Preparing to go: What to take with you

When you’re preparing to drive abroad, there are a few things you’ll need to check and pack before you go.

Checklist

You must pack your driving licence, passport, motor insurance certificate, travel insurance documents, and vehicle registration document (V5C). Keep your documents with you.

Here is a handy checklist to consider while preparing for your trip to France.

Check your car insurance policy

Within most of Europe, your policy should provide the cover required by law for the country you are travelling through. Always check your documents beforehand.

However, some comprehensive policies will give you the same level of cover in Europe as you get in the UK. Always check with your provider before you go.

If you have minimal EU cover, you could update your policy to get your normal cover abroad. This is ‘Extended Foreign Use.’ Sometimes it’s free, sometimes it comes at a price. 

Check your policy documents for a list of countries you can drive in. If you have further queries, contact your insurer.

Reflective jacket

You must store a reflective jacket on the passenger side of your car.

If you break down or an emergency occurs, put the jacket on before leaving your vehicle. 

Warning triangle

You’re required to carry a warning triangle by French law.

If you break down or there’s an incident, a triangle is an easy way to warn approaching traffic.

A GB sticker

Put a GB sticker or a GB Euro number plate on your car. This will help to avoid police stops and a fine. 

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The GHIC entitles you to state-provided healthcare in France. Care may be free of charge or at a reduced fee.

A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. Your card should make life easier if something unexpected happens though.

Portable breathalyser

You must carry a certified unused breathalyser kit while driving in France.

Spot fines have been scrapped, but make sure you have a kit to stay on the right side of the law.

You can pick up portable breathalysers from retailers such as Halfords and Amazon UK. 

Headlamp beam converter kit

You need to adjust your headlamps to avoid dazzling other drivers.

Headlamp converter kits can make this a straightforward process. If you’re not sure, speak to your car dealer. They should be able to make the necessary changes for you.

Sat Nav

Many motorists wouldn’t dream of setting off on a long journey without their sat nav. They can certainly prove extremely useful in helping you get from A to B, especially when you’re not exactly sure where B is!

Before taking your sat nav to France, consider the following:

• Make sure that it has the appropriate information relating to roads across the channel
  Check the manual or speak to the manufacturer to see if your sat nav can be updated.
• French law prohibits speed camera detection systems
  Anyone using a sat nav with this feature could, in theory, be breaking the law and liable for a fine up to €1,500. Before taking to the road, disable it. Your car's manufacturer will know if there's a software update to do this, or if it's a built-in feature.

Insurance through Swinton and Safeguard

• Car Hire Excess Insurance - Get reimbursed for costly excess charges on insurance for rental cars
• Car Insurance - A flexible range of policies for a wide range of cars and drivers
• Travel Insurance - Quick and easy cover for a range of travel needs
• Breakdown Cover - Flexible cover to help get you back on the road
• Touring Caravan Insurance - European cover included as standard
• Motorhome Insurance - European cover included as standard

Driving abroad

Be sure to check out our other driving abroad guides:

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