European breakdown cover 'a holiday essential'

Motorists have been advised to take out European car breakdown cover to protect their vehicles and their wallets while they are on holiday.

According to Saga Breakdown Assistance, the average cost of breakdown repairs on the continent is over £550, while the cost of recovering a vehicle and returning it to the UK can top £2,000.

Despite the potential costs involved, the insurer said many drivers are leaving themselves at risk of a holiday headache by failing to properly prepare for a European road trip.

The company found that 20% of drivers over 50 do not check their engine oil before setting off and one in seven fail to measure tyre pressure, despite carrying extra luggage. Among the under-50s, 25% do not check their oil or tyre pressure before driving on the continent.

Furthermore, only 55% remember to pack an emergency breakdown kit, including details of their car breakdown cover, before they travel abroad.

"When you add up the cost of calling out assistance and repairing your car, it really does make sense to take out breakdown cover," said Saga Group executive chairman Andrew Goodsell.

Saga has also recommended that holidaymakers take out travel insurance to cover themselves for medical expenses, lost luggage or cancellations before they go away.


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Breakdown cover customers offered F1 experience

Consumers looking for car breakdown cover can be in with a chance of winning a "behind the scenes" Formula 1 experience if they get a quote through insurer Green Flag.

Its latest draw is offering tickets to the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix in Monza, near Milan.

To enter, racing fans need to request a quote for car breakdown cover from the Green Flag F1 website by 26 August.

The prize includes two Super Grandstand tickets to the race, three nights of hotel accommodation and £200 of spending money per person.

Winners will also get to visit the AT&T Williams team garage.

Previous draw winners Mr and Mrs Bedford of Lincoln won a trip to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where they met motorsport legend Sir Jackie Stewart.

Mr Bedford said: "I have always been a fan of Sir Jackie Stewart and it was a real thrill to speak to him."

The Italian Grand Prix takes place over the weekend of 11 to 13 September.

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