How it is priced
Quotes are based on the number of days abroad (including travel days), the countries visited, the vehicle's age and sometimes the number of passengers. Short trips are cheap; a three-week tour in an older car is not. Most single-trip policies cap the trip at 31 days, with some going to 60 or 90.
Vehicle age limits
Single-trip cover is where providers are most cautious about older cars. Caps of 10, 12 or 16 years are common, and a few decline anything over 8. If your car is older, the AA, RAC and specialist providers are more accommodating, sometimes with a higher premium or a cap on repatriation value.
When to buy
Before you leave, and ideally a day or more ahead of departure. Some policies can be bought on the day, but the waiting period may run into your first day abroad. Note whether cover starts from home (useful if you break down on the way to the port) or from the point of departure.
Single-trip versus annual
Two trips a year, or one trip of three weeks or more, and annual multi-trip cover is usually cheaper. It also includes a year of UK cover, so if you need UK cover anyway the comparison is not even close.
Checklist
- All countries you will drive through are on the territorial list.
- Trip length is within the policy maximum, including travel days.
- Car is within the age limit and repatriation covers its value.
- Caravan or trailer is included if you are towing.
- You have the policy number and the foreign assistance number written down.