3.Tyres Are tyres flat? Do they have bald patches? Are there cuts or bulges in side walls?

4.Brakes Drive car around car park and check brakes work properly.

5.Airbag Is airbag warning light flashing?

6.Lights Ask representative to stand outside car to confirm all lights work including reverse lights and indicators.

7.Bodywork Point out to car hire representative if there are any dents, scratches or other damage – to be sure you are not charged for it when you return car.

8.Seatbelts Tug sharply on all belts to check they lock properly.

9.Controls Familiarise yourself with controls and ask representative if you are unsure.

10.Windscreen wipers and washers Make sure all are in good working order.

Rebecca Pearson, Customer Services Manager at duck2water Car Insurance said:

‘Car hire companies should valet and carry out a maintenance check on all vehicles they hire out. Sadly some car hire companies don’t even bother emptying ashtrays before handing over keys to a new customer. Holidaymakers need to be cautious of all car hire companies; whether they are a local firm or multinational company.’

‘If you have any concerns about condition of a hire car, ask for another one. You’re customer, it’s you paying bill and you and your family that are at risk if anything goes wrong. Above all make sure you have adequate car insurance to cover you if you have an accident.’

Contact: Rebecca Pearson Customer Services Manager duck2water Car Insurance rebecca@duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk www.duck2watercarinsurance.co.uk

duck2water Car Insurance was established in 2004. As an online only insurance provider we are able to offer premiums up to 60% cheaper than other companies. Plus all our policies include free legal expenses insurance worth up to £50.

6. A word of caution about renting. You may be considering offsetting costs by renting out your foreign home while you're not there or setting it up as a short-term vacation rental. While extra income can be a big bonus, countries such as Mexico and France have strict eviction laws (in France it can take up to 3 years to evict tenants who decide to stay without paying, unless you demostrate to courts that you've found your tenant a suitable similar rental to move into). 7. About taxes. If you make a decision to rent out your property, you will be required to report rental income on your U.S. tax return (you may also be required to do same with your "new" country of residence). Since United States has reciprocal tax treaties with dozens of countries, you probably don't have to worry about double-taxation, since any amount paid abroad will be credited against your U.S. tax bill. If you work abroad, you may even be able to sidestep Uncle Sam altogether by qualifying for $80,000 foreign income exclusion (and by writing off maintenance expenses on your new home). If you decide to sell your foreign property, be aware that capital gains taxes in some countries can reach as high as 40 percent. I suggest soliciting help of an international tax specialist for information about your own situation. A top U.S. expert is: Jane Bruno, author of The Expat’s Guide to US Taxes. She can be reached at (561) 222-9273 or via email: janebruno@adelphia.net. Just tell her I sent you.

8. Legal matters. After making your purchase, you should be sure to draft a local will to ensure your property is passed along to your heirs.

Complicated legal and financial issues, strange covenants, and squatters could make that villa in south of France or farmhouse in Tuscany seem like more trouble than it's worth.

If you do your homework and hire right people, your foreign purchase should be smooth sailing.