European breakdown cover

[stripped fred]

We're going to France in a few weeks in the sharan, 5 of us, eurodisney and a few places either side. Just contemplating whether to fork out £70 for a weeks cover. We're not very flush at the moment although can afford it if needed. I'm just trying to be a bit miserly but with no spare wheel and uncertain cambelt history in a 206k 13 year old vag product am I being tight/stupid? It just seems a lot for a week and playing the law of probability we'll probably* be ok...

[Guest Lord Sward]

If you think good breakdown cover in Europe is expensive, try breaking down.

[sutty2006]

We used RAC for the rally. Be careful who you choose and always read the fine print. A lot of policies only cover you up to the value of the car. So if it's worth £500, it might not cover you to get it back to the UK.

 

When our radiator split in Paris we were covered for everything. Recovery to garage, taxis to and from the hotel/garage etc, one night in hotel, labour to replace radiator....best £120 ever spent. £120 wouldn't have even covered the taxis.

[SiC]

Well this motor has been a reliab... Oh wait. Yeah I'd get cover.

[Guest Lord Sward]

You might have the most reliable piece of shite in the world.  But if flying debris comes your way, or you get a puncture, you're still goosed. 

[SiC]

Not that I'd advise or really suggest it, but what happens if you dump a car by the side of the road abroad. Or more likely, is it possible to send a car off to be scrapped abroad?

[richardmorris]

I've always used the breakdown insurance through the insurance co. It's rac now ( used to be Europ assistance) and they're ok. Its about £50 extra a year.

C5 needed them twice - uk call centre arranged for local garage to come out the first time and take the car away. The second time I got it to a dealer myself but the rac paid for two extra days of hotels and a ferry crossing.

 

The 2cv and fiat are insured with footman James with eu cover (and personal holiday insurance ) as standard.

[DodgeRover]

Get a spare, even a space saver. Strap it onto the roof if need be.

Bulb kit and hivis for everybody in the vehicle too.

[Eddie Honda]

Much like lunch, breakdown cover is for wimps.

[catsinthewelder]

I've found that buying a weeks European recovery cover tends to cost 60-80% of buying a years worth of RAC cover with Europe included so just do that with work vehicles.  The added bonus is that I can swap the covered vehicles around fairly often so 2-3 policies covers the whole fleet if I'm organised.  My own tat has cover included with the insurance so I don't need to worry about recovery costing more than it's worth (until they offer me the Astra's value instead of picking me up from 5 miles away).

[richardmorris]

I've always loaded up cars with odd spares and tools. My philosophy is that if you have the part you won't need to use it. BUT! Expect the unexpected. £50 isn't too much for peace of mind.

Having said that, I did two weeks in the south of France in the 2cv back in 1997 ( I think ) with no cover, but in the company of seven other 2cvers. A brilliant holiday all told- and saw the credit Agricole bike team with Chris boardman training near St. Paul de Vence.

but I did have to brave Friday rush hour in Cannes in my car trying to reach a 2cv parts supplier to buy a fuel pump before they shut for the weekend.

[richardmorris]

Get a spare, even a space saver. Strap it onto the roof if need be.

Bulb kit and hivis for everybody in the vehicle too.

Not everyone in the vehicle needs a bulb kit

[stripped fred]

Not everyone in the vehicle needs a bulb kit

Better to be safe than sorry!

[stripped fred]

I think I'll get it. Probably won't need it but at least some piece of mind and less likely to spoil the whole holiday. I can just imagine how that would go down!

[Largactil]

ADAC Plus at €84 for a year - They'll sell cover to non-German residents, but you'll need to call them up and say "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" and get bounced around till you get someone who can, then pay by card.

 

You're the member; not the vehicle. (No vehicle age limits of which I'm aware, either).

 

Covers you throughout the EU - they send their partner company if you're outwith Germany when you FTP (Which, amusingly, is the AA in the UK).

 

Only thing to be careful of, is that you must give notice (30 days?) if you do not wish to renew - Otherwise they'll start sending threatening legal letters in German.

 

(To renew, wait till they send you the renewal notice, and then call as above till you get an English speaker to take your card details).

[hpi_matrix]

Have you tried vehicle rescue direct? Its the only company that would give me cover on my Seat Leon for around £30.

 

The main worry is breaking down on a motorway, you have to use their recovery and it can cost 150-200 euros.

[stripped fred]

ADAC Plus at €84 for a year - They'll sell cover to non-German residents, but you'll need to call them up and say "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" and get bounced around till you get someone who can, then pay by card.

 

You're the member; not the vehicle. (No vehicle age limits of which I'm aware, either).

 

Covers you throughout the EU - they send their partner company if you're outwith Germany when you FTP (Which, amusingly, is the AA in the UK).

 

Only thing to be careful of, is that you must give notice (30 days?) if you do not wish to renew - Otherwise they'll start sending threatening legal letters in German.

 

(To renew, wait till they send you the renewal notice, and then call as above till you get an English speaker to take your card details).

It sounds like a good service but I'm not brave enough for that.

[stripped fred]

Have you tried vehicle rescue direct? Its the only company that would give me cover on my Seat Leon for around £30.

 

The main worry is breaking down on a motorway, you have to use their recovery and it can cost 150-200 euros.

Thanks, will give them a try tomorrow.