If you are only going away once, a single trip policy will be the cheapest option. Think about getting a multi trip or annual policy if you regularly drive in Europe. Breakdown cover can also offer crucial peace of mind if you drive in Europe regularly. Here is more about finding the best European breakdown cover.
Breakdown cover, Europe-wide, offers the same cover as a standard UK policy, including roadside assistance and vehicle recovery. Here is what a breakdown policy covers. You will be able to call a hour UK helpline in the event of a breakdown, and they will send out a local patrol car to your location to help you. You can also get extra protection with European breakdown cover, including:. Work out what you need your policy to cover and only compare policies that give you the protection you want.
Most policies split the countries they cover into three zones, but you should be protected in most of Europe. Breakdown cover may be offered at different levels in different countries though, so check your policy documents for exact details. Keep in mind that insurers don't all cover the same countries. Some providers may also define the zones in a different way. The cost of a European breakdown cover depends on a number of factors:. The length of your trip The price will differ if you're going just for a few days, or several weeks.
If you opt for annual European breakdown cover it is likely to be more expensive. However, if you make several trips to the continent in a single year, it'll probably be more cost effective.
Which country you visit : While policies usually cover most of Europe, breakdown cover in certain countries may be more expensive than others, especially when it comes to vehicle repairs. The type of vehicle : Some cars may be more expensive to repair as parts for certain makes or models can be more expensive in different parts of Europe.
Breakdown cover should cover these costs for you though. The level of cover : The more extensive the cover, the more it will cost. As always, comparing European breakdown cover quotes is the best way to find a policy the gives you the cover you need for a price you can afford.
If your car is more than 10 years old, it can be more difficult to get breakdown cover. Europe is no different to the UK in this regard. This is because they are more likely to break down and can be more expensive to repair.
That said, that doesn't mean you can't get cover for an older car. There might be fewer producers willing to provide cover, and it may cost more, but paying a little more for European breakdown cover would still be cheaper than having to pay out of pocket.
If you compare European cover quotes, you'll give yourself the best chance to find a deal that gives you the cover you need for a price you can afford. Yes, you can get a policy that covers one trip to Europe, or you can buy a policy that will cover you for any trips you take in a year.
No, because you will be able to call a UK based helpline who will take your information and arrange an engineer to come and help you. Yes, most policies can protect these vehicles when you go to Europe.
Find out what vehicles a breakdown policy can cover here. Most policies cover the cost of returning your car to the UK. Some also give you a hire car while you wait for your car to arrive back. Yes, most policies offer cover before your departure. This means you can use your breakdown policy for up to seven days before you leave the UK. We include European breakdown cover policies available from our panel of insurers and brokers.
Here is more information about how our website works. We have commercial agreements with some of the companies in this comparison and get paid commission if we help you take out one of their products or services.
Find out more here. If your car can't be repaired, it will need to be recovered back to the UK and you'll need to find alternative transport. Transporting a car across Europe could end up costing you thousands, not to mention the stress of sourcing and paying for alternative transport, so you should consider whether you have the appropriate cover in place for such an eventuality.
You'll need to assess how you use your car to decide what level of cover you need, choosing between making arrangements on an annual policy that also protects you in the UK, or choosing a one-off, single-trip option. If you've already got a standard breakdown policy without European cover included, you may want to get in touch with your insurer to discuss your options. If you're a frequent traveller or go to Europe regularly for business, then adding continental cover for the whole year to the policy you use in the UK may be the answer.
Bear in mind, though, that most insurers will have an agreed limit on the number of days overseas use you're covered for in a calendar year, plus a total cap; 31 days a trip and 90 days in total may be the maximum. So, if you're in Europe for a significant period - more than a few months - you'll need to have a word with your provider and check your policy.
Some insurers will not offer breakdown cover if your European sojourn is to a second home, so look out for that as an exclusion in the terms and conditions. If you're planning a one-off trip to Europe, single trip cover may be the right choice for you, Gocompare. As always, we recommend comparing prices and policies. Before going on a European jaunt, you may want to ring your insurers to let them know you're leaving - with annual policies this may be essential in order to trigger your cover.
You'll also want to check what's included under your policy and that all your requirements are met. To start with the basics, make sure that the country you're travelling to is included in your cover, and if you decide to go on any last-minute cross-border sojourns when you're away, check again, or give your insurer a ring.
You'll want to check whether vehicle recovery is included as part of your European cover. The cost of recovering a car back to the UK could be prohibitively expensive. Check, too, that there isn't a cap on how much your provider will spend on one trip - for example, if you break down on the way to your destination, is you and your family's onward travel and journey home covered?
Hiring a car at the last minute isn't always possible and the last thing you want is to be left stranded at the nearest garage in a French town in the middle of nowhere. Will your insurer help you to find an alternative vehicle? There are even types of cover that have an allowance for you to continue your holiday journey or pay for accommodation. Most European breakdown cover can be purchased as part of an annual package, or for a single trip at a reduced cost.
If you're just heading out on a planned holiday, the single option is likely better value, but for those who like to be spontaneous or expect multiple journeys across the channel, the annual option may be a better bet. Skip to Content Skip to Footer. Do you have European breakdown cover already? Get the right kind of cover for your trip So most people will need to choose the right kind of European breakdown cover - one that actually helps you in the event of a breakdown.
Read the small print Just make sure you read the small print - always know what you get for your money. Cars Driving abroad. Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email. GB stickers no longer valid for driving abroad.
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