Motorists who take their cars on holiday have been advised to check their insurance policy before they go.

Policies purchased in the UK are required to offer the minimum legal level of cover required for driving in other EU countries.

This does not necessarily mean that policies guaranteeing comprehensive cover in the UK will automatically comprehensive cover abroad.

“You’ve got the expense of getting your car removed and so on, which wouldn’t be covered by your insurance if you haven’t extended your comprehensive cover to drive in Europe,” said the AA’s Ian Crowder.

Figures compiled by the RAC Foundation show that three million British drivers take their cars overseas every year.