£3k for hitting a German, £10k for a Frenchman

If you are planning on holidaying in Europe this year, you’d better make sure your car insurance is up to scratch. A new study from insurance provider Aviva has named Germany and France as two of the most expensive places in Europe to have a motorway mishap.

According to the report which analyzed claims data from the last year, causing a crash in Germany would cost you around £3,000, a full 50% higher than elsewhere in Europe where the average is around £2,000. France was found to be an expensive place to be faced with a personal injury claim, with the average amount requested by French drivers standing at nearly £10,000.

Top five most expensive for damage to third party vehicles:

1. Germany – £2,940
2. Austria and Switzerland – £2,265
3. Belgium – £1,617
4. France – £1,545
5. Spain – £1,387

Top five most expensive countries if the third party is injured:

1. France – £9,510
2. Germany – £9,121
3. Italy – £4,045
4. Holland – £3,571
5. Belgium – £1,959

The research also revealed that claims against British drivers abroad are on the up with third party claims 10% higher than last year and personal injury claims up 20%. This means that heading off off on holiday without adequate insurance could end in a nightmare for drivers as they are forced to arrange and pay for their own cars to be repaired and make their own arrangements for their cars to be repaired.

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.”

“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.”