What is single trip European Breakdown Cover?

One off European Breakdown Cover means your vehicle is covered for a one-off trip to Europe. A single trip must start and end in the UK, and you must purchase the cover before you leave the UK. It gives you peace of mind that if you break down while you’re away, you can be fixed at the roadside or at a local garage. You can buy cover for one day to 180 days, and everything in between.

Is single trip cover only for cars?

Our single trip European breakdown cover isn’t just for cars. We also cover motorcycles (12cc and over), motorhomes and minibuses (with up to 17 seats, including the driver) – plus light vans, and vehicles towing caravans or trailers. We cover any vehicle of any age, as long as it is: registered as a private vehicle in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man a maximum of 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) when fully loaded. This weight is called the gross vehicle mass (GVM) a maximum of 7 m long, 3 m high and 2.5 mm wide – including any load you’re carrying.

How long is a single trip policy valid for?

A single-trip European breakdown policy is valid for one return trip lasting up to a maximum of 180 days. When you buy your cover, you need to let us know how long you'll be away for. The price you pay will be based on this.

Is my European breakdown cover still valid now we've left the EU?

If you have RAC European Breakdown Cover and need our help, we'll rescue you as normal. You'll have the same level of protection as before Brexit, unless we've told you otherwise. Just so you know, you may experience delays if local restrictions are in place. There may also be delays in sourcing hire cars, hotel accommodation and getting your car home if it can't be fixed.

How has Brexit affected driving in the EU?

Your UK driving licence is still valid to drive in EU countries. But you'll also need to take these documents with you. Your vehicle's log book (V5C). This proves that you own the vehicle. A Green Card. This is an international insurance certificate that proves you're insured abroad. An additional Green Card. You'll need this if you're towing a trailer or caravan. It's your responsibility to make sure you understand what you need when driving to Europe after Brexit. Find out more about driving in the EU after Brexit.

My vehicle has broken down in Europe, what do I do?

If you have RAC European Breakdown cover, please call to let us know you've broken down. You'll speak to our English-speaking team, and they'll talk you through next steps. The number you need to call depends on which country you're in when you break down: UK or Northern Ireland, call 0333 2000 999 (pay call) Republic of Ireland, call 1 800 535005 (free from a landline) France or Monaco, call 0800 924 044 (free from a landline) The rest of Europe, call 0033 4724 35244 (pay call)

What should I do if I've changed my vehicle?

If you've changed your vehicle, please call 0330 159 1111 to let us know. Otherwise, your RAC European Breakdown Cover won't apply to the correct vehicle.

Can I buy other types of European breakdown cover?

You can choose between single-trip and annual European breakdown cover. Single-trip cover: For one-off trips to Europe, lasting up to 180 days each Annual cover: For unlimited to trips to Europe during a year, lasting up to 90 days per trip.You can buy both types of cover for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, and caravans.

What will it cost to get vehicle parts in Europe?

The cost of parts in Europe varies from country to country and garage to garage. If you don't have European breakdown cover, you'll also have to pay garage labour costs. With RAC Breakdown Cover, you'll be covered for up to £150 or £1,000 of labour costs depending on which cover level you choose.

What if I don't speak the language at the garage?

With the RAC, you'll have access to an English-speaking helpline. So you don't need to worry if you don't speak the local language.

If I need to make more than one trip a year - what cover should I get?

Single trip European breakdown cover is ideal if you only plan to drive to Europe once or twice a year. It’s likely to work out cheaper than an annual policy. But if you drive to Europe more regularly, it’s worth considering annual European breakdown cover, as it may cost you less per trip.

Where can I see my policy documents?

When you buy your cover, we'll send your policy documents to you in the post.

What is the claim process?

Please download and email your claim form (including receipts) to europeanclaims@rac.co.uk. Make sure your vehicle registration number is in the subject field. You can find the claim form and more information here.

Should I choose single-trip or annual cover?

