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Long blondhaired woman have car breakdown in a rural landscape.

EUROPEAN BREAKDOWN COVER

Get breakdown cover for repairs on your next European adventure.

Saga’s European breakdown cover protects you across 55 countries and territories

There’s nothing like a road trip across Europe, but if your car grinds to a halt and you’re without European breakdown cover, you could be left with an expensive repair bill. So if you’re looking for some extra peace of mind, let’s take a look at how breakdown cover works for a European adventure.

What is European breakdown cover?

European breakdown cover is a car insurance add-on that means you’ll be financially protected if your vehicle breaks down while you’re driving in continental Europe. With Saga, European breakdown cover is available through our Premier breakdown cover.

What’s included in European breakdown cover?

If your journey judders to a standstill, here’s what you can expect from a Saga European car breakdown cover policy.

  • Roadside assistance and breakdown recovery across 55 European countries and territories.
  • Transportation to your departure point if you break down on the way.
  • Access to a hire car for up to 14 days if your vehicle breaks down within 24 hours of your planned departure.

Which countries are included in European breakdown cover?

No one wants to experience a vehicle breakdown, especially if you’re far from home. But the good news is that Saga’s European breakdown cover is available throughout the continent. Here are the countries and territories your policy will cover :

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Armenia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Balearics
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Canary Isles
  • Corsica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macedonia
  • Malta
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Montenegro
  • The Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Russian mainland (west of Urals)
  • San Marino
  • Sardinia
  • Serbia
  • Sicily
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Turkey in Europe plus Üsküdar
  • The Republic of Ireland
  • Ukraine
  • Vatican City

 

*Please note, if you are travelling in a country affected by conflict there may be an impact on how a breakdown is handled due to difficulties in obtaining materials and supplies.

What isn’t included in European breakdown cover?

As with any breakdown cover policy, there are instances where you won’t be financially covered when your car breaks down in Europe.

For example, if your vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside (or your location of choice) and you incur extra repair costs, you won’t be able to claim the full amount on your European breakdown cover.

You also won’t be covered for the cost of fuel or spare parts, or if your car breaks down because of towing, or it’s carried more weight (or people) than it’s designed to handle.

Do I need European breakdown cover?

If you regularly drive in Europe for work, or even for the occasional holiday, signing up for European breakdown cover may give you some peace of mind. Of course, you will need to consider whether you’re happy to pay the additional costs in exchange for the getting extra cover while overseas.

It may be possible to get short term European breakdown cover if you’re planning a single trip abroad, but Saga’s breakdown cover is available all year round. Support is available for 24 hours a day, so whether you get a puncture, a flat battery, or you run out of fuel or electric charge, your European breakdown cover could ride to the rescue.

How do I buy European breakdown cover?

You can add breakdown cover when you get a car insurance quote online . To ensure your policy covers Europe, you would need to add Saga Premier breakdown. If you are already a Saga customer you can add Saga Premier to your policy at any time, contact us to get you covered for driving in Europe.

What to do if you break down in Europe

If you’re driving in Europe and your vehicle breaks down, this can of course be an unnerving experience. But there are steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and any other passengers before you make a claim.

If you break down on a motorway, you should pull into the hard shoulder as far to the left as you can. You should then turn on your hazard lights and if visibility is poor, you can leave your sidelights on. Once you and any passengers have safely exited the vehicle, wait behind the crash barrier for roadside assistance. You should avoid displaying your warning triangle as this could be a hazard on the motorway.

If you break down elsewhere, you should attempt to park in a safe place and follow the same process. You can display your warning triangle 45 metres behind your vehicle.

How to report your break down in Europe

IIf you have European breakdown cover with Saga, you can call our 24-hour claims line on 0800 068 1966. Or if you prefer, you can report your breakdown online.

Claim online

Who are Saga's car insurance policies underwritten by?

Saga’s car insurance policies, exclusively for people over 50, are unique products designed by us specifically for our customers. They are underwritten by a number of carefully selected insurers that provide high standards of quality and service.

For breakdown cover, Saga Essential, Home Call and National Recovery Breakdown Assistance is provided by RAC Motoring Services. Saga Comprehensive, Premier, Motorhome Assistance and Motorhome Assistance Plus Breakdown Assistance is provided by RAC Motoring Services and RAC Insurance Limited.