Every now and then people need a change of holiday plans and one way of seeing more than just your final destination country is to drive across Europe until you reach Italy or whatever destination you have decided on. Many drivers prefer to take their own vehicle if they are going on a long drive, chiefly because they know what to expect and feel more comfortable with controls that they are used to.

If you plan on a driving holiday then you may plan your route so that you travel through two or three countries before you settle in Italy. You should familiarise yourself with the different driving regulations in each country, as not all European countries have the same driving regulations. In Germany for example, if you happen to breakdown, then you will need to telephone the German police as by and large you do not get roadside assistance in Germany.

Long before you set off on your holiday you should make sure that you are properly insured to drive through a number of European countries. Your insurance provider will probably tell you that any existing breakdown cover that you have will not be applicable in Italy. Many Britons come unstuck over breakdown cover when they drive through a country like Europe because they assume that their breakdown cover will, necessarily, cover them wherever they go. Unless you contact your insurance provider and give him or her breakdown of your trip, you may be driving through Italy without full insurance cover. If you get involved in an accident under these circumstances then you could end up paying thousands of pounds to put things right.