Insurer expects to see summer spike in car accidents abroad

• Admiral is reminding motorists to have correct documents before driving abroad
• Insurer issues tips on what to do if you have a car accident abroad

Lorna Connelly, Head of Claims at Admiral, said “As travel restrictions continue to ease, we expect to see a rise in the number of people deciding to drive to Europe in the coming weeks instead of flying this year. Our data shows car accidents abroad are more likely to occur in August than any other month. In the last two years almost a quarter (23%) of all claims made for accidents abroad happened in August, with another 15% of them happening in July. This is likely because more people go on holidays in the summer months, and with an expected rise in the number of people deciding to drive abroad after the pandemic, we could see a spike in UK drivers being involved in accidents in mainland Europe in the coming weeks.

“Different driving laws, unfamiliar road layouts and signs in foreign languages can cause stress for the unprepared, increasing the risk of having a road accident. We received almost 3,000 claims for accidents abroad in 2018 and 2019, and 39% of these accidents happened in France.

“If you’re planning to drive abroad this summer, it’s important to be prepared, and know what to do in case the worst happens and you’re involved in an accident. Having the right documentation, being aware of the rules of the road in the country you’re visiting, and knowing what to do and where to report an accident are all essential before getting behind the wheel in a foreign country.”