Car accidents more costly in Germany and France
Research has indicated that a car accident in certain European countries can be twice as costly than one that happens in another place in the Continent.
British travellers who are planning to go on an 'autobahn' or 'autoroute' adventure, have been told to be aware of certain spots such as Germany and France, which have been named the most expensive places in Europe for a motorway mishap, according to the latest claims data from the UK's biggest insurer.
The UK insurance provider Aviva, has stated that the average bill if you cause a crash in Germany is £2,940, which is more than 50 per cent above the average bill, if you crash your car anywhere else in Europe (£1,918). British travellers also need to be especially cautious of French drivers, as the average personal injury claim is close to £10,000 coming in at £9,510.
Costly road accidents on the Continent
The insurer also reveals that British drivers need to be extremely vigilant across the whole continent, as third party claims are up 10 per cent and personal injury claims have increased by 20 per cent in last year. Drivers who aren't properly insured will face a tough experience while they are away, as they would have to make their own arrangements for their cars to be repaired, negotiate the costs and sort out their onward journeys.
Nigel Bartram, Aviva's UK insurance motor underwriting manager, said: "An estimated two million British tourists take to their cars for driving trips to neighbouring European Union countries each year. We advise drivers in Germany to be extra careful, as about two-thirds of the Autobahn network still has no speed limit."
Mr Bartram also added: "We also advise you to make sure that you are properly covered before you go. Otherwise you may have to pay for any claims for damage to your car, whether it's your fault or not. Not to mention the hassle of arranging repair and sorting out the claim in the local language."
Other costly crash destinations include Austria and Switzerland. A car accident in these countries could cost you £2,265. Belgium is also a country where drivers need to be cautious, as causing a crash could cost you up to £1,617, making it the third most expensive place to in Europe to be in a car accident.
Traveller tips for Euro-driving
Motorists who do plan to take up a driving journey around the continent have been advised to take certain measures. If you break down on a French autoroute - The motorway system in the country - you must use the SOS boxes to call for help, as it is illegal to call by any other means, e.g. mobile phone. The driver and all passengers must also have visibility vests when they leave the vehicle.
Visibility vests are also compulsory in Austria, Belgium, Italy, and Norway and are likely to become compulsory throughout the EU.
In Germany it is obligatory to report all incidents to the police at the time it occurs, even a minor bump. While in Belgium it is highly recommended to carry a fire extinguisher in the car, because it is compulsory for all Belgian registered cars.
If you are involved in a car accident with a lorry and trailer, remember to take down both the lorry and trailer registration number as most European countries have different registrations on the trailer and recoveries are not possible without the trailer registration.
Drivers who are quick on the throttle should take their time when in Switzerland, as pedestrians normally have the right of way and will expect the vehicle to stop for them.
Updated on 13/06/2009