European breakdown cover

First off you’ll need to decide if you want cover for a single trip or an annual multi-trip. This determines how long you’ll be covered for. If you’re just going for a one-off trip, then consider a single-trip policy. However, if you’re visiting Europe regularly, an annual policy could save you money in the long run – just be sure to check for exclusions.

Key features include:

• Home start
• Onward journey
• Vehicle recovery
• Accommodation cost
• English-speaking call centres

Home start covers you if you break down at home at the start of your journey. The breakdown company will come to your home and try and fix your vehicle there and then. If they can’t, they’ll tow you to a garage for repair.

Onward journey cover reimburses you for any travel costs if your vehicle can’t be repaired on the roadside. For example, you could be covered for a taxi back home from the garage. Some policies will even get you a hire car to get you to your destination.

Vehicle recovery gives you peace of mind that you won't have to pay expensive recovery costs if your vehicle can’t be repaired abroad and needs to be transported back to the UK for repairs.

Accommodation cost is offered on some policies, covering the cost of emergency accommodation if you can’t reach your destination while your vehicle is repaired.

English-speaking call centres are offered by some breakdown companies to provide a number to an English-speaking representative to avoid language barriers when arranging repairs and recovery.

If you’re towing a caravan, you’ll need extra cover. Read the fine print, as it won’t be protected within the usual breakdown cover.