European breakdown cover and why you should get it

Picture this: you’re off driving in Europe, having a lovely time, and then disaster strikes; your car breaks down and you don’t speak the local language... what do you do? If you’ve planned ahead, you’ll call your European breakdown provider who’ll help you quickly get back on the road. Crisis averted.
However, what happens if you don’t have European breakdown cover? Having your car go wrong is stressful enough without having to draw on some ropey GCSE French to try and get help. It’s therefore worthwhile to take out cover before you travel. There are plenty of providers who can sell you cover, providing an English-speaking phone line to call in the event of a problem, who will then organise the help you need.

European breakdown cover means that you’re protected if you break down whilst driving around Europe. All you’d need to do is call the English-speaking helpline who will arrange for roadside assistance to come along and help you out.
If the breakdown team aren’t able to fix your vehicle by the roadside, they’ll arrange for it to be taken to a local garage where repairs can be assessed. In the unfortunate event your wheels can’t be fixed by the time you need to return to the UK, higher levels of cover could help you and your passengers return home, and your car returned safely to you once repairs have been completed. Check which services are available and consult the terms and conditions of each policy you review. Whilst European breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement, it can save you time, money and a headache if you break down while you’re away in another European country. Depending on the level of cover you take out, you’ll be covered for some or all costs for roadside assistance and garage labour. European breakdown cover isn’t included in standard car insurance policies, so if you’re planning on a road trip around mainland Europe you may want to take out a standalone policy or add on to your existing policy. Read more about driving abroad and what you should consider before a road trip in Europe here

There are typically two types of cover that can be taken out, depending on how often you drive through Europe and the duration of the trips themselves.

If you only plan on driving in Europe once or twice a year, single trip European breakdown cover could work out as more cost-effective than buying an annual policy. Other benefits of single trip European breakdown cover often include:
• Protection during a single return trip to Europe. • Cover for a trip lasting from one day up to 180 days. • Cover for most vehicles including cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, and caravans. Check with the policy provider to ensure that you are covered pre-journey and upon returning from the UK.

Annual multi-trip European breakdown cover provides cover for all the trips you make in a year, usually up to 90 consecutive days per trip, so if you plan to take short regular trips around Europe this may suit you better. The cover you receive will differ between providers, but other benefits of annual European breakdown cover may include:
• Protection for unlimited trips to Europe during the year. • Works out cheaper to buy if you’re planning on regularly driving around Europe than buying single trip cover each time. • Cover for most vehicles including cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, and caravans. There may be a limit imposed on the number of consecutive days you can be covered for. Depending on the provider, each trip could be covered for up to 90 days, which means you’d need to buy single trip European breakdown cover if you plan on travelling for longer, so check the policy details carefully before choosing. Nationwide cover within the UK pre-departure and on return may be included, and some policies cover you all year round. Your policy should outline the extent of your coverage but check with your provider if you’re unsure.

Typically, European breakdown cover can offer:
• Pre-journey assistance: If something were to happen prior to setting off abroad, your cover would help you set off on your journey. • Roadside assistance: A breakdown recovery vehicle will attempt to fix your car by the side of the road. If it’s not possible, they’ll take you to a nearby garage and will aim to get your wheels back on the road as soon as possible. (Ensure that you have consulted your policy to check for any call-out limits to avoid additional charges.) • Around the clock care: You have anytime 24/7 access to support and recovery, which prevents you from being stranded anywhere no matter the time, day or night. • Garage labour cover: If your vehicle needs to be fixed at a garage, some or all of the cost will be covered. Check your policy for details. • Onward travel: If your car breaks down, your cover will aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Some policies provide a replacement car whilst yours is getting repaired, whilst others may reimburse public transport costs or even accommodation costs. Double check what level of cover is right for you and your needs whilst travelling. • Transportation back to the UK: This when your car can’t be fixed and needs returning to the UK, along with yourself and your passengers. This is called ‘repatriation’, and covers some, or all, of the costs of returning both your party and your vehicle to the UK. • Misfuelling cover: In the event you mistakenly put petrol in a diesel car, or vice versa, you’re covered for accidental damages or repairs. • Lost keys: If you lose your keys while you’re travelling, you can be reimbursed for the cost of replacements. Policies will vary between providers, so ensure you understand what cover you are receiving and read all the fine print to avoid any surprises on your travels.

How much you’ll pay for your European breakdown cover can depend on:
• Your level of cover: Providers offer different levels of cover dependent on what benefits you’ll require on your travels. Generally speaking, the higher the level of cover, the higher the protection you’ll receive. • How long you’re away for: Single trips costs less than annual cover, but if you’re a regular visitor to mainland Europe’s roads, annual cover could save you money in the long run. • Where you’re going: Providers often have different zones of coverage so it’s wise to check which level you’ll need to cover the country you’re visiting. Many providers make things easier by dividing the countries they cover into zones, but be aware that the further away from home you are, the more it will cost. • Your vehicle: The age, make and model of your vehicle can affect the cost of your cover.

If your vehicle breaks down whilst you’re travelling in Europe, don’t panic. Follow local laws and guidance, which may include:
• Pull over safely, ensuring you’re a safe distance away from traffic, or on the hard shoulder. • Exit your vehicle, keeping a safe distance from moving traffic. • Call your chosen provider for assistance, give them your location and they’ll talk you through what happens next.

If you’re unlucky enough to break down whilst travelling abroad without cover, you’ll need to find a local recovery company to tow you and a garage you can trust to carry out the repairs, which can be tricky especially if you don’t know the area and the local language. You’ll also be liable to cover all the costs of the assistance you receive.
If your car isn’t fixed before you’re due to return home to the UK, you’ll also have to cover the cost of getting your party and your vehicle back home. The costs for this can easily stretch into the thousands of pounds, therefore taking out European breakdown cover can give you peace of mind knowing you’re covered if anything goes wrong.

There are various providers who offer different levels of cover dependent on your needs. Compare the Market allows you to compare European breakdown cover across the UK’s top providers so that you can find the best deal for your requirements and budget.
Ensure that you read all the fine print so you know the ins and outs of your cover. The last thing you want is a surprise bill if something were to go wrong.