The AA – European Breakdown Cover

BreakdownChoices is an affiliate of The AA. As well as offering comprehensive breakdown cover in the UK, with The AA (www.theaa.com) you can also have the reassurance of cover from the country’s biggest breakdown organisation while driving on the continent. You don’t have to be an AA customer to get their European cover and you can purchase it only for the duration of your trip. Visit www.theaa.com If you buy AA European cover online you’ll receive a 10 per cent discount, with prices starting from £10.69 for a day’s cover (member’s online price). Advertisement Company Package Name Price From Online Discount European cover Tow home Tow to nearest garage Roadside repair Home start Courtesy car   European Cover £10.69 10% Last Updated: Thursday, 3-January-2008 They offer a 24-hour English-speaking helpline and provide vehicle recovery to the UK, emergency roadside assistance and repair and emergency accommodation and car hire. You’ll also be provided will legal protection if needed in the event of an accident.

What you should know

As well as reading the terms and conditions of any policy, there are some differences you need to be aware of when driving in Europe.

• French motorways are privately managed so the AA can’t provide assistance until you’re off the motorway. If you breakdown on a French motorway and use an emergency phone, the police will send assistance but you won’t be covered for the cost. Once you’re off the motorway, you can call the AA who will try to get your vehicle fixed or tow it.
• The AA does not operate patrols in Europe but will utilise a local recovery service, though they are unlikely to speak English.
• You will need your credit card in order to get a hire car; it will be swiped as a security measure but not charged.
• As with UK cover you’ll be liable for any costs not incurred at the roadside.

Anything else?

If you’ve already got UK breakdown cover you should check if you can get European cover as an add-on for the period of your travel. You might get a discount this way, rather than taking out completely separate cover for that time.

It is a good idea to get covered in Europe. Breaking down where you don’t speak the language is difficult, and even if you’re having trouble communicating with the mechanic that the AA has dispatched, you can always call the AA for further help.