European breakdown cover
If you’re considering European breakdown cover but you’re not sure what the policy will entail, how much it will cost or what constitutes a good deal, here’s the Breakdown Choices guide to good European breakdown cover. Don’t sign up for any kind of breakdown recovery service without shopping around and doing your research first.
Last Updated: Thursday, 3-January-2008 Is European breakdown cover worth the cost?
If you’re trying to weigh up the cost of hiring a car for your holiday against the cost and convenience of driving and insuring your own car abroad, as well as paying for breakdown cover, there are some cheap options available to you.
Some breakdown organisations offer a specialised European breakdown cover policy, which will cover you for call-outs across Europe for a year. For a more short-term option, though, many companies will add European breakdown cover to your existing policy for a daily or weekly charge. This means only paying extra for the two or three weeks you’re away for.
Many breakdown cover organisations double as insurers, so you might be able to get a good deal on your travel insurance by buying both at the same time!
How does European breakdown cover work?
The companies that provide this type of cover have English-speaking operators in their call centres, which are up and running 24 hours a day. They also have access to a network of mechanics all over Europe. Some policies will reimburse you for your onward travel costs if your car can’t be repaired at the roadside, and some will pick you up if the driver is taken ill. These added extras will differ from policy to policy, so make sure you check the small print before signing up.
How do I find the right European breakdown cover policy?
When you’re looking for a good European breakdown cover policy, it’s worth making a list of the extras and benefits you’re going to need. Think about whether it would be worth taking out a policy for the whole year, but bear in mind that this may cost you far more than basic breakdown cover. If you’re opting for a comprehensive package anyway, you might find that European cover is included as standard.
When you’ve figured out what you’re looking for, shop around to find the best policy that meets your needs for the lowest price. Take a look at the Breakdown Choices best buy tables for more information.
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