It depends how often you drive in Europe through the year. If you’re only going to be travelling once or twice, single-trip cover is probably the best bet for you. But if you drive in Europe more regularly, annual cover could save money.

Can you get breakdown cover for just a month?

You can get single-trip European breakdown cover for as little as a day, or as much as 180 days.

Can you get one off breakdown cover?

Yes, our single-trip European breakdown cover is designed for one-off trips.

Single trip European Breakdown Cover

Q: How much is single-trip European breakdown cover?

The price you pay for single-trip cover depends on: how long you’re going to Europe for the level of cover you choose (Standard or Extra) which zone(s) you’re travelling to (Zone 1, 2 or 3) the age and type of vehicle you’re driving For example, our Standard cover starts from £7 a day, for up to 9 people traveling in a one year-old vehicle in Zone 1.

Single trip European breakdown cover for just £4.17 a day^†

Instant cover available

24/7 English-speaking helpline
Rescue in 46 mins on average, in France
Five star Defaqto rated cover

Choose cover

^†Price for 14 days Standard cover, travelling in Zone 1. For a vehicle up to 1 year old.
*Rescue 46 mins on average, in France.

RAC European Breakdown Cover

Breaking down is the last thing you want when driving abroad. But with RAC European Breakdown Cover, help is at hand when you need it most. Our 24/7 English-speaking helpline makes it easy to get help quickly. And we’re the only European breakdown cover provider to include unlimited roadside assistance, and a contribution towards garage labour costs as standard, provided repairs are completed on the same working day.

Get complete peace of mind whilst driving in Europe with the best cover on the market^{^}.

European roadside assistance in 48 countries
24/7 English-speaking helpline
Help in 46 minutes on average, in France
Five star Defaqto rated cover

How much is single trip European breakdown cover?

The price of your single trip European breakdown cover can depend on a number of different things. This includes:

How long you're going to Europe for
The level of cover you choose
Which zone(s) you're travelling to
The age and type of your vehicle

For example, get 14 days’ Standard European breakdown cover for £4.17 a day, for a vehicle up to 1 year old travelling in Zone 1.

Get a quote

Compare different levels of single-trip European breakdown cover

RAC Standard £4.17 a day

Cover level – Comprehensive
Roadside Assistance in Europe

Our trusted local experts will fix your vehicle at the roadside if you break down. And if they can’t, they’ll tow you to the nearest garage.
Up to £1,500 towards Onward Travel

Get up to £500 accommodation expenses or up to £1,500 to continue your journey.
£150 towards garage labour costs

We’ll pay up to £150 towards garage labour costs, provided repairs are completed on the same working day.
2 days Roadside Assistance before you go

Get 2 days unlimited UK roadside assistance before you depart, for all breakdowns over a ¼ of a mile from home.
24/7 English-speaking helpline

You’ll always have access to our helpline – so you know you won’t be left stranded. And help is only a phone call away.
Getting your vehicle home

We’ll pay up to the market value of your vehicle to get it back to the UK, providing it’s not beyond economical repair.
Up to £1,500 to get you home

If your vehicle can’t be fixed before you’re due to return, we’ll help get you and any passenger's home.
FREE European Legal Care

We will cover you for legal costs, up to a maximum of £100,000 per claim.
Replacement train/ferry ticket

We cover a replacement train/ferry ticket for 1 missed connection, if the delay is caused by a breakdown.

RAC Extra £6.67 a day

Cover level – Comprehensive Plus
Roadside Assistance in Europe

Our trusted local experts will fix your vehicle at the roadside if you break down. And if they can’t, they’ll tow you to the nearest garage.
Replacement train/ferry tickets

We cover replacement train/ferry tickets for up to 3 missed connections, if the delay is caused by a breakdown.
Up to £4,200 towards Onward Travel

Get up to £1,200 accommodation expenses and/or up to £3,000 to continue your journey.
£1,000 towards garage labour costs

We'll pay up to £1,000 towards garage labour costs, provided repairs are completed within 7 working hours.
7 days Roadside Assistance before you go

Get 7 days unlimited UK roadside assistance before you depart, for all breakdowns over a ¼ of a mile from home.
24/7 English-speaking helpline

You’ll always have access to our helpline – so you know you won’t be left stranded. And help is only a phone call away.
Getting your vehicle home

We’ll cover all costs to get your vehicle back to the UK, providing it’s not beyond economical repair.
Up to £3,000 to get you home

If your vehicle can’t be fixed before you’re due to return, we’ll help get you and any passenger's home.
FREE European Legal Care

We will cover you for legal costs, up to a maximum of £100,000 per claim.

