European breakdown cover

[Tractorboy]

Hi There,

Has anybody got any advice on where to go for breakdown cover for a jaunt overseas?
I am taking the Z3 for a run down to France (Nantes) in just over a week time, and am looking to cover the car in case of a breakdown.
I am going to be in France for 5 days (but I don't plan to be driving for 3 of those days as I will be at a Rock festival).

I checked with the AA and they want £60+ to cover me for the 5 days which seems somewhat excessive.

Can anybody offer some cheaper suggestions, or maybe I should pray that the Zed has been fine so far so is unlikely to break down in the 3 days that I'm driving in France.

Cheers!

 

[Snoops]

Hi

I can't vouch for them I'm in the AA and just extend our cover whenever we go. But Green Flag are showing These prices which seem reasonable but you need to check the cover.

 

[Macca]

Don't forget that France have changed their rules for driving in their country. I think there's a thread on here somewhere. Please don't go without breakdown cover, as it will cost a lot more than £60 to get your car back to this country if it breaks down.

 

[GazHyde]

Don't forget that France have changed their rules for driving in their country. I think there's a thread on here somewhere

New Driving Laws in France 2012

 

[Tractorboy]

Hi

I can't vouch for them I'm in the AA and just extend our cover whenever we go. But Green Flag are showing These prices which seem reasonable but you need to check the cover.

What do you mean by 'extend our cover? I am a paid up AA member (roadside + relay) and a visit to their website seemed to want me to pay £60 odd for European cover. If there is a cheaper way, then I would definitely be interested in finding out how. Unfortunately the prices quoted by Green Flag are for cars under 10 years old. The Z3 is 12 years old, so will likely be more expensive (Their website says to phone for a quote). Looks like I might have to bite the bullet and pay the AA for the cover.

Thanks to Macca and Gaz for the reminder about the new rules in France. The only one that would have an impact on me at the moment would be the breathalyser requirement. Fortunately this rule doesn't come into effect until July so not a necessity just yet. I don't intend to be speeding in France, I have a fear of foreign coppers!

 

[mid life crisis]

Hi
i`ve just done mine with the AA,
be careful with the cheaper ones some of them don`t cover cars over 10 years old,that counts my Zed out
Cheers Gary

 

[Snoops]

All I usually do is ring them up and get a quote. I've just done the equivalent on line and it was >£200. I think sometimes it's worth ringing up, I've never paid anything like that but as someone else has said it will cost you a small fortune if you do happen to break down. If you do ring them let us know how you get on...

 

[Mouldy]

Can anybody offer some cheaper suggestions, or maybe I should pray that the Zed has been fine so far so is unlikely to break down in the 3 days that I'm driving in France.

I recently tried Gem for a quote;

http://www.motoringassist.com/breakdown ... own-cover/

They use Mondial Assisance in Europe, who are the suppliers of breakdown cover to Mercedes and BMW, so should be okay. It may be worth giving them a call.

Green Flag should also be cheaper than either the AA or RAC.

I personally wouldn't take a car overseas without some form of breakdown cover, as repatriation of your car in the event of a breakdown or accident would cost far more that the money saved.