Caravan Insurance

Van and car drivers are being urged to plan ahead even when using the latest satellite navigation technology to plot their way to their destination.

That is the advice of Mapsolute managing director Chris Wallet, who told the Transport News Network there were ways to avoid the tales of drivers being led mistakenly by their cars on wild goose chases.

Citing the recent spate of stories detailing drivers who have been advised to take a route via Europe to UK destinations and even those who have been directed towards lakes and rivers, Mr Wallet said it was a matter of planning ahead.

"Sat Nav systems have enabled Britain's drivers to find alternative routes at the drop of a hat, which is wonderful for anyone who's experienced sitting in a traffic jam, only to turn off and find a better or faster route," he argued.

"In the majority of cases it's safe, however in certain situations new problems have arisen," he added.

"Our overall advice is to plan ahead, particularly if you are aiming to travel through unfamiliar surroundings."

Mr Wallet said the internet could be used to help plan ahead, particularly for useful up-to-the-minute traffic information, meaning van drivers won't end up claiming on their van insurance after being directed into the local pond.