European Breakdown Cover

[OllieBirmingham]

First time to Le Mans, imagine that the above is quite useful. Any good deals about or recommended companies to use?

Ollie

[burriana]

For peace of mind I usually go for AA or RAC, which ever has the best discount.

Remember though, try to avoid needing collecting off the auto-route if you do break down. The UK Cos are not allowed to recover you as they are privately owned roads. If you can make it off the auto-route you are fine

[lowdrag]

You are right and wrong at the same time Burriana. On the autoroute the RAC can't intervene, but the French breakdown service phone the RAC/AA who pick up the tab when you show the breakdown service your RAC or AA cover. I've had that problem when I had two punctures in 300 miles. However, while it is a bit different, be careful if you are towing a caravan or big trailer. The RAC rang me back a week later to say I wasn't covered because it was the trailer that had two tyres punctured and because the "trailer" (caravan or trailer) was over a certain length. I forget the length but from memory it was about 25 ft. so not really important for most people. But, if your rig is over that length then all bills are down to you. I argued and they gave in because I was well within the limit, towing the D type, not a bloody motorhome. Best check though before you leave if you are towing a big rig.

[Burrow01]

OllieBirmingham said:

First time to Le Mans, imagine that the above is quite useful. Any good deals about or recommended companies to use?

Ollie

Just renewed my ADAC cover - 79€ for full European cover, and they send whichever company they have an agreement in the country you break down in

Pete

[fatboy18]

Ive had the misfortune of breaking down 2yrs in a row! 2003 1st time 30 miles north of Le Mans, 5th Gear schredded in gearbox at 90mph! I was on the toll road when it went bang At that time the AA were doing 72hrs of free european cover, however I missed out on that as i did not read the small print which said you have to regester before you travel....Result, Expencive!

2nd time...2004 The following year, Car Fire! Had to call the AA (PAID FOR EUROPEAN COVER) This is where the fun began The car in queston was a Dax Tojerio, it was regestered as a DAX in 2001, the numberplate on the car was from a Doner vehicle which was an 'R' reg(1977). It even stated in the Logbook the car was regestered in 2001! When I informed the wonderfull AA of my situation, the first thing they said was that I would have to pay an extra £100 pounds straight away as the car was over 7yrs old, otherwise they would not be prepaired to get me home The breakdown company who recovered my car was great, However the rangling i had with the AA and the Hire car companys was dreadfull. Seems the AA dont reconise personalised plates!

If your going to lemans with a bunch of mates (and I mean mates) take one of those Tow Bars with you and some tools and forget the AA One more thing, They dont sell tow ropes in France!

[chrisbr68]

Went with ADAC before, read good things about them and its one time you will get a decent rate. I think I was looking at something like 50 quid for the year with them for European full cover as opposed to something like £120 for the AA PLUS European!

No contest really....

[Chauch]

I just went with http://www.vehicle-rescue.com/european-breakdown-c... and for the 5 day trip, it worked out at just over £21 if I remember correctly. The cover looks pretty good including repatriation.