Annual European breakdown cover

What is annual European breakdown cover?

Annual European breakdown cover means you’ll be covered for all the trips you make to Europe during a year – up to 90 days per trip. It’s ideal for people who drive to Europe regularly, as it can work out cheaper than buying cover every time you go. 

Our European breakdown covers you in up to 48 countries. And if you break down while you’re away, you’ll have access to a 24/7 English-speaking helpline and roadside assistance. Choose Extra to get the best cover in the market^{^}.

What’s included with annual European breakdown cover? 

Exactly what’s included with annual European breakdown cover depends on the level of cover you choose. No matter what, you’ll have access to our 24/7 English-speaking helpline and emergency help at the roadside – so you know you won’t be left stranded. Here’s what else you can get:

• Roadside assistance in Europe. If you break down, a recovery vehicle will come to your rescue and fix you at the roadside or get you to a nearby garage.

• Garage labour costs. If you’re taken to a garage for repair, you’ll be covered for up to £1,000 of labour costs if repairs are completed within 7 working hours. Parts aren’t included.

• Alternative travel or accommodation. If your vehicle’s in the garage, we cover up to £1,500 for your hire car or £500 towards hotel with Standard cover. With Extra, we’ll cover up to £4,200 for your hire car and hotel.

• Getting you and your vehicle home (or ‘repatriation’). If your vehicle can’t be fixed before you’re due to go back to the UK, we can help get you and your vehicle back home (as long as it’s not beyond economical repair). 

• Roadside assistance in the UK. If you break down in the UK and can’t be fixed before you’re due to leave, you can get a hire car to continue your trip to Europe.

Which countries are covered with annual European breakdown cover?

RAC European Breakdown Annual Cover is available in 48 countries across the continent. These countries are split into Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.
 

Which vehicles are covered with annual European breakdown cover?

Annual European breakdown cover is available for any vehicle of any age, as long as it’s registered in the UK. This includes:

Cars

Annual European breakdown cover for cars is available for all makes and models.

Older cars

We offer annual European breakdown cover for older cars as well – perfect for road trips in vintage vehicles.

Motorhomes

Rest assured caravan lovers, our policy includes annual European breakdown cover for motorhomes.

Motorcycles

With annual European motorcycle breakdown cover you can enjoy iconic rides through Europe, throughout the year.

Just keep in mind that classic cars, minivans, light vans, motorhomes and minibuses must be less than 3.5 tonnes, 7.0 metres long including a tow bar, 2.55 metres wide and 3 metres high.

Motorbikes must be over 121cc. We don’t cover mobility scooters.

Do I need annual or single trip European breakdown cover? 

Whether you need annual or single trip cover depends on how often you drive to Europe, and how long you’re going away for. 

Annual European breakdown cover is best if you drive to Europe multiple times in a year, as it usually works out cheaper per trip. You’ll be covered for unlimited trips during the year, for up to 90 days per trip. 

Single trip European breakdown cover is usually best for one-off trips to Europe. 

Things to consider with annual European breakdown cover 

What’s covered and what’s not depends on the level of cover you choose. So, make sure you check the terms and conditions before you buy. Here are a few things you should keep in mind with annual European breakdown cover.

• Each trip is limited to a maximum of 90 days. With annual European cover, you’re covered for unlimited journeys during your policy – but each trip is limited to a maximum of 90 days.

• There may be a claim limit. With Extra, you can make as many claims as you need per year. With Standard you can make up to 3 claims per year, with a maximum of 1 claim per trip. 

• The cost of parts isn’t covered. If we can’t repair your vehicle at the roadside, we’ll contribute towards garage labour costs and cover the cost of diagnosing the fault. But the cost of parts isn’t included.

Why choose the RAC?

We’ve been helping motorists for over 125 years, so we know how stressful it can be when you break down. It can be even worse when you’re driving in Europe. Our long term European annual trip cover and vehicle breakdown cover is there to give you complete peace of mind on your travels.

• You can get the best cover in the market. When you choose Extra.
• We cover any vehicle, of any age. This includes classic cars, motorbikes, minibuses and minivans. 
• We cover 48 countries. That’s more than most other providers. 
• 5 Star Defaqto rating. For Standard and Extra cover.

Read more about driving regulations in each European country

Learn how to keep your car healthy when it’s not being driven