Is European Breakdown Cover Worth the Investment? Here's What You Need to Know

​The main benefit is peace of mind and protection while you are travelling abroad. When you’ve got your family bundled up into a car in a foreign country the last thing you need is to be completely stranded. With AA European Breakdown Cover, there is 24/7 support in The UK & Europe. In total, there’s protection in over 40 European countries including Switzerland and Andorra.

If language is a barrier for you while abroad, you can rest easy knowing with The AA, there’s a 24-hour English-speaking helpline. Nothing will get lost in translation.

Emergency accommodation is also included, so you don’t need to worry!

The best part? From the minute you turn on your engine you’re covered. So, from leaving your home to onboarding your ferry and then all onward travel will be covered.

What countries will I be covered in?

European Breakdown Cover gives you peace of mind in over 40 European countries and doesn’t extend beyond mainland Europe. If your car drives beyond these specified locations, you will not be covered.

Here are some examples:

• Republic of Ireland
• United Kingdom
• Channel Islands
• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Monaco
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

How do I get European Breakdown Cover?

1. Search online for EBC providers by entering “European Breakdown Cover” in any search engine.
2. Do one or two quotes to compare the price.
3. Review the small print and Insurance Product Information Documents to make sure you understand the policy and what it covers you for.
4. Always try to compare like with like so use the same car details, travel dates and additional details so that the price comparison is as accurate as possible.
5. Pick the best European breakdown cover for you!

What is usually not covered in European Breakdown Cover?

There are a few things that are usually not covered or insured against with a European Breakdown Cover policy.

For instance, parts like tyres, glass, fuel, lubricants or keys would not be covered. Any non-essential repairs or cosmetic damage/bodywork would also not be covered in most cases.

Any hire car costs that are extra such as fuel, insurance, or any excess charges are paid directly by you to the hire company and not covered by European Breakdown Cover.

However, you will have all of the full details on what is covered and what is not covered from the underwriter of your policy.

Is European Breakdown Cover really worth it?

Weighing up all of the pros and cons, we truly believe that it is worth it. The additional upfront expense can save you in the long run. Plus, who wants extra worries while abroad? Not us!