AA vs RAC European Breakdown Cover comparison
Planning a European road trip or driving abroad while on holiday? Whatever the reason for your visit, having breakdown cover in Europe should be something you should consider. If you’ve got UK breakdown cover, this won’t cover you outside of the country – you’ll need to have separate European breakdown cover.
AA vs RAC European Breakdown Cover*
Cover details | AA European Breakdown Cover | RAC European Breakdown Cover |
If your vehicle breaks down and needs to be repatriated, we’ll cover all costs to get your vehicle home1 | No | Yes |
If your vehicle is being repaired we’ll pay £1,000 towards labour costs2 | No | Yes |
Whilst your vehicle is repaired we’ll cover the cost of accommodation3 | Up to £500 | Up to £1,200 |
We’ll also cover the cost of alternative transport while your vehicle is repaired4 | Up to £1,500 | Up to £3,000 |
Broken down before you depart? We’ll provide roadside assistance before departure5 | 3 days | 7 days |
*Comparisons based on the top cover levels from the AA European Breakdown Cover and RAC Comprehensive Plus on 14/06/24. AA cover excludes the optional Parts and Labour benefit.
AA Check out the AA terms & conditions for more details (https://www.theaa.com/~/media/the-aa/pdf/ebc/ebc-european-breakdown-cover-terms-and-conditions-november-2022.pdf?rev=7994962e609545179d1be859ed70716e&hash=205A18062E6383E8F46AFB7DDE5C57BC)
Read the RAC terms & conditions or check out our European breakdown cover page.
For points 1-4, this information can be found also be found on our European breakdown cover page as well as in our terms and conditions.
1) Getting your car home (providing the vehicle is not beyond economical repair)
RAC Source: RAC terms and conditions page 12
AA source: AA terms and conditions page 19
2) Garage labour costs included (providing the repairs are completed within 7 hours)
RAC Source: If repairs can be completed within 7 working hours. RAC terms and conditions page 10
AA source: AA terms and conditions page 17
3) Accommodation expenses
RAC Source: RAC terms and conditions page 11
AA source: AA terms and conditions page 18
4) Expenses limit for alternative transport in Europe
RAC Source: RAC terms and conditions page 11
AA source: AA terms and conditions page 18
5) Breakdown cover in the UK (up to a ¼ mile from your home address)
RAC Source: RAC terms and conditions page 9
AA source: AA terms and conditions page 16
Types of European breakdown cover
European breakdown cover is usually available in two different cover levels. These are single trip and annual cover.
- Single trip European breakdown cover – single trip cover is for a specific trip, ideal if you're driving on holiday and need cover for a week. You can even get it for just 24 hours, perfect for a quick trip to France. It’s a flexible option for your trip away.
- Annual European breakdown cover – annual cover, as the title suggests, covers you for the full year. So, if you drive frequently in Europe, making multiple trips, this might be a more cost effective option for you. It all comes down to personal preference and requirements.
Both the RAC and the AA offer single trip and annual cover for breakdown cover in Europe.
European countries where breakdown cover applies
Traveling across Europe means dealing with different road rules and speed limits in each country. Your cover might not include every European country unless specified in your plan, so stay aware.
With the RAC and AA, you’ll find countries divided into set zones when it comes to European breakdown cover. RAC covers 48 countries, while the AA covers 44 countries.
When you buy RAC or AA breakdown cover for Europe, you can specify which zone you want cover for.
RAC European Breakdown Cover
RAC European breakdown covers you in up to 48 countries.
AA European Cover
AA European breakdown covers you in up to 44 countries.
European breakdown cover – what’s included?
European breakdown cover prices and levels vary based on factors like your vehicle type and trip duration. Check your policy to see what's included so you're ready for any surprises on the road.
The RAC's European Breakdown Cover comes in two different cover levels – Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus. You can choose the package and cost that suits your needs.
AA vs the RAC European Breakdown Cover FAQs
Yes. If we can’t repair your vehicle before you’re due to return to the UK, with Comprehensive cover we’ll pay up to its market value to get the vehicle back and up to £1500 to get you and your passengers back. And with Comprehensive Plus, there are no limits to the costs of getting it back, as long as it isn’t beyond economical repair and we’ll pay up to £3000 to get you and your passengers back.
It does – with Comprehensive we’ll pay up to £150 garage labour costs (provided repairs are completed on the same day) and with Comprehensive Plus it’s up to £1,000 (provided repairs are completed within 7 working hours).
With RAC European Breakdown Cover, we’ll cover the cost of labour if your car needs to be repaired in a garage (up to £1,000 with Comprehensive Plus, providing repairs are completed within 7 working hours). The AA make you add this as an extra. And on our top level of cover, you’ll get up to £3,000 to continue your journey and £1,200 accommodation expenses, versus £1,500 for travel and £500 for accommodation with the AA.
It depends what you need. Our Comprehensive cover costs less and means you’re well protected abroad. But if you want even greater peace of mind, Comprehensive Plus gives you extra cover, such larger allowances for onward travel and accommodation.
Page reviewed by: Andy Baker