Preparation is key to a successful banger rally through Europe and once the insurance, paperwork, legalities and route are sorted, you will need to pack a number of essentials.

Here is the Sterling insurance checklist of things you will probably need on your banger rally.

  • Passports for each member of the team.
  • Driving licenses for all those planning on driving.
  • Sterling banger rally car insurance to cover all drivers.
  • Valid test certificate (MOT).
  • Currency for each country you are passing through.
  • A comprehensive set of spares including replacement belts, air, oil and fuel filters, diff, gearbox and engine oils, spare coolant, windscreen wash liquid, a full set of bulbs and a good toolkit which includes, preferably, a trolley jack (you can pick one up for around £20) and a powerful torch. If you have room, pack a second spare wheel.
  • The car’s first aid kit should be stocked for any emergency. Your basic kit should include: antiseptic, painkillers, wound-cleaning gauze, sterile dressings, bandage tape, plasters, tweezers, scissors, thermometer, antihistamines, insect repellent, insect bite treatment, sun block, after sun lotion and medication for pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Also very handy is a Spot Satellite Messenger, which is cheaper than a satellite phone but still allows you to stay in touch if there is no mobile phone signal.
  • Safe and clean water courtesy of a Lifeventure jerrycan water treatment system and Aqua Pure personal water bottles.
  • A good Europe-enabled satnav, such as the Garmin DriveSmart 50 Europe LMT-D 5 which will set you back £220 (but it’s worth the investment).
  • A good up-to-date road map of Europe, just in case the satnav fails.
  • You will need two disposable breathalysers.
  • A fire extinguisher.
  • High-vis jackets for each member or your team.
  • Two reflective warning triangles.
  • Selection of music to play.
  • Pens and notepad.
  • Camera to capture the great views you will come across.
  • Phone and accessory charging adapters which will run off the car’s cigarette lighter.

Once you are fully packed and ready to rock, have a fantastic European banger rally!