Record money: take cover if you're in the driver's seat

IF YOU are planning to take your car abroad this year, you need to make sure it is decently insured.

Motorists who have comprehensive cover in the UK often assume they will be fully protected in other state too.

But this isn't the case.

You will usually be given only the lower limit cover required wherever you are going - normally thirdparty.

If you want more, you will need to contact your insurance company and pay extra to arrange it.

Joanne Mallon, director of Sainsbury's Car Insurance, says: "Having an accident anywhere is bad sufficiency but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local cognition. To then find that the other party's damage is covered but not your own is certainly ablow worth avoiding."

To reduce your chances of having an accident: Give your car a thorough check over - including tyre pressures, oil, brake fluid and water degree, before you leave.

Unfamiliar roads make drive abroad tiring, so plan your route in progress.

Visit www.fco.gov.uk/ knowbeforeyougo to check the rules of the road for the state you will be visiting.