Which countries are covered with single trip European breakdown cover?

RAC European Breakdown Cover is available in 48 countries – that’s more than most other providers. These countries are split into Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, so you can easily select the right cover for you and your trip.

Click on a country to read a guide to local driving laws, travel advice, parking regulations, fuel availability and more.

We also have resources that go into more detail about our single trip European breakdown cover offerings in France, Spain, Germany and Ireland.

Zone 1 (includes France & Germany)

Andorra

Germany

The Netherlands

Belgium

Luxembourg

Republic of Ireland

France

Monaco

We also cover the offshore islands of all the countries within this zone.

Show countries on a map

UK Breakdown Cover

I've broken down

Manage your policy online 24/7

Need a service or repair?

Car Insurance from the RAC

Flat Battery?

RAC Vehicle History Check

RAC Drive

Single trip European Breakdown Cover

Single trip European breakdown cover for just £4.17 a day^†

RAC European Breakdown Cover

How much is single trip European breakdown cover?

Compare different levels of single-trip European breakdown cover

Which countries are covered with single trip European breakdown cover?

Is single trip cover only for cars?

Reasons to choose RAC Single Trip Cover

European breakdown cover single trip FAQs:

Q. How long is a single trip policy valid for?

Q. My vehicle has broken down in Europe, what do I do?

Q. What should I do if I’ve changed my vehicle?

Q. What will it cost to get vehicle parts in Europe?

Q. What if I don’t speak the language at the garage?

Q. Can I buy other types of European breakdown cover?

Q. If I need to make more than one trip a year - what cover should I get?

Q. Should I choose single trip or annual cover?

Q. Can you get breakdown cover for just a month?

Q. Can you get one off breakdown cover?

RAC European Breakdown Policy FAQs:

Q. Is my European breakdown cover still valid now we’ve left the EU?

Q. How has Brexit affected driving in the EU?

Q. Where can I see my policy documents?

Q. How do I get help if my vehicle breaks down in Europe?

Q. How do I claim back costs I had to pay out after my vehicle breakdown?

Trusted by over 10 million members

I've broken down

Single trip European Breakdown Cover

Single trip European breakdown cover for just £4.17 a day†

RAC European Breakdown Cover

How much is single trip European breakdown cover?

Compare different levels of single-trip European breakdown cover

Which countries are covered with single trip European breakdown cover?

Is single trip cover only for cars?

Reasons to choose RAC Single Trip Cover

European breakdown cover single trip FAQs:

Q. How long is a single trip policy valid for?

Q. My vehicle has broken down in Europe, what do I do?

Q. What should I do if I’ve changed my vehicle?

Q. What will it cost to get vehicle parts in Europe?

Q. What if I don’t speak the language at the garage?

Q. Can I buy other types of European breakdown cover?

Q. If I need to make more than one trip a year - what cover should I get?

Q. Should I choose single trip or annual cover?

Q. Can you get breakdown cover for just a month?

Q. Can you get one off breakdown cover?

RAC European Breakdown Policy FAQs:

Q. Is my European breakdown cover still valid now we’ve left the EU?

Q. How has Brexit affected driving in the EU?

Q. Where can I see my policy documents?

Q. How do I get help if my vehicle breaks down in Europe?

Q. How do I claim back costs I had to pay out after my vehicle breakdown?

Trusted by over 10 million members

Single trip European breakdown cover for just £4.17 a day^†