European breakdown cover

What is European breakdown cover?

European breakdown cover protects you if your car, van or bike breaks down while driving in Europe. You’ll get roadside assistance as standard. And if the problem can’t be fixed on the side of the road, you’ll be towed to the nearest garage for repair.

European breakdown cover isn’t typically included on a standard UK policy, but you can sometimes add it as an additional feature. When you’re comparing policies, it’s worth seeing what each policy covers, as some companies have exclusions on which countries are included.

It’s best not to base your decision on the cheapest deal. A small saving on initial price could cost you a fortune in transport/repair costs if you do break down and you’re not fully covered while abroad. Get a quote to compare features and prices.

What else do I need to know?

European breakdown cover will have certain limits. You want to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible if you were to ever break down abroad, so it’s worth taking a little extra time to read the fine print.

Each provider will be different, so make sure you check:

• Parts and labour cost – Some providers will only pay up to a certain amount, the rest will be up to you to pay.
• Mileage limit – If you’ve exceeded the agreed mileage limit, your provider can refuse to cover your claim.
• Call-out limitation – If you have an annual policy, there may be a cap on how many times you can make a claim. Call-outs typically range from four per year to unlimited.
• Human error – Check to see if you’re covered against locking yourself out, or adding the wrong fuel etc.
• Second home in Europe – Some providers won’t cover you if you have a second residence in Europe. Check with individual providers before taking out cover.