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. 

We cover any vehicle of any age in up to 49 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 Comprehensive Plus to get the best cover in the market¹.

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. Parts aren’t included.

• Alternative travel or accommodation. If your vehicle’s in the garage, you can get a hire car or a hotel while it’s being fixed.

• 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 (only available with Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus).

Do I need annual or single trip 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 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 cover is usually best for one-off trips to Europe. It’s also best if you’re going to Europe for more than 90 days and need longer-term European breakdown cover. This is because single-trip cover lasts up 180 days. 

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 Comprehensive Plus, you can make as many claims as you need per year. With Comprehensive you can make up 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.

What our Members say

Which countries are covered with annual cover?

RAC European Breakdown Cover is available in 49 countries across the continent. These countries are split into Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.
 

Why choose the RAC?

We’ve been rescuing drivers in Europe for over 120 years, so we know how stressful it can be when you break down. Our European 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 Comprehensive Plus.
• We cover any vehicle, of any age. This includes classic cars, motorbikes, minibuses and minivans. 
• We cover 49 countries. That’s more than most other providers. 
• 5-star Defaqto rating. For Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus.

Am I limited to travelling to one country with an annual policy?

To help you choose the right cover for you, we divide countries into Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. You can choose which zones you’d like to be covered in when buying your policy.

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.

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;

• 3 metres high

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

Does the annual policy cover business trips?

If you’re travelling to Europe for business purposes, you’ll need to buy European business breakdown cover.