Posted on Monday, 24 June 2024

Alongside your trusty travel insurance policy, European breakdown cover will help you have a worry-free driving holiday to Europe this summer

Planning a road trip to continental Europe this summer? If so, you're in good company.

Many thousands of Brits will be heading to the sun-blessed countryside of southern France, the sandy beaches of Spain, and the verdant coastal golf courses of Portugal - among many other destinations.

Don't have a breakdown

But what if your car breaks down on a French motorway or the German autobahn?

Dealing with a drained battery, a flat tyre, or an overheated engine is stressful enough in the UK, but that goes double if it happens abroad. And while your travel insurance may well cover a wide range of eventualities, it isn’t designed for vehicle breakdowns.

Communication breakdowns

Arranging a breakdown call-out or a towing company can be difficult if you don't speak the local lingo - and it can be very expensive, too.

Unexpected hotel bills

And if your car can't be fixed straight away, you'll need to find and pay for a local hotel - adding to the costs and stress.

European Breakdown Cover: What to Look For?

A good European breakdown cover policy should include the following:

24-hour emergency breakdown helpline

A breakdown can happen night or day - so ensure your policy comes with a 24 hour helpline - ideally with staff based in the UK.

Emergency accommodation

You and your loved ones need to have somewhere to sleep if your vehicle can't be fixed by the roadside and emergency accommodation is needed.

A network of local recovery operators

This means they should be able to send help to you quickly.

Pre-departure cover - if you breakdown before you leave the UK        

If your vehicle breaks down prior to leaving the UK on your holiday or business trip, this benefit would either cover the cost of hiring a replacement vehicle so you can continue with your trip, or the cost of rebooking the original Eurotunnel/ferry ticket after your vehicle has been repaired.

Multi-country coverage

Look out for a policy that covers numerous countries, so you feel free to cross borders and explore.

Also look out for:

• Key Assist
• Accident Recovery
• Reparation
• Theft or vandalism
   

Even UK breakdown cover can help you have a great holiday

Planning to leave your car at the airport carpark? If so, there's nothing worse after a relaxing break to find your car has a flat tyre or battery, or some other mechanical problem.

A good level of cover will include sending an operator to get you back on the road, or, if the problem can’t be fixed straight away, towed to a nearby garage.

Start Rescue, a Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Services for 5 years running, offer annual breakdown cover policies for the UK, UK and Europe and Short Term European Breakdown Cover, enabling you to find a policy to suit your needs and offer you peace of mind that a breakdown won't ruin your break.

Find out more at www.startrescue.co.uk  

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