Most people who drive a car have breakdown insurance, whether that is with their normal insurance company or they have bought the cover from somewhere else – for instance, some car dealerships may offer you breakdown cover when you buy your car. Most people recognize that having your car breakdown when you are out driving can be a huge inconvenience but because you’re covered then you know you will get roadside assistance.

People tend to assume that because the UK is part of the European Union, if they have breakdown cover in the UK then they are also covered when they drive to Europe. However, unless your breakdown cover actually states that you are covered for driving through Europe, then you are not covered.

While breaking down in the UK might be a problem that is nothing compared to the trouble you could be in if you breakdown when you are abroad. The expersts suggest that when it comes to UK cars that are three years old or more, the chance of a breakdown is at least once a year. In Europe, where the temperatures are much higher and you could be waiting in traffic for long periods the chance of a breakdown is significantly increased – if you break down in Europe it could cost you hundreds of pounds to get your car brought back to the UK. If you don’t want this to happen then you really need to check whether or not you have European breakdown cover. An increasing number of countries are now offering European cover at competitive prices so it is well worth looking around to find the best deal that you can get. Whatever the cost of the breakdown cover, you can rest assured that it won’t be anything like as expensive as breaking down in Europe.