European breakdown cover

Find cover for breakdowns across Europe

  • Get a breakdown cover quote in just 1 minute

  • Find cover for your car, van or motorbike

  • Compare policies with some of the biggest UK providers like AXA, Greenflag and RAC

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’s included in 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.

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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.
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