Summer Break Breakdown cover
Getting abroad with your car is easy and has a range of advantages, especially when it comes to deciding when and where you want to go. Whether for business or for a holiday, taking your car to the continent can bring a range of advantages, dispensing with the need to hire a car or use public transport. Vehicle breakdowns in foreign countries can be a very and expensive experience though. That’s why it is important to consider the benefits of having good breakdown cover for your travels.
Guest Article by Gillian Davies
Having no breakdown cover abroad could leave you with a bill higher than the cost of your holiday. With other costs such as importing spare parts for repairs, difficulties with foreign languages, as well as getting a replacement vehicle, a holiday abroad with your car could become a huge financial burden. Yet there is a range of types of breakdown cover available that cost a fraction of what you would otherwise have to pay in the event of a problem with your vehicle.
Avoiding the hassle and stress of a breakdown
If you’ve decided that breakdown cover abroad is necessary, then the next step is to find a type that suits your holiday plans and your wallet. There is a range of breakdown cover policies available to suit everyone’s needs. First of all, you’ll need to choose where you’re taking you vehicle and for how long. All British car insurance companies automatically provide third-party cover in all EU countries, even if you have cheap car insurance. However, having full comprehensive cover in the UK doesn’t mean you’ll automatically have the same cover abroad, so it’s worth checking whether you need separate cover.
Driving abroad involves much of the same risks as driving in the UK, although with potentially worse effects, so try to consider what type of support you will most likely need. For example, things to consider when choosing your cover should include emergency roadside assistance, a replacement car if your car cannot be repaired and the return of your car to the UK. This type of foreign breakdown cover will give you the peace of mind to enjoy your holiday. Also make sure your insurer has an English-speaking call centre you can call if you need help when you’re abroad.
Choosing a good deal on breakdown cover
As always, make sure you read the small print before signing a contract. There may be restrictions on how long the cover will apply when you are driving abroad. Before deciding on which policy is best for you, it is worth calculating the likely duration of your holiday or holidays for that year. Some policies will offer a multiple trip option. If you are planning on taking your vehicle to the mainland Europe more than once in a year, it could be more cost effective to go for this option. There could also be limits on how much the insurer will pay for repairs to your vehicle, although costs such as the fees for importing the spare parts should be included.
The peace of mind and benefits that come with breakdown cover can far outweigh the cost. Just one breakdown in a foreign country without cover could cost significantly more than the price of a year’s cover. So check whether your car insurance covers breakdown abroad.
