What is European breakdown cover?
European breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that provides assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown while traveling in Europe. This can include towing, repairs, and transportation to a repair facility. It may also provide coverage for accommodation and alternative transportation if the vehicle is not able to be repaired quickly. This type of coverage is usually an add-on to a standard car insurance policy and often have a limit on the number of days you can use it for.
What features does European breakdown cover include?
- Roadside assistance: This service provides help if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road and can’t be driven. This can include towing, jump-starting a dead battery, and fixing a flat tire.
- Recovery: If your vehicle can’t be fixed on the spot, European breakdown cover will typically provide transportation for you and your vehicle to the nearest repair facility.
- Alternative transportation: Some policies will provide a rental car, bus, train, or plane tickets if your vehicle can’t be repaired quickly and you need to continue your journey.
- Accommodation: Some policies will pay for a hotel room if you’re stranded overnight due to a breakdown.
- Onward travel: Some policies will provide onward travel to your final destination if your vehicle can’t be repaired on time.
- Return home: If your vehicle can’t be repaired and you’re unable to continue your journey, some policies will provide transportation for you and your passengers back home.
It’s important to note that the coverage may vary depending on the policy, some may offer more or less of those features. Some policies may also have a limit on the number of days you can use it for and the distance you can travel.
What level of European breakdown cover do I need?
The level of European breakdown cover that you need will depend on your individual needs and the type of trip you’re planning. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a policy:
- The distance you will be traveling: If you’re planning a short trip to a neighboring country, a basic policy that provides roadside assistance may be sufficient. However, if you’re planning a longer trip that covers multiple countries, you may want to consider a policy that includes transportation to a repair facility and alternative transportation.
- The type of vehicle you’ll be driving: If you’re driving a new vehicle that’s still under warranty, you may not need as much coverage as you would if you’re driving an older vehicle.
- The number of people traveling with you: If you’re traveling alone, a basic policy may be sufficient. However, if you’re traveling with family or friends, you may want to consider a policy that includes accommodation and onward travel in case of a breakdown.
- The type of trip you’re planning: If you’re planning a leisure trip, you may be able to manage with a basic policy. However, if you’re on a business trip and need to be somewhere on time, you may want to consider a policy that includes transportation to a repair facility and alternative transportation.
It’s also important to check with your existing car insurance provider if they include European breakdown cover as an add-on or if they have a partnership with a breakdown cover provider. This could save you money if you already have a policy with them. It’s always a good idea to read the policy details and compare different policies before you make a decision, to make sure you have the right level of coverage for your needs.
Single trip European cover explained
Single trip European cover is a type of breakdown cover that is specifically designed for one-off trips to Europe. It provides assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown while you are traveling on the continent. This can include towing, repairs, and transportation to a repair facility. It may also provide coverage for accommodation and alternative transportation if the vehicle is not able to be repaired quickly.
Unlike an annual policy, which covers you for multiple trips throughout the year, single trip European cover is only valid for the duration of a single trip. This means that you will need to purchase a separate policy for each trip you take to Europe.
It is important to note that single trip European cover typically has a limit on the number of days it can be used for and the distance you can travel. It’s also important to check that the countries you plan to visit are covered in the policy.
Single trip European cover can be a cost-effective option if you only take one trip to Europe per year and you can purchase it separately or as an add-on to your existing car insurance policy. It’s always a good idea to compare policies and read the policy details before you make a decision, to make sure you have the right level of coverage for your needs.
Annual breakdown cover explained
Annual breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that provides assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown for an entire year. This can include roadside assistance, recovery, transportation to a repair facility, accommodation and alternative transportation.
Unlike a single trip European cover, an annual breakdown cover is valid for the entire year, regardless of how many trips you take. This means that you can take as many trips as you want within a year and the policy will cover you.
It’s important to note that annual breakdown cover typically has a limit on the distance you can travel, and some policies may not include coverage for all European countries.
Annual breakdown cover can be a good option if you take multiple trips to Europe per year, as it eliminates the need to purchase a separate policy for each trip. It can also be a cost-effective option for frequent travelers as it can be less expensive than purchasing multiple single-trip policies. As always, it’s important to read the policy details and compare different policies before you make a decision, to make sure you have the right level of coverage for your needs.