Driving in Belgium | Driving in Bulgaria | Driving in Cyprus | Driving in the Czech Republic | Driving in Denmark | Driving in Estonia | Driving in Finland | Driving in France | Driving in Germany | Driving in Greece | Driving in Hungary | Driving in Ireland | Driving in Italy | Driving in Latvia | Driving in Lithuania | Driving in Luxembourg | Driving in Malta | Driving in the Netherlands | Driving in Poland | Driving in Portugal | Driving in Romania | Driving in Slovakia | Driving in Slovenia | Driving in Spain | Driving in Sweden | Driving in the UK

Don't set off unprepared.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced before you leave and that you know about and comply with the vehicle requirements in the countries you are visiting. Don't go without taking:

• a spare set of keys.
• a GB sticker and a set of headlamp converters.
• a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
• registration document, driving licence and passport. Check whether you need to take an International Driving Permit with you.
• your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

Protect against car thieves.

Foreign registered vehicles attract thieves, so do not make your car an easy target:

Lock all doors and the boot when leaving the vehicle as well as closing windows and the sunroof.

Park in a well-lit place.

Avoid leaving possessions in an unattended vehicle. If you have to leave property, make sure it is in a locked boot. In a hatchback, the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car, cover up property with a sheet or blanket.

Don't leave car ownership and insurance documents in your car when parked.

Use an anti-theft device.

Take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay.