What is European breakdown cover?

European breakdown cover is a roadside assistance and recovery service that covers you for driving in Europe. If you break down when driving in Europe, it can help get your car fixed on the side of the road or towed to the nearest garage.

Often it includes an English-speaking helpline, available 24/7 so you can speak to someone in English first to help you out if you break down. If the problem continues and your car needs to be repaired back home, European breakdown may cover the expenses of getting you and your passengers back to the UK.

This type of cover isn’t included as standard with car insurance. You may need to add it to your policy or take out a separate European breakdown policy if you plan on driving in Europe.

What does European breakdown cover include?

Depending on the specific policy you choose, European car breakdown cover usually covers:

• Home start: If you break down before you set off on your trip.
• Roadside assistance: If you break down on the road, a recovery vehicle will attempt to fix your car at the side of the road. If they can’t fix it there and then, it will be taken to a garage nearby. *
• English-speaking helpline: Offering 24/7 assistance in a language you can speak.
• 24/7 assistance: So you don’t need to wait until morning to get your car fixed if you break down overnight.
• Garage labour costs: To cover all or some of the costs of fixing your car at a garage.
• Onward travel costs: So you can continue your journey if your car breaks down. Check the specifics of your policy. It may include a replacement car or an offer to reimburse you for using public transport. It may even cover accommodation costs too.
• Vehicle repatriation: Covering some or all of the costs of returning your car to the UK if it can’t be fixed. Depending on the policy, it may also cover the costs of getting you and your passengers home.
• Misfuelling: Cover if you put the wrong type of fuel in your car.
• Lost keys: Cover if you lose your keys and need to replace them.

*For Roadside Cover, vehicles must not be more than 10 years old at the start of the policy.

Types of European Breakdown Cover

There are different levels of European Breakdown cover available, such as:

Single trip European breakdown cover (not offered by Asda Money)

Single journey European breakdown cover often includes:

• A one-off journey to Europe.
• For trips for one day up to 90 days.
• Both breakdown cover and roadside assistance in Europe and the UK.

Annual European breakdown cover (offered by Asda Money)

Annual European breakdown cover usually includes:

• Unlimited journeys into Europe across one year.
• Up to 180 days per trip.
• Both breakdown cover and roadside assistance in Europe and the UK.

Getting cover for a single trip may be cheaper than an annual policy, but you might not get all the benefits you would with an annual policy. Plus, it’s limited to that single trip. Any future trips would require a new policy, which could end up costing more in the long run.

At Asda Money, we offer European breakdown cover as an annual policy with prices starting from £216 for the year.

What vehicles are covered?

You can get European breakdown cover for cars, whether you drive a hatchback, a family SUV or a sports car. Plus, you can also cover your van  or even your motorhome for driving in Europe with European breakdown cover.

T&Cs apply. Always check your policy documents.

What’s not covered?

Before you set off on your trip to Europe, it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what is and isn’t covered by your European breakdown policy.

• European breakdown cover won’t cover non-emergency repairs. It only covers emergency repairs at the side of the road or in a local garage if it can’t be repaired at the roadside.
• Certain policies may not cover repairs at a local garage or replacement parts. You need to add parts and labour to your policy to guarantee this.

You also need to check your policy to understand:

• The number of callouts you can make
• Whether you’re covered for business trips
• The maximum cost of repairs you’re covered for
• If you have vehicle repatriation cover
• If you’re covered to tow a caravan or trailer
• The cover for onward travel, whether a replacement car or travel expenses

Do I need European cover to drive in Europe?

It’s not a legal requirement to have breakdown cover whilst driving in Europe, but it’s something you may want to consider.

If you break down in Europe without the right cover, you’ll need to arrange everything yourself. This could end up being very stressful if you’re in a country you don’t know well and where you can’t speak the language.

Having the right breakdown cover when you’re travelling in Europe means any stress and hassle is taken away. You’ll be confident that your car will be fixed at the roadside or towed to a local garage for repairs.

What do I need to drive in Europe?

To drive in Europe, you should take the following things with you:

• V5C log book for your vehicle: This will prove you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle.
• VE103 vehicle or hire certificate: If you’re driving a leased or hired car in Europe.
• Valid full UK driving licence: A UK driving licence is valid in the EU. If you don’t have a photo licence, you may need an international driving permit (IDP).
• Valid UK car insurance and proof: Valid vehicle insurance is a legal requirement for driving in the EU.
• UK sticker: You must display a UK sticker on the back of your vehicle if you’re driving a UK-registered vehicle in Europe. Even if your number plate shows a British flag or has a GB or EU symbol.
• Insurance policy details: If you have European breakdown cover, bring details of your policy with you. You’ll need your policy number at hand if you break down.

Depending on which countries you’re driving in, you may also need:

• Reflective jacket for the driver and all passengers
• Warning triangle
• Headlight converter stickers
• First aid kit
• Winter tyres
• Appropriate car seats for children

Before you travel, it’s important to check the laws and driving rules for your chosen countries.

Where does European breakdown cover include?

European breakdown cover will typically cover you for driving in most countries within the European continent, not just those who are European Economic Area (EEA) members. However, it’s important to check with your provider to make sure the country you are travelling to is covered before taking out your policy.