Scottish motorists who are planning to take their car abroad during the holidays could end up out of pocket unless they check their insurance, experts warn.

Many of the big name insurers, including Aviva and Direct Line, offer only minimum European cover as standard.

Scott Kelly, head of car insurance at Gocompare.com, says: "Most drivers assume that their policy offers the same level of cover on the Continent as in the UK. But cover varies significantly between insurers. So it's important to check your policy documents and to always inform your insurer before you travel."

Insurers are obliged by law to cover your vehicle if you drive within the EU. But they have to provide only the minimum legal level of cover, usually third party. In other words, if your car is stolen or you damage or even write off your vehicle in an accident that was your fault, then you will not be able to claim on your insurance.

You can usually extend your UK comprehensive policy if you plan to drive in Europe, but in many cases you will have to pay an extra premium. The cost varies from insurer to insurer and depends on a number of risk factors, such as your age and occupation, the make and model of the car. Premiums at Aviva, for example, start at £26.50. Your policy will usually cover driving in Europe up to a certain number of days, which could be as many as 90 in one policy year. But always read the small print, especially if you are planning a long trip.

Check, too, that your destination is covered. You are probably safe if you are driving within the EU. Most insurers also cover a number of non-EU countries, but the list varies. Some firms, for example, do not include Slovenia or Croatia.

Don't forget breakdown cover if you are taking your car overseas. Most UK breakdown policies do not automatically cover Europe, so you will normally have to buy separate cover. You can opt to cover a single trip or you can choose an annual European breakdown policy.

Again, it is important to check that the level of cover is adequate. Basic European breakdown cover will usually give you access to an English-speaking helpline 24 hours a day in the event of a breakdown. Someone will then either repair the car at the roadside, or take you and the vehicle to the nearest garage.

A more comprehensive policy might include the cost of any emergency repairs, as well as a replacement driver if your only driver is taken ill.

A premium package covers the cost of any emergency accommodation and could also include alternative transport if you choose instead to continue your journey, or even return to the UK.

It is worth bearing in mind that you cannot normally claim on a breakdown policy for the first 14 days.

You should familiarise yourself with the rules of the road if you are driving in Europe, or risk a fine. Since the beginning of July, all drivers in France are expected to carry a breath test kit or face an €11 fine. The small disposable kits cost about £2 and experts recommended that you take a couple as you must always have one ready for use if you're stopped. Remember that the legal limit for alcohol in the blood in France is lower than in the UK at 50 mg per 100 ml, compared with 80 mg. French laws also prohibit drivers from carrying any device capable of detecting speed cameras.

Every UK car must display a GB sticker or Euro flag badge on the number plate – and if local traffic drives on the right you must have headlamp beam converters.

High-visibility jackets are compulsory for drivers in France, Belgium, Italy and Austria and in Spain you need one for every person in the car. Warning triangles are required in several countries, while in Spain if you need spectacles to drive you must carry a spare pair in your car.

You could be asked to produce your documents at any time so you should make sure they are all up to date before you travel. You will need a full driving licence, the vehicle registration document and the motor insurance certificate.

Motorists do not need either a green card or an International Driving Permit if they are heading to popular European destinations such as France or Spain. But if you are travelling further afield, perhaps to Bulgaria or even Turkey, then you will probably need additional documents. The website of the AA has further information.