European breakdown cover

European Breakdown Cover – What It Includes, Why You Need It & How to Find the Best Deal

Introduction

Driving through Europe can be an unforgettable adventure – from the vineyards of France to the mountains of Switzerland or the coastlines of Spain. But just one mechanical issue can turn that dream road trip into a nightmare. That’s where European breakdown cover comes in.

This guide explains what European breakdown cover includes, who needs it, how to find the best value policies, and tips to avoid hidden costs – all without the fluff. At myinsurance.uk, we don’t sell insurance – we provide trusted, impartial advice so you can make the best choice for your travel and vehicle needs.

What Is European Breakdown Cover?

European breakdown cover is a service that helps drivers if their car breaks down while travelling in Europe. It’s designed to offer peace of mind by providing:

  • Roadside assistance in EU and nearby countries

  • Vehicle recovery or towing to a garage

  • Emergency accommodation

  • Repatriation (bringing your car back to the UK)

  • Onward travel or car hire if your vehicle can’t be fixed

Depending on the policy, you can get single-trip or annual multi-trip cover, and add it to your standard UK breakdown policy or buy it standalone.

european-breakdown-cover-road-trip-assistance

Do I Need European Breakdown Cover?

If you’re planning to take your car to Europe, yes – it’s highly recommended. Without it, you’re left to organise your own repairs, transport, and accommodation – often in a language you don’t speak.

Imagine breaking down on a French motorway with no local knowledge or mechanic access – that’s not a situation anyone wants.

You need European breakdown cover if:

  • You’re driving in Europe using your own UK-registered vehicle

  • You’re travelling for business, holiday, or even a short weekend break

  • You want protection from high overseas repair or towing costs

What’s Typically Included in European Breakdown Cover?

1. Roadside Assistance Abroad

If your car breaks down, a local recovery vehicle is dispatched to get you back on the road or take you to a garage.

2. Vehicle Recovery & Repatriation

If your vehicle can’t be fixed abroad, it can be transported back to the UK for repair (subject to cost and policy limits).

3. Onward Travel & Car Hire

If your vehicle is unusable, most providers offer alternative transport (such as a hire car) or reimburse your travel expenses.

4. Emergency Accommodation

Covers the cost of staying overnight in a hotel while your vehicle is being fixed.

5. Cover Before Departure

If your vehicle breaks down shortly before you’re due to travel, some policies offer cover to help repair or replace your transport.

6. Multilingual Assistance

Call centre support in English and local languages to help navigate services and mechanics abroad.

breakdown-help-in-france-germany-italy.

Countries Covered by European Breakdown Cover

Most policies include EU and EFTA countries, but always check your specific provider.

Commonly Covered Countries:

  • France

  • Spain

  • Germany

  • Italy

  • Netherlands

  • Belgium

  • Portugal

  • Switzerland

  • Austria

  • Ireland

  • Norway

  • Sweden

  • Finland

  • Poland

  • Czech Republic

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Countries Sometimes Excluded:

  • Turkey (except European side)

  • Russia

  • Ukraine

  • Moldova

  • Albania

Check the full list in your policy terms before buying.

How Much Does European Breakdown Cover Cost?

 

Type of Cover Average Price (2025) Best For
Single Trip (1 week) £12 – £25 One-off holidays
Single Trip (2+ weeks) £18 – £40 Family holidays, long trips
Annual Multi-Trip £60 – £120 Frequent travellers

Factors That Affect Cost:

  • Vehicle age (older cars may cost more)

  • Duration of trip

  • Destinations covered

  • Extras like car hire or hotel stay

  • Whether you bundle with UK cover

Best Providers for European Breakdown Cover in 2025

 

Provider Single Trip Annual Cover Key Benefits
Start Rescue From £12 From £64 Budget-friendly, app access, fast support
RAC From £20 From £99 Premium cover, hotel stays, car hire included
Green Flag From £25 From £115 Customisable packages, 24/7 support
AA From £26 From £130 Trusted brand, multilingual helpline
Allianz Assistance From £15 From £90 Strong reputation across Europe

uk-driver-european-car-insurance-support

Tips for Finding the Best European Breakdown Cover

1. Compare Annual vs Single-Trip Cover

If you travel abroad more than twice a year, annual cover can work out cheaper in the long run.

2. Check Vehicle Age Restrictions

Many providers charge more for vehicles over 10–15 years old. Some don’t cover them at all.

3. Choose the Right Level of Cover

Basic plans might only tow to the nearest garage. More comprehensive plans offer accommodation, car hire, or repatriation.

4. Watch for Policy Limits

Always check for:

  • Daily car hire limits

  • Repatriation cost caps (e.g., £2,000)

  • Number of callouts allowed

  • Length of trip covered (some max out at 90 days)

5. Buy Early

Many providers require you to purchase at least 24 hours before travel, and some may exclude cover if you’ve already left the UK.

What If I Have European Cover Through My Car Insurance or Travel Insurance?

Some comprehensive car or travel insurance policies include limited European roadside support. However:

  • The support may not be 24/7

  • You may need to pay upfront and claim later

  • They might not offer vehicle repatriation

Dedicated European breakdown cover is still the most reliable and comprehensive option.

cheap-europe-breakdown-cover-2025

Is It Worth Getting European Cover as a UK Resident Post-Brexit?

Absolutely. Since Brexit, European breakdown cover is more important than ever for UK drivers. The Green Card system may not be required anymore for insurance, but breakdown recovery is a separate service – and you need local help if you get stranded abroad.

Who Should Consider European Breakdown Cover?

  • Holidaymakers driving in Europe

  • Van owners delivering goods across borders

  • Motorhome and campervan travellers

  • Classic car owners attending shows abroad

  • Anyone doing a European road trip

Here are five top-rated European breakdown cover providers in the UK, each offering comprehensive services to ensure peace of mind during your travels across Europe:

1. AA European Breakdown Cover

2. RAC European Breakdown Cover

3. Green Flag (via Churchill)

4. Eversure European Breakdown Cover

  • Coverage: Covers up to 55 European countries with options for single-trip or annual policies, including roadside assistance, onward travel, and vehicle repatriation.

  • Highlights: Awarded the Feefo Platinum Award for service excellence and boasts an average response time of 46 minutes.

  • Website: Eversure European Breakdown Cover​eversure.com

5. Saga European Breakdown Cover

  • Coverage: Designed for drivers over 50, offering protection across 55 countries and territories, including roadside assistance and transportation to your departure point if needed.

  • Highlights: Provides access to a hire car for up to 14 days if your vehicle breaks down within 24 hours of your planned departure.

  • Website: Saga European Breakdown Cover​RAC+3Saga+3Voyager Insurance+3

For a broader comparison of available options, you might find these comparison tools helpful:​

  • MoneySuperMarket European Breakdown Cover

  • Compare the Market European Breakdown Cover

  • GoCompare European Breakdown Cover

  • Uswitch European Breakdown Insurance

If you need further assistance or have specific requirements, feel free to ask

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re heading for the Alps or the Amalfi Coast, European breakdown cover gives you peace of mind. From language barriers to high roadside repair costs, going abroad without protection could cost you more than you expect.

By comparing providers, choosing the right level of cover, and planning ahead, you can get reliable European breakdown protection without paying over the odds.

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