Breakdown Guides

European breakdown cover

By Garnet Roach

Whether you're off on a road trip or simply taking the car with you on holiday, European breakdown cover will make sure you arrive on time and have a safe, hassle-free holiday. (19/02/10)

• Single or multi trip
• Free breakdown cover
• English speaking help lines
• European breakdown cover
• Excess
• Avoiding breakdowns

Single or multi trip

If you're only going to take your car abroad once or twice, single trip breakdown cover will be the most economical. However, if you make regular trips across the Channel, it might be worthwhile investing in annual, multi trip cover.

Think about your needs and only sign up to services that you're going to use.

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Free breakdown cover

Some car insurance providers offer inclusive European breakdown cover as part of your policy, so if you're with an insurer like the AA, which also handles breakdowns, double check that you're not already covered before signing up to a new breakdown policy.

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English speaking help lines

As well as providing assistance if you break down on the road, European breakdown cover also gives you access to 24-hour, English speaking assistance to give advice and get you back on the road with minimal fuss.

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European breakdown cover

Before you commit to any breakdown provider, make sure you’ve read the small print on your policy so that you know exactly what is, and what isn’t, included.

For example, some policies limit the number of days cover you get per trip. This can vary from as little as five days at a time with some basic policies, to 90 days per trip - even if you’ve taken the annual, multi trip option.

If you do need cover for a long trip, there are extended stay policies available, though this will cost you more.

Some policies allow as much as £2,000 cover per trip, while others set limits on specific types of claims, such as a maximum of £150 on garage labour. Some will only provide roadside assistance, or tow you to the nearest garage, while others might also cover you for the work needed to get you back on the road.

You might also get alternative transport so that you can complete your journey or get home if you break down, a replacement driver if you fall ill or even legal cover.

Breakdowns on some European motorways and autoroutes are dealt with by the police, who will send a local recovery company to help you. Because these companies rarely have links to British motoring organisations, you might have to pay for this yourself - though some breakdown providers might refund this cost if you get a receipt.

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Excess

Just like car insurance, some breakdown providers also charge an excess fee when you make a claim.

However, not all companies charge excess, so if it’s something you're concerned about, shop around and compare European breakdown cover to find a deal to suit your needs.

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Avoiding breakdowns

Check your car insurance policy before you buy European breakdown cover as you might already be entitled to a certain number of days insurance abroad each year.

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Avoiding breakdowns

Although you can’t plan for every eventuality, there are steps you can take to reduce your chance of breaking down abroad.

Check tyre pressure, oil and water before setting off, plan your route carefully and make sure that you have a good road atlas for any countries you're visiting - even if you're using sat nav. If you're planning on travelling to, or even just through, remote areas, make sure that you have a good stock of provisions to keep you going in case of a breakdown.

You should also always carry your diving licence and vehicle registration documents when driving abroad.