Special rules

You should take particular care when driving in Spain as regulations and customs are different from those in the UK and the accident rate is higher.

It is a legal requirement for motorists travelling to or transiting Spain to carry two red warning triangles to be placed, in the event of an accident or breakdown, in front of and behind the vehicle.  In addition, drivers must have a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving), a spare wheel, and a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them. 

If at any time you have to leave your vehicle due to accident or breakdown, or whilst awaiting the arrival of the emergency services, it is obligatory to wear a reflective jacket.  Failure to do so could result in a heavy fine.

Spanish border checks can cause delays to travellers crossing between Spain and Gibraltar.

Car crime

Motorists should be on the look out for "highway pirates" who target foreign registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans.  If you decide to stop to check the condition of your vehicle, you should be extremely wary of anyone offering help.

In Catalonia, on the A7 motorway between La Junquera and Tarragona toll stations, there is an increase in ‘flag down’ robberies.  Vehicles are flagged down by passengers in other vehicles, under the pretence of a problem somewhere on the car.  Once stationary, the thieves will often use distraction techniques to remove tourists from the vehicle and steal valuable items.

Drivers, especially on the M30 and M40 Madrid ring roads, the A4 and A5 should be wary of approaches by bogus policeman, in plain clothes and travelling in unmarked cars.  In all traffic-related matters police officers will be in uniform.  Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads "Policia" or "Guardia Civil", and normally have blue flashing lights incorporated into the headlights, which are activated by the Police when they stop you.  In non-related traffic matters police officers may be in plain clothes but in any case members of the public have the right to ask police officers to identify themselves.  The Guardia Civil or Police will ask you to show them your documents only and do not request that you hand over your bag or wallet.  If in any doubt, drivers should converse through the car window and contact the Guardia Civil on 062 or the Spanish National Police on 112 and ask them to confirm that the registration number of the vehicle corresponds to an official police vehicle.

At Malaga Airport robbers are particularly targeting rental vehicles on the exit road and nearby highways by indicating that there is a problem with the vehicle's tyres.  When the vehicle stops the robbers will offer assistance and take advantage of distractions to steal bags, etc from the interior of the vehicle.  Within the Barcelona urban area thieves are also employing this ‘punctured tyre’ tactic at traffic lights in order to distract and stop tourists.

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.