5 myths about European breakdown cover

A white estate car turns a corner, overlooking the sea.
Don’t get caught out by a European breakdown myth.

If you’re going abroad in your car this year, you may already feel prepared — you’ve checked your passport, planned your route, and made sure the car is ready for the journey.

But there’s one area that often causes confusion: breakdown cover.

Many drivers assume that what applies in the UK will be the same when you’re abroad. Others believe their insurance already covers them, or that breakdown cover is only worth considering for long driving holidays.

The reality is often a little different.

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When do you need towing vs on-the-spot repair?

A car with a flat tyre is seen at the roadside.
A flat tyre is often something a roadside technician can replace on site.

If your car breaks down unexpectedly, the support you receive will usually fall into one of two categories: roadside repair or recovery.

In many cases, a breakdown technician can get you moving again without the need to tow your car. Sometimes, though, a fault needs specialist equipment or repairs that can only be carried out at a garage, meaning your car will need to be relocated.

In this guide, we explain when a problem can likely be fixed at the roadside, when recovery may be needed, and how the decision is made.

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What to do if you break down in Europe

A driver waits behind the safety barrier at the side of a road. The driver is wearing a hi-vis vest. An orange SOS phone point is seen at the foreground of the image.
Knowing what to do in an unfamiliar situation can help keep you safe and get you back on the road.

Nothing can put the brakes on a holiday quite like a breakdown. One minute you’re singing along to the radio, heading for your destination; the next, you’re stuck at the side of the road longing for a cold drink and a quick fix.

Whether you’re renting a car or travelling in your own vehicle, the steps below outline how you can reduce the risk of a breakdown in Europe and make good decisions if it does happen.

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Expert advice on how to avoid a car key catastrophe

Taking better care of your car keys can save time, money and plans being cancelled this summer.
Taking better care of your car keys can save you time, money and stress.

Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.

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Chris Webb 37 Comments

Enjoy a summer break, not a summer breakdown

A Green Flag technician is supporting a customer in need.
What can you do to help avoid a breakdown over the summer.

As motorists across the country start packing their suitcases, we’re bracing ourselves for an increase in breakdowns. Hot weather means around 150,000 expected callouts as our mechanics get people moving again over the summer months.

So, before you set up your road trip playlist and reach for your sunglasses, we’re urging you to prepare properly beforehand. Particularly as many of us are opting for a staycation this year. That’s a lot of “are we there, yet?”

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Chris Webb 38 Comments

Breakdown cover vs vehicle insurance: what’s the difference?

picture showing the back of a line of parked cars
Do you know your breakdown cover from fully comp?

At first glance, it’s easy to get mixed up between breakdown cover and vehicle insurance, because they can seem like they do a similar job. After all, they both give you peace of mind when you’re on the road, they both involve your car, and they both help when something goes wrong.

But they’re actually very different.

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How to make an insurance claim after a breakdown

A black car with a small dent and scratches is parked.
Sometimes a breakdown can lead to damage that needs an insurance claim.

After a breakdown, you may find you need to make an insurance claim. This could be because your breakdown led to damage, you need to recover certain costs, or there’s been an accident or incident connected to the breakdown.

So, once the car and everyone in it is safe, here’s a few simple steps to making an insurance claim.

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What to do if you break down far from home

A woman and child are stood outside their car, calling their breakdown provider for help.
You might not know the roads, but knowing what actions to take if you break down will help ease the worry.

Breaking down is never ideal, but it can be especially difficult if you’re far from home in an area you don’t know. In these situations, knowing what to do next can help make things that bit easier. A few calm, practical steps can help keep you safe and get help on the way.

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Roadside assistance explained: what’s included and what isn’t

A car is at the side of the road after the couple driving it broke down.
Roadside assistance will provide cover when you break down away from home.

Breaking down is one of those things you never really expect to happen. You set off thinking about where you’re going, what time you’ll get there, and whether you remembered everything – then, you’re at the side of the road, hazards flashing, wondering what to do next. That’s exactly where roadside assistance can help.

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What to do if you lose your car keys

Many people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.

But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.

A car key fob is on the ground.
A lost car key isn’t a fun time for anyone.
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James Orry 1 Comment

What happens if you put the wrong fuel in your car?

Take a few seconds longer to make sure you pick up the correct fuel pump.

Misfuelling your car is an easy mistake to make. All it takes is a distraction at the pump, or you’re driving an unfamiliar rental car or a work vehicle, and the damage can be done before you know it.

What might seem like a relatively small mistake can lead to stalling, engine damage and even complete engine failure. While these are serious issues, there are some immediate steps you can take if you misfuel.

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James Orry 8 Comments

Five human errors that cause breakdowns

When a car breaks down, it’s easy to assume something suddenly and unpredictably went wrong. A snapped belt, a complicated electronic glitch or some other unavoidable mechanical failure.

But in reality, a large number of breakdown callouts are caused by small human errors, many of which are entirely avoidable.

Understanding these common issues can help you stay in control of your journey, reduce the risk of a breakdown, and know when it’s time to get help.

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Mike Shaw Leave a comment

How long does roadside assistance take to arrive?

A lady in a coat and scarf is on the phone to her breakdown provider, while a man is seen behind her looking at the broken-down car.
Knowing how long help will take to arrive will ease anxiety about the breakdown.

There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down, and no one wants to be stuck, not knowing how long help will take to arrive.

Understanding what happens after you’ve asked for help can make sure you stay calm and informed while assistance is on the way. Even though every situation is different, there are several common factors which affect the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of roadside assistance.

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What is the best breakdown cover for daily commuters?

Image of cars on motorway to illustrate what kind of breakdown cover is best for commuting

In 2024, the average commuting time in Great Britain was around 28 minutes. While that may not sound long, it adds up to several hours on the road each week.

For many people, their daily commute is the journey their car makes most often. Having breakdown cover in place for regular journeys could help minimise disruption and get you back on the road as soon as possible.

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Mike Shaw Leave a comment

How to check your car’s tyre pressure: a step-by-step guide

person in green shirt checking tyre pressure

Checking your car’s tyre pressure is an essential task to help to keep your car running safely. Why is the right tyre pressure so important? What’s the pressure gauge, and how do you pump up your tyres?

We’ve got it all covered in our step-by-step guide and expert video to keep the pressure in your tyres and not on you!

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Chris Webb Leave a comment

Top causes of engine failure and how to avoid them

Modern car engines are built to last, but they still rely on many complex systems working together properly. When something goes wrong with the oil, cooling, or timing, the engine can stop running or get damaged.

But don’t worry, many of the top causes of engine failure can be prevented with regular maintenance and simple checks that you can do at home.

Below are some of the main reasons why a car engine might fail, and what you can do to reduce the risk of it happening to you.

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Mike Shaw Leave a comment

What to do if your car overheats while driving

The temperature gauge on a car dashboard is showing the engine is too hot.
Don’t ignore the signs that your car is overheating.

Your car’s engine naturally generates a lot of heat while it runs, which is why it relies on a cooling system to keep temperatures under control. Most of the time this system works quietly in the background without you even needing to think about it.

However, on longer drives, during hot weather or in slow-moving traffic, you may notice your engine temperature starting to climb. If this happens, knowing how to respond can help you deal with the situation safely, and reduce the risk of potential damage.

With this guide you’ll learn how to recognise the signs of an overheating engine, what steps to take if it happens while you’re driving, and when it may be best to seek help.

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Mike Shaw 3 Comments