As nearly a sixth of Britons prepare to take their cars abroad this year, the AA has warned that insurance policies should be checked in advance.

Spokesperson for AA insurance Ian Crowder said that many people are misled into thinking that comprehensive cover in the UK equates to comprehensive cover elsewhere, but in fact many policies only provide third-party insurance in other countries.

In the event of an accident such cover would not provide for recovery or repair of a vehicle.

"Check your car, check your policy, check that you are covered while you are out there. There is nothing worse than your holiday coming to an abrupt halt ... and you find you are being faced with large bills," he advised.

Last week the British Insurance Brokers' Association found that extensions for trips abroad are among several features which are no longer included as standard in comprehensive car insurance policies.

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