European breakdown cover FAQs

If you have a question about European breakdown cover we should have the answers below. However, if you can't find the answer to your question or if you want to buy RAC European Breakdown Cover please call us on 0330 159 1111 and we will be able to help.

If you want advice about driving abroad you will be able to find a lot of useful hints on our advice pages so please make sure you have a look through before you travel.

Buying European breakdown cover

You’ll need European breakdown cover if you take your car anywhere in Europe that isn’t the UK.

You may find it’s already covered in your policy so make sure you check it before heading off.

If you’re not covered in the rest of Europe you can buy standalone European breakdown cover or you may be able to add it to your UK breakdown policy – just check your cover level details within myRAC.

Q. How much is European breakdown cover?

RAC European Breakdown Cover prices vary depending on the level of cover you choose and your travel circumstances such as:

  • How long you’re travelling for
  • Vehicle age
  • How many people are in the car
  • Whether you’re towing
  • Countries you travel through

For example, if you’re travelling a few times a year it might be cheaper to get annual cover and add it to your existing UK Breakdown Cover.

If you don’t have UK Breakdown Cover head to our Europe page to get a European breakdown quote. You can find more details on our Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover levels here.

If you do have UK Breakdown Cover and want to add European Rescue please call 0330 159 1111.

If you’re travelling with more than 9 people you’ll need to call us for a quote on 0330 159 1111

Q. How soon can I get my policy documents after purchase?

If you’ve bought online you’ll receive your documents via email soon after your purchase.

If you’ve requested paper documents these should arrive within 5 working days. You’ll also receive them through myRAC.

Please remember you need to be in the UK when you buy. See our European Breakdown Cover T&Cs here.

Q. Can I buy European breakdown cover if I've already left home?

Yes, but you’ll need to be in the UK when you buy online. You’ll receive your documents by email, soon after for easy access to them.

If you’re already abroad, you can’t buy European breakdown cover.

Get your European Breakdown quote now!

Q. Is it cheaper to get RAC European Breakdown cover for Republic of Ireland?

Yes, travel to the Republic of Ireland is included in Zone 1 which is our cheapest zone.

Q. Do you offer worldwide breakdown cover?

The RAC provide breakdown cover for the UK and 48 other countries in Europe only.

See our list of countries here.

RAC European Breakdown Cover

Most of the time we can help but French motorways are privately managed so you’ll be rescued initially by them.

  1. Call 112 or use an emergency phone along the motorway.
Keep your receipts and request authorisation from RAC so you can claim costs back within your RAC European Policy limits.
  1. Once you’ve been towed to a safe location, give us a call on 0333 999 1111 so we can help you.

We recommend, if possible, to leave the motorway at the next exit or pull into a service area if you start to hear or feel a problem with your vehicle.

If this isn’t possible pull onto the hard shoulder close to the verge, with your wheels turned into the verge and close to an emergency phone if possible.

If your vehicle breaks down on a motorway, follow these steps to keep safe:

  1. Pull over to the hard shoulder
  2. Put your hazard lights on
  3. Everyone leave through the door furthest from traffic
  4. Stand behind the vehicle and barrier if there is one, keeping far away from the carriageway.
Q. Do RAC patrols operate in Europe?

Our RAC vans don’t operate in Europe. Instead you’ll be helped by the external service providers and partners we work with.

Q. Can the RAC help translate in a breakdown situation?

With up to 18 languages spoken in our European contact centre we’re well equipped to help translate in European breakdown situations.

Depending on your level of cover we’ll also help with:

  • Organising towing
  • Alternative transport
  • Accommodation

24 hours a day, every day of the year.

We also have technical experts on hand during normal workings hours to help you where we can.

Q. What countries are covered?

48 countries are covered by RAC’s European Breakdown Cover. Check out what countries are included in each zone here.

Q. How many days European breakdown cover can I buy?

This depends on your cover level…

Single trip

  • You can choose cover for just one day, a two-week holiday, or any trip lasting up to 90 days.

Annual

  • You’re covered for multiple trips, each up to 90 days.
Q. Are there any vehicle and caravan (trailer) restrictions with European Breakdown cover?

To qualify for RAC European Breakdown Cover your vehicle must:

  1. Be UK registered
  2. Vehicle not registered or used for business
  3. Have a maximum legal laden weight/Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes).
  4. Have maximum dimensions of: length 7m; height 3m; width 2.5m (including load carried and tow bars).

If your vehicle, motorhome, caravan or trailer is outside these dimensions take a look at our Arrival Breakdown Membership which covers any size vehicle.

Cover only valid when the journey starts from and returns to the UK.

For a full list of vehicle restrictions for RAC European Breakdown Cover, please see our T&Cs.

Q. Does an RAC European Breakdown Cover policy cover luggage, bicycles and items on or in a trailer or caravan?

Luggage, personal items, goods and bicycles are not covered by your policy, including when travelling in a recovery or replacement vehicle.

These are your responsibility and must be covered on other types of insurance such as personal travel insurance.

Q. What happens if my vehicle breaks down and there are a lot of people in it?

RAC European Breakdown Cover allows 9 people, including the driver to travel as standard, if the vehicle allows it.

You’ll need to ask for additional cover if you have more than 9 people travelling.

If your vehicle breaks down, we may need to organise more than one recovery vehicle, taxi or hire car if it’s within your policy limits.

Q. Can I claim more than once?

It’ll depend on your cover level...

RAC Comprehensive Plus single trip and Annual Cover
  • Unlimited claims

RAC Comprehensive single trip

  • 1 claim in the UK + 1 claim in Europe per trip
  • Maximum 3 claims per policy period
Q. Are blue badges still valid in Europe?

Some countries still recognise the UK Blue Badge:

  • Liechtenstein
  • Norway
  • Switzerland

Most other countries have informally agreed to recognise it, but you’ll need to check local parking laws before travelling.

Some countries provide notices in the local language you can display next to your blue badge. You can find these here.

RAC contact options

It’s often quicker to get the help you need online. To see other frequently asked questions to help you manage your breakdown membership, you can visit some of our member query pages:

Contact us

To speak to us about your existing or a new membership, please call 0330 159 1111

Mon-Fri 8am to 7pm, Sat 9am to 5pm, bank holidays 9am to 5pm.

Email us your query by clicking here