Taking car to France - what do I need to sort out..

[gillybean2]

Looking for some advice on taking my car to France (never taken my own car abroad).

Presumably I just phone my car insurance company and ask them to cover the car for Europe while we're away.
Also I don't have breakdown cover, is it advisable to get some?

Do I need to take anything? I seem to recall someone saying you have to have a red triangle thing, or maybe it was somthing else...?

Am probably going to go on eurotunnel as I can use tesco vouchers to pay for it. Is there anything I need to know about or any have any tips re this?

Thanks

You may well be covered for a trip to Europe but a phone call to your insurance company would confirm this or help you sort out insurance.

You need a red triangle and a high vis jacket to be carried in the car at all times. You need all your documents with you and children under 14 (I think) are not allowed to travel in the front even in the appropriate restraint.

You may also need to look into headlight converters so you don't dazzle oncoming traffic at night. And don't forget a GB sticker if you haven't got it on the side of your number plate.

You need hi vis jacket for the driver in the body of the car (you have to be able to put it on without getting out of the car so dont put it in the boot).

I would recommend hi vis jackets for all passengers, they do make the whole party visible in case of breakdown.

Definitely worth getting breakdown cover as the cost of towing the car back from Europe will be hellish.

As well as the triangle you will need to get a set of spare bulbs.

Documents you need will include registration document, green card (shows that insurance cover is extended to cover Europe), your driving licence.

Dont forget the EHIC (used to be E111) for the whole party.

Unless your headlights can be adapted you will need beam benders even if you only plan to drive during the day.

Do make sure that your car is in good nick. The French police do set up checks and will issue on the spot fines (or worse) for any defects or failures to carry appropriate documents.

Get a good set of maps (my favourites are Michelin) dont just rely on SatNav.

Have a lovely time.

Oh, we're driving down next weekend! Here's my checklist

1. Service car and check tyres/oil etc
2. Car insurance
3. Breakdown cover
4. Hi vis jacket/warning triangle/spare bulbs/headlight converters. All of these are required by law in France (Halfords do a complete kit for people driving to France, as does the AA)
5. Copies of registration documents and insurance documents. In France it is the law that you have to have them with you in the car, and if you have even a minor issue - eg need a new tyre, the garage will ask you to produce them
6. Maps from the Michelin site. We have a complete set of maps anyway but the print off from the Michelin site will give you information on the mileage and the tolls and interesting places to stop along the route

Then there are other things like health insurance cards - these are free but you need to apply for them in the UK. We also have travel insurance, just because really.

Eurotunnel is the best way to go, IMO. But you need to take drinks etc on board with you because they aren't available - it's like being in the back of a lorry. It's a very short time you spend in there, but a bit claustrophobic and take some entertainment for the DCs

On the subject of entertainment for the DCs, we take laptops with incar chargers, just so they can watch films etc without squabbling

Hi
Thanks for the replies and advice.

Completely forgot about a GB sticker. Presume one will come in the euro car kit if I get myself to Halfords as suggested. If not will be sure to get one!

I've just got a 'green card' added to my car insurance to cover the car fully comp in France for the week. Relatively painless addition to my insurance renewal.

Car is due for an MOT next week, I think I'll wait until the week before we go to get it serviced though as was last serviced in March so seems a bit soon to re service and too early to do before we go as it were.

Must sort out breakdown cover - not sure who to go with and have just used most of my tesco vouchers to cover the eurotunnel fares so not an option to get it with vouchers now. Anyone got any recommendations? I do need to get annual cover with an option to go to France just for one week.

Will have a look at the Michelin maps once I get the directions through from the holiday company. I don't have a sat nav so always have to rely on maps!

Already have the EHIC from our trip to France last year (went by coach that time). They are still valid so that's sorted.

Didn't know about ds not being allowed in the front of the car either. What age are they allowed to be in the front from? Or is it height relevant?

Thanks