17 per cent taking cars abroad

Some 17 per cent of drivers are planning to take their cars abroad by ferry this year, it has been revealed.

France was the most popular destination for foreign driving holidays, with 4.58 million Britons planning to take their car by ferry there over the next 12 months.

Germany, Spain, Italy and Belgium were also found to be popular destinations, according to Sainsbury's Car Insurance, which conducted the study.

The insurance provider has advised that while most insurers provide cover for Europe, but if drivers fail to inform them of their plans before they go, their level of cover may be affected.

Joanne Mallon, manager of the provider, said: "Having an accident anywhere is bad enough but when abroad it can be compounded by a lack of local knowledge, to then find that the other party's damage is covered but not your own, is surely a blow worth avoiding."

According to the Telegraph, ferry crossings can still be "exceptionally good value" and the cost of living and eating out in France, despite the exchange rate, remains in general cheaper than in the UK.