European breakdown cover helps you arrange assistance if your vehicle breaks down while driving abroad. Depending on the policy and circumstances, it can include 24-hour emergency help, roadside assistance, towing, vehicle recovery to Ireland, and support with alternative travel or accommodation.
If you're driving from Ireland into Europe, check your route, travel dates and vehicle against the policy terms before you leave. This guide explains the features to compare and how European cover relates to any assistance you already have.
Essential features of European breakdown cover
A European breakdown policy needs to do more than move your car off the road. Look at these features and their limits:
- 24-hour emergency assistance: Confirm the number to call and whether help is available in every country on your route.
- Roadside assistance and emergency repair: Check what repairs or garage labour may be covered, and which parts and specialist costs you must pay yourself.
- Local towing and vehicle recovery: Find out where the car can be taken and the conditions for recovering it to Ireland if local repairs are not practical.
- Alternative travel and accommodation: Review when these benefits apply, their limits, and whether the provider must arrange them.
- Legal protection: Some policies include help with eligible legal expenses after a road traffic accident abroad.
Under the AA European Breakdown Cover policy booklet EBCPB(01/26), the overall claim limit is €2,500 per party, per trip, excluding unaccompanied vehicle recovery and legal protection. The policy includes up to €150 for garage labour, €1,400 per party per trip for eligible alternative travel, €700 per party per trip for eligible accommodation, and €100,000 per party for overseas legal expenses following a road traffic accident. Unaccompanied vehicle recovery to Ireland is limited to the vehicle's current market value. These benefits have conditions, exclusions and their own eligibility rules, so read your policy booklet and Statement of Fact before travelling.
AA European Breakdown Cover is underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A., part of the AXA Group. It is authorised and regulated by the National Bank of Belgium and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. The roadside rescue elements carried out within the Republic of Ireland are not classified as insurance.
Geographic scope matters just as much as the benefits. The countries included depend on whether you buy European Trip or UK Trip cover. Check the countries named in your own policy documents for every stage of your journey. You can also review AA Ireland's European emergency contact guidance before setting off.
Comparing cover options for Irish drivers
Some car insurance policies provide breakdown assistance abroad, but the extent of that help varies. Check your motor policy's geographic limits, call-out process, towing, onward travel and recovery terms before relying on it.
AA European Breakdown Cover is a separate product from AA car insurance and AA Membership. You can hold more than one, but each has its own terms and benefits.
Compare the cost with the specific assistance you need for your route and trip length. Check the dates shown on your Statement of Fact and arrange cover for the full duration of your journey. If your plans change, contact AA Ireland about whether an extension is available rather than assuming cover continues automatically.
FAQs
What does European breakdown cover include?
Depending on the policy, it may arrange roadside assistance, local towing, vehicle recovery to Ireland, and eligible alternative travel or accommodation. Some policies also include legal protection. Read your own policy for the conditions and limits.
Do I need separate European breakdown cover if I have comprehensive car insurance?
Check your motor insurance wording first. Its overseas breakdown assistance, if included, may have different limits and benefits from a separate European breakdown policy.
Can European breakdown cover get my car back to Ireland?
AA European Breakdown Cover may arrange unaccompanied recovery to Ireland when the policy conditions are met. Recovery is limited to the vehicle's current market value and is not available in every breakdown scenario.
Can I hold European Breakdown Cover alongside car insurance and AA Membership?
Yes. They are separate products with their own terms. Holding one does not automatically extend the benefits of another.
Which countries are covered?
The country list depends on the cover purchased. Check your Statement of Fact and policy booklet, especially if you travel through several countries.
