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European breakdown cover
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What is European breakdown cover?
European breakdown covers you if your vehicle runs into trouble while you’re driving in and around Europe - you will have a provider that will help you with roadside assistance. You will be able to get your car repaired on the road, or if that’s not possible, it can be repaired at a local garage.
If your vehicle is unable to be repaired on the side of the road or locally, some policies cover you for its return to the UK.
Usually, European breakdown cover needs to be purchased separately to a standard UK breakdown policy. If your vehicle broke down in Europe and you didn’t have European breakdown cover, all repairs and transportations costs would have to be paid for by you.
What does European breakdown cover include?
Each policy differs, so you will need to read the terms and conditions to fully understand what your policy covers, but generally, most European breakdown cover includes the following:
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Roadside help
European breakdown cover will cover someone being called out to assist you to repair your car on the side of the road, or if that’s not possible, they will take your car and you to a local garage.
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Home start
If your vehicle doesn’t start or breaks down before you head on your European trip, European breakdown insurance will usually come out to try and fix it and get you on the road.
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Around-the-clock assistance
There is assistance available on 24/7 helplines.
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Garage work costs
The repairs undertaken in a local garage will often be included, within reason.
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Onward travel costs
You may be covered for the cost of getting to your destination, including paying out for a hire car or a ticket on public transport.
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Vehicle being returned to UK
Some policies will also cover the cost of your vehicle being returned to the UK if it is unable to be fixed while you’re in Europe.
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Fuelling error
If you filled up your vehicle using the wrong type of fuel, your policy may cover you for the repairs needed on the vehicle as a result.
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Misplacing keys
European breakdown cover may cover the cost of a new set of keys if you lose yours.
Why do I need European breakdown cover?
If you plan to travel in Europe, whether it be for a getaway or business trip, it’s worthwhile buying breakdown insurance that will cover you in these countries. If you have a standard breakdown cover, it usually covers you for breaking down in the UK.
💡 Top tip: If you have problems with your vehicle abroad and break down, you will have to pay the repair costs yourself if you do not have European breakdown cover already in place.
Having European breakdown cover can reduce the stress and worry caused by needing a vehicle to be fixed in a country where you may not speak the language.
What types of European breakdown cover are available?
You can opt for a breakdown policy that suits you, depending on length of time needed, how many trips to Europe you make per year and what’s included in the cover.
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Single trip European breakdown cover
If you’re just going on one trip to Europe, a one-off holiday for example, you can buy a single-trip policy. It will provide cover throughout the trip - up to a maximum number of days - and your European cover will end at the end of your trip when you return home.
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12-month multi-trip European breakdown cover
If you travel to Europe regularly or have lots of trips planned in one year, an annual policy will cover you for 12 months. It’s likely to cost less than purchasing separate policies each time you take out cover for a single trip. Generally, you will be covered while in the UK and Europe. However, the number of days your policy will be active for may have a limit when you’re in Europe.
Which countries does the European breakdown cover apply to?
Read your policy notes thoroughly before travelling to ensure you are aware of the countries included in your cover. Be mindful of the fact you may be driving through countries and check that they are in the list of countries your policy covers.
Most European breakdown covers include the following countries:
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Albania
Andorra
Austria
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
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Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Norway
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Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Ukraine
United Kingdom
Vatican City
What is the cost of European breakdown cover?
The cost varies depending on the policy you opt for. Read the documents carefully to determine the policy provides enough cover for you if your vehicle breaks down on your trip.
Extras
The cost of your cover will increase if you decide you would like add-ons. The more add-ons you opt for, the higher the policy price will be.
Trip duration
The length of time you are away in Europe for will be a factor in the price of your policy. Most annual policies will cover you for up to 30 days in Europe, but there are some providers who will cover for up to 90 days. Therefore, it’s important for you to be aware how long your breakdown policy will cover you for before you travel.
Insurance company
Insurers will offer varying price tags for different type of cover. The more add ons you choose, the more likely the price will increase.
Type of cover
When you opt for higher level of cover, you will generally pay a higher price. But there are exceptions, so it’s worthwhile researching and comparing cover types before committing.
Make and model of vehicle
Usually, a limit is set for the age of a vehicle and having breakdown cover. Often cover will cost more for an older car that has a higher chance of breaking down.
Countries
Your breakdown cover will depend on the countries you visit as services are priced differently in different countries. It’s also worth noting that some providers ask that you notify them of the country you are driving in and when you are leaving for your trip around 48 hours before departure.
Again, check the policy terms and conditions to make sure you know what you are covered for before getting behind the wheel.
What is needed to be able to drive in Europe?
In Europe, there are legal requirements for certain items to be kept in your vehicle, which include:
An in-date, full driving licence: You must have a full UK driving licence to drive in Europe and won’t be permitted with a provisional licence.
Your vehicle’s V5C logbook: If you are stopped while driving, you could be asked to show your V5C logbook. It should include your most recent UK address.
In-date car insurance: Third-party cover in Europe is provided via all UK policies.
A UK sticker: You are permitted to have a sticker if your vehicle's licence plate has GB or EU. But if your number plate has a UK identifier and Union flag, this isn’t essential.
Safety equipment: There are different requirements in varying countries. For example, in France you are required to carry safety vests and a breathalyser in your vehicle.
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When driving a vehicle in Europe, is breakdown cover the only thing to think about?
No. It is wise to research whether your car insurance covers you for driving on roads in Europe – not all providers offer this. International Driving Permits will also need to be taken into consideration when driving abroad.
Does your vehicle need to be service before travelling in Europe?
Before heading abroad, it’s worthwhile getting your vehicle serviced to ensure its in good condition before you drive. A service may be requested from your policy provider before an agreement is made, so check with your insurer before accepting.
Is European breakdown cover available for a single trip?
Yes, breakdown cover in Europe is possible for one trip. There are a number of providers that offer varying days dependent on the length of your trip, and some offer breakdown cover for just one day in Europe if that’s what would suit you.
Has Brexit affected the validity of European breakdown cover?
No. Despite the UK no longer being part of the EU, your breakdown cover should still be valid in Europe.
If a breakdown in Europe occurs, what do I need to do?
To ensure the safety of the driver and passengers, the following should be adhered to.
Park in a safe place away from traffic. If you’re on a motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder.
If it’s an emergency, remove everyone from the vehicle and move them to a safe distance.
If you have breakdown cover for travel in Europe, call your insurance provider and let them know your location.
If you don’t have cover, use your phone to call for help, or ask a local to call for you. In an emergency, call 112 in any of the EU member states.
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Is breakdown insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
No, at this time breakdown insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
From 01.06.23 to 31.05.24 MoneySuperMarket customers received £1.59bn estimated savings based on (i) SuperSaveClub reward redemptions, and (ii) savings claims per product multiplied by the number of sales. Products included - Car, Home, Pet and Travel insurance, Broadband, Credit Cards, Loans and Mortgages.
Accurate as of September 2025