Going on holiday by car is an absolute must! Get from A to B at your own pace and stop whenever you like. It is also the perfect opportunity to escape the daily grind and experience new adventures. But to really enjoy your well-earned holiday carefree, it is essential to make some preparations. For example, do you have the right car insurance? Read on and discover all kinds of useful tips for a worry-free car holiday!
Table of contents
Get good car insurance!
When travelling abroad by car, we recommend starting at the beginning. Namely with the question; what car insurance do I have and do I need to update it. An accident is in a small corner, and this can cause an awful lot of hassle if you are not properly insured. A take out all risk car insurance can therefore be a wise option! You will then be insured against any damage such as theft, burglary or personal injury covers. Pay close attention to the insurance terms and conditions and seek advice from an experienced adviser if necessary. This way, you can travel the most beautiful highways with peace of mind and enjoy to the full the freedom a car offers!
Insure your travel partner
Speaking of insurance, check that your travel partner is properly insured too! You often experience your holiday together with someone else, be it a friend, family member or your partner. Look for insurances that cover several people and make sure everyone is aware of what the insurance covers and does not cover. Many insurers offer special packages for groups or couples, so it is worth inquiring about this. That way, you will start your trip well prepared and you can enjoy carefree! Are you going on a road trip together? Then it is wise to look into a passenger insurance Univé, so that your travel partner is also properly insured.
Insure yourself against possible injury
You might be thinking... another insurance policy... Yes, it's not immediately fun but after many trips, we know it's really important! Whether you're enjoying a relaxing beach holiday or an adventurous trek through the mountains, it's always wise to be properly insured when travelling. Medical expenses can add up considerably abroad, especially if you are travelling in a country where healthcare is more expensive than in the Netherlands. We ourselves have continuous travel insurance with world coverage. If you do not go on holiday regularly, you can opt for short-term insurance!
Read also: Taking a campervan to Croatia, this is what you need to know!
Read also: 14x Great travel games for 2 people | For unforgettable moments!
Get your car holiday ready
Now that we have discussed all the insurances, let's move on to the car checklist! When friends or family ask us, “What should we really consider?” we always tell them to check their car carefully for general things like tyre pressure and tyre profile, fluids and whether the lights are working. Because what's even worse than traffic jams is standing by the roadside with breakdowns! Nobody wants to stand by a motorway in 30 degrees in one of those fluorescent yellow vests. So prevention is better than cure.
Familiarise yourself with the rules of the countries you are travelling through or to
Each country has its own traffic rules. In Germany, for example, you must have snow chains with you if you go into the mountains, and in some countries you need an environmental badge or car vignette. So it is important that you familiarise yourself with the traffic rules of the countries you are travelling through or to. For example, did you know that you risk a fine in France or Spain if you drive with flip-flops on? No, neither did we.... here goes!
Bring safety equipment
Although in the Netherlands you are not obliged to have all safety equipment in your car, it is often slightly different abroad. It is therefore important that you take some time to put some items in your boot:
- First aid kit
- Hazard triangle
- Safety vests
- Spare lamps
- Fire extinguisher (this is often only recommended)
Don't forget your important documents
Make sure you have important phone numbers such as those of breakdown help, your GP or an emergency person in your phone, as well as on paper with +31 in front of it. In addition, do not forget to bring your passport or ID card, driving licence, any international driving licence, medical passport, health card and car card.
We hope this information helps you plan your car holiday. Do you still have questions? Then you can always send us a message via Instagram.
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