{"type":"document","data":{"id":"da7c5958-2f83-40b2-ba0d-a421261deab2","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-04-21T09:58:21.508+02:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Vacation, how wonderful! Are you traveling by car? Then check out our tips so you don't forget the most important things."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Vacation, how wonderful! Are you traveling by car? Then check out our tips so you don't forget the most important things.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/e5df4a36-311d-4a14-aa7d-1ef751745194/travel_boots","type":"image","width":814,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6664ba4dda3dbd1f/original/travel_boots.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"7 tips for a carefree car holiday","subtitle":"'I'm going on a trip and I'm taking with me...'"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"Insurance"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 1: Check your car carefully"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Prevention is better than cure. But above all, do it on time, so you don&apos;t have to stress when you have to stop by the garage.</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"What can you do yourself","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>There are many things you can check yourself before you go on vacation. Think of:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Air conditioning</li><li>Tire pressure</li><li>Lights</li><li>Oil level (and topping up)</li><li>Windshield wipers (and refilling windshield washer fluid)</li></ul>"}},{"title":"What many people leave to a mechanic","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>For some things, you often need a bit more knowledge of cars. Think of:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Battery</li><li>Radiator</li><li>Brakes</li><li>Tow bar</li></ul><p> </p>"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 2: Make a folder…"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>… containing your most important documents. After all, you never know what might happen, and some things are simply mandatory. Think of:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>European accident report form</li><li>International Insurance Certificate (formerly the Green Card)</li><li>Passport or ID card</li><li>Driving license</li><li>Vaccination booklet</li></ul>"},"alignedImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/1723bbb6-0fbd-4a8b-8d34-8d2b6c857a8d/passportidhands","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5b12b8df1179e98a/original/passportidhands.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Important: your international insurance certificate","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Your international insurance certificate states in which countries you are and are not insured. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Have you suffered damage? Then you must enter the number of your international insurance certificate on your European accident form. This number consists of:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Country code (the country where you live)</li><li>Insurer&apos;s Code</li><li>Your policy number</li></ul><p> </p>"}},{"title":"Double-check your car insurance","richBody":{"value":"<p>With most insurers, someone else is also allowed to drive the car (if you have given permission), but it is still a good idea to check the terms and conditions of your policy before you go on vacation.</p>"}},{"title":"Double-check your roadside assistance","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>It is the nightmare of many holidaymakers: a car breakdown on the road. Do you have ING Car Insurance? Then check in good time whether you have roadside assistance as additional coverage. You can choose from the following coverage areas:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>The Netherlands</li><li>Europe without the Netherlands</li><li>Europe including the Netherlands</li></ul><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Good to know: you can easily adjust your coverage. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p> </p><p> </p>"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 3: Use a packing list"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p> </p><p>That way you won&apos;t forget anything. Do you make a note of what is inside each bag or suitcase? Then you can quickly grab something along the way if you suddenly need it.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Do you have children?","richBody":{"value":"<p>Give them their own small bag or backpack for the back seat. This way, you avoid having to search for books, pencils, or a stuffed animal while driving.</p><p> </p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Handy to have on hand","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>Debit card and <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>credit card</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li>Cash (think of: coins for when you need to use the restroom at a gas station)</li><li>Food and drink</li><li>Paper road map (in case your navigation fails)</li><li>Phone charger</li></ul>"},"alignedImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/956494a2-0a02-4f4f-8586-1e48b9bc08ef/caroussel-6-jaar-b","altTextNL":"betaalpas","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/360221e7e11101bc/original/caroussel-6-jaar-b.png","extension":"png"}},{"title":"You don't want to forget this in case of emergency","richBody":{"value":"<ul><li>Warning triangle</li><li>Safety vests (the well-known yellow vests).</li><li>First aid kit </li></ul>"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 4: Place heavy items smartly"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Place suitcases or gas cylinders close to the backrest of the rear seat. You don&apos;t want them to shoot forward if you have to brake hard suddenly.</p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 5: Buy a toll vignette before departure"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>A toll vignette is mandatory in a number of European countries. Many people know that this is required in Austria and Switzerland, but check the countries you will be driving through in advance.</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"And a toll badge?","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A toll badge is different from a toll vignette. With a toll badge, you can pass through toll gates on toll-charged highways faster. Think of countries like:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>France</li><li>Italy</li><li>Spain</li></ul><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>You can also order a toll badge before departure.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 6: Know if an environmental sticker is required"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>In some European countries, you are required to have an environmental sticker if you drive in low-emission zones. This shows that your car meets the set environmental requirements.</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Important: not always mandatory, but....","richBody":{"value":"<p>… in some countries, environmental zones do apply, but no environmental stickers. So, you don&apos;t need to arrange anything in advance.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Tip 7: Don't give thieves a chance"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Are you making a stop along the way to grab a bite to eat? Then always be alert. Especially at busy rest areas along the highway.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Close all windows and lock your car. Even if it&apos;s just for a moment!</li><li>Keep your luggage under a closed parcel shelf as much as possible.</li><li>Take your expensive items inside, such as: laptops, tablets, and headphones.</li></ul><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Important: read the terms and conditions of your </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a data-type=\"internal\" href=\"/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance\"><span><span>travel insurance</span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span> what is said about this.</p><p> </p>"},"alignedImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/457da3f0-f662-4a86-b3ba-c11a84dfdfce/closedlocknopadding","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/4a1f563580bad9e6/original/closedlocknopadding.svg","extension":"svg"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"What other benefits do other motorists receive through us?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Hit the road well insured and choose the coverage that suits your car. With the <strong>top-rated</strong> ING Car Insurance, you too benefit from:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li> Up to 80% discount for accident-free driving</li><li>Choose your own deductible</li><li>Insured at replacement value (with Plus and All risk)</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance/apply-for-car-insurance","text":"Calculate your premium"}},{"componentType":"cta","textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance","text":"View the ING Car Insurance"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"No blaim, no claim","intro":"How does this actually work?","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/bddd4272-f132-469f-af12-16b4940f5b97/car-insurance-after-claim-1920","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/294b30c580f9dfdd/original/car-insurance-after-claim-1920.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Economical driving","intro":"How can you save money in your car.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/2662bd45-a594-439a-bd85-e40204d783f7/Carinsurance_Dog","type":"image","width":814,"altTextNL":"Zakelijke autoverzekering man met hond","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/41b586f8db50448/original/Carinsurance_Dog.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/particulier/verzekeren/autoverzekering/zuinig-rijden"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Lower maintentance costs","intro":"You can also easily handle minor maintenance yourself. 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