European Breakdown Cover

Things you need to do before you go to Europe

• Do contact your motor insurer or contact the manager of your fleet before taking the vehicle out of the UK. It is important that you are adequately covered to your, and their satisfaction, and you have the necessary documents to prove it.

• Do carry your driving licence, original vehicle registration document and passport, as you may be asked to produce any one of these items by the authorities. A provisional licence is unacceptable and the minimum driving age in most countries is 18.

• If the vehicle is borrowed you will need a letter of authority from the registered keeper to carry with the original registration document as some countries require certified authorisation. If the vehicle is hired or leased then you may need to obtain a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103A).

• Do display the appropriate approved national identification plate on your vehicle and any caravan or trailer being towed.

• Do carry a spare set of car keys.

What to do if you need assistance

Before you call anyone

• If possible try to stop in a safe place out of the way of traffic.

• Switch on hazard warning lights and sidelights

• Place warning triangle behind vehicle in a clearly visible position but remember never use a warning triangle on UK motorways.

• Get all occupants to place of safety away from moving traffic.

What to do on a French motorway

Motorways in France are privately managed so if you break down on a French motorway or motorway service area, the AA cannot send out assistance to you.

• Go to the nearest emergency box or phone and dial 17 and the official motorway breakdown service will come out to you.

• Once you have been towed off the motorway/service area, call the AA’s 24-hour helpline below.

What to do elsewhere in France or the rest of Europe

• Call the AA’s 24-hour helpline below for assistance.

• Outside France, only use a motorway emergency box if you do not have access to a mobile phone or if you do not know your motorway location.

24 hour helpline

00 800 42 43 24 44

Alternatively, from within France, dial:

04 72 17 12 03

Or from any other location:

00 33 472 17 12 03

Important Note on mobile telephones
Mobile phones are convenient but expensive. Even if you ask someone to call you back on your mobile you may still have to pay for the call. You will also be charged for any calls made on a mobile to freephone number. These costs are not covered under your policy under any circumstances.