More than nine million Brits are set to take their vehicle on holiday this year, so whether it’s a scenic tour of the French mountains, or camping in Italy, specialist insurance broker Footman James has some tips on enjoying a trouble-free trip.

While most travellers will check their passport and driving licence before setting off, Footman James revealed that insurance is often forgotten, resulting in tears if their vehicle comes to grief whilst abroad.

Shockingly, recent statistics have shown that 28 per cent of tourists weren’t sure whether they had overseas insurance at all, and that 43 per cent of tourists who were covered overseas didn’t know what they were covered for.

The number of customers using Footman James’ European Breakdown and Recovery Service has more than trebled during the past year, and managing director Paul Matthews said:

“With all the excitement and lure of the open road, we realise that the last thing people might be thinking of is insurance.

“However, it is crucial to make sure you are covered for every country you plan to travel through. Some insurance companies have restrictions on which countries are covered, so planning a route around these might be necessary.

“Though two of the most popular holiday destinations, Norway and Switzerland, which are not in the EU, might not be covered as standard, so could be out of bounds.”

Footman James’ car insurance extends to ‘Territorial Limit B’ countries, which includes all EU countries, plus the Czech Republic, Hungary, Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland, and covers trips of up to 35 days.

A breakdown can be difficult enough on home turf, but the stress can be doubled when it happens on foreign soil, that’s why Footman James’ policies automatically include breakdown cover in any ‘Territorial Limit B’ country any time you are more than a mile from where you are staying.

Mr Matthews added: “This cover is vital for many a stranded motorist. If roadside repairs can’t be carried out, then you and the vehicle will be taken to a suitable garage. Again, this is something some insurers might not offer, so this must be checked before you set off.

“Footman James includes this as standard, which many people don’t know. This means motorists don’t need to spend extra cash on further breakdown cover from firms like the AA or RAC.”

If you are unsure whether the country you are travelling to is covered, contact Footman James, as cover in additional countries may be available subject to agreement with insurers.

Footman James insures more than 165,000 vehicles, and offers a range of insurance products, from classic car and classic bike to modern vehicles, household and travel cover.

For information on Footman James policies, call 0845 223 6140.

Footman James’ top tips for safe and happy travelling:

• You must carry copies – preferably more than one - of your MOT, vehicle registration and insurance documents, for you and the vehicle. You may also need to update to a photocard driving licence – with paper counterpart - or International Travel Permit.
• Tell your insurer when you're going abroad, and find out what to do and what number to call in the event of an accident or breakdown.
• Have your car or motorcycle serviced before you go to ensure a safe trip.
• If you are fined for speeding while abroad, always ask for an official receipt - even if you dispute the fine, it may still need to be paid or surety offered.
• Remember to keep your headlights on in poor visibility. Indeed in Austria you must now drive with a minimum of dipped headlights at all times.

And what do our customers say...?

Piste off!
Sue Bown, from Worcestershire, had travelled 748 miles and was only a quarter of a mile from her destination, a picturesque chalet in French ski resort Les Gets, when disaster struck.
When her snow chains slipped and severed her Audi’s brake cables high on the French Alps, she knew she was in trouble.

“It was certainly a memorable moment, I can say that for sure,” Sue said.

“A nasty shearing noise, followed by brake failure was about the last thing I was after whilst half way up a mountain. Luckily, it had just snowed very heavily and a well-placed snow bank bought me to a stop.

“I called Footman James and they sorted things out immediately. My poor Audi was towed off to a nearby garage and was repaired, and back to me within three days.

“The incident could have ruined my holiday, but Footman James came to the rescue. They kept me constantly up-dated on progress with the repairs, and although I speak French, my vocabulary doesn’t quite stretch to mechanical details, but this was never a problem.

“The French mechanic who came out even gave me some valuable advice on which wine and cheese to buy!”

Take a brake
Liz and Ted Jackson, members of the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club, also found themselves in a spot of brake-related bother on a trip to the Alps.

The steep and winding roads of Cormet de Roselend proved too much for the brake master cylinder of their treasured XJS, which gave up the ghost.

After a call to Footman James, the Jaguar was towed off to a garage, the Jacksons were taken by pre-paid taxi back to their base, and a Golf Polo was promptly dispatched while repairs were carried out.

Seven days later, the Jag was up and running again, and the Jacksons were back on the road.

“I spoke in those seven days to four separate Footman James personnel, I believe all were French and clearly bi-lingual, including conference calls over the phone,” explained Ted.

“The last call was a courtesy call for permission to close the file. We were just south of Paris then – that’s a nice style.

Classic car owners of all ages will descend on the South East for the biggest event of its kind in the area as the South Eastern Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club’s London to Southend Run revs into town.

Now in its 15th year, the event, on Sunday 27th July, recreates those heady days of the sixties, when hundreds of Londoners, with their families in tow, took to the road for their annual trip to Southend’s sunny seaside.

This year’s event, which will raise money for Havens Hospice, starts at 9am at Fairlop Waters, Redbridge, London and explores the country lanes of Essex, with a halfway stop at Basildon for much-needed refreshments, before heading down to its usual finish on Southend seafront at around 5pm.

The run, sponsored by specialist insurer, Footman James, looks set to attract around 200 entrants, each driving vehicles of all kinds, from cars and bikes through to trucks and buses, all registered before January 1976.

Paul Matthews, Footman James’ managing director, said: “The London to Southend run is a tremendously popular event, attracting enthusiasts in their droves.

“It is such a great experience to see so many well-loved classics all on the road together, where they belong.

“Footman James is celebrating its 25th birthday this year, so we are extra-specially delighted to be supporting the run, as it enjoys its own landmark anniversary.”

Kevin Bolton, of the South Eastern Vintage and Classic Vehicle Club, said: “It’s great to have Footman James’ support this year.

“The run has gone from strength to strength since its launch 15 years ago, and we are anticipating a great turnout again for this year’s anniversary event.”

As well as enjoying a great experience, each run participant will receive a car rally plate, route plan, commemorative plaque and reserved free parking space right on the sea front.

Members of the South Eastern Vintage & Classic Vehicle Club enter at a reduced rate.

For more information on the run, call Roger Petheram, on 01702 512725 or Kevin Bolton on 01268 693288 or visit www.sevcvc.com!

Event sponsor Footman James insures more than 165,000 vehicles, from Jaguar E-types to Ford Capris, and, along with vintage and classic car insurance, also offers modern motorcycle, classic and modern car and household insurance.