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Taking the ferry to the continent for summer holidays? You’ll want European Breakdown Cover! Taking the ferry to the continent for summer holidays? You’ll want European Breakdown Cover!

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Taking the ferry to the continent for summer holidays? You’ll want European Breakdown Cover!

Published 6th March 2024Read Time 3 min

When planning a trip to Europe with your car, ensuring you have adequate Breakdown Cover is an essential step that should not be overlooked. Having cover in place could save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run!

Level of Cover

Firstly, it’s important to check whether your existing breakdown cover extends to European travel. Some policies offer European cover as standard, while others may require an upgrade or the purchase of a separate policy. It’s crucial to understand the extent of the coverage provided, as the level of service can vary significantly. 

Basic European breakdown policies might only cover roadside assistance and vehicle recovery to a local garage, whereas more comprehensive options could include accommodation costs if your vehicle cannot be fixed quickly, or even repatriation of your vehicle to your home country. This is where AA European Breakdown Cover could come in handy!

How long is your trip?

When choosing Breakdown Cover for Europe, consider the duration of your trip and the countries you plan to visit. Coverage can be purchased for a single trip or on an annual basis for those who travel frequently. Ensure the policy covers all the countries on your itinerary, as some policies may have geographical restrictions.

Local coverage

Another key factor is the response time of the breakdown service in different European countries, which can vary based on the provider’s local partnerships and network. It’s worth researching providers’ reputations and reading customer reviews to gauge their reliability and efficiency in handling breakdowns across Europe. The AA has a long history spanning well over a century supporting the Irish motorist. 

Local rules!

Before you head off on your travels, get familiar with the specific requirements and documents needed for driving in Europe.  This may include an International Driving Permit, a Green Card for insurance proof, and adhering to local driving regulations. Ensuring your documentation is in order before setting off can prevent unnecessary hassle in the event of a breakdown.

Finally, consider any language barriers that may arise when seeking assistance in a foreign country. Some breakdown cover providers offer multilingual support, which can be invaluable in stressful situations where clear communication is crucial.

Our European Breakdown Cover gives access to a 24-hour English speaking emergency helpline.

Next steps?

Having European Breakdown Cover for your ferry trip to France or Spain this summer could end up saving you a lot of hassle and money in the long run. 

If you want to get European Breakdown Cover then we have you covered here!

If you want to learn more about what European Breakdown covers, then we have a fantastic FAQ blog post