Classic Car Breakdown Cover Explained

Classic Car Breakdown Cover best buys and breakdown companies most recommended by our readers

No matter how careful you are as an owner – or how meticulous your classic car maintenance is – you always need to ensure you have adequate protection should the worst happen and your classic lets you down.

Even the most pampered classic car can have the occasional blip in its reliability record. So while many hands-on owners carry an emergency spares kit are able to fix basic faults at the roadside, it’s important that there’s extra back-up available when you need it. And that means making sure you have breakdown cover that suits your particular needs.

Types of classic car breakdown cover

You may find that your classic car insurance policy includes some kind of breakdown assistance, and this can often be a cost-effective way of gaining peace of mind. But it’s important that you check the small print, particularly when your policy us due for renewal. Does it, for example, still provide a recovery facility or does it offer just roadside help? And assuming it does include recovery, is there unlimited mileage allowed for this, or will your car simply be dispatched to the nearest garage?

Keeping your breakdown cover separate from your insurance can work better for many people, particularly those running a combination of modern and classic vehicles. Rather than having each car covered on separate breakdown policies, they often prefer to take out personal cover that applies when they’re driving any vehicle – even one not owned by them. Add on a small extra fee (sometimes around the £20 mark) to include their spouse or partner and they’ve got a policy that covers most potential breakdown situations.

Best current deals on classic car breakdown cover

Best Car Breakdown Companies 2019

Below are the best car breakdown companies, according to our readers?

We collected almost 7,500 of your experiences from breakdowns, whether they were a provider you chose yourself or manufacturer-supplied cover, and your ratings included not only the quality of the service provided but also value for money.

Thanks to your input we have ratings on 35 breakdown providers, with the top ten independent providers all scoring over 8.1 out of 10 and even the lowest-rated breakdown service provider scoring more than 7.1 out of 10.

Whether you go for breakdown protection that covers you or simply your one car, it’s vital that the policy suits your needs. Some of the more basic policies, for example, won’t offer you roadside assistance if you’re within a quarter of a mile of home, so check you’re covered for home-based breakdowns if that’s what you need. And, of course, you should again look for any limitations when it comes to recovery, as there can be limits as to how far your car will be transported.

It’s also worth enquiring about help with onward travel, which usually offers a hotel room and car hire if your vehicle can’t be repaired, with your car transported to a garage of your choice as part of the deal. If you tend to use your classic for holidays or long excursions, onward travel cover is well worth considering; and if you’re one of the increasing number of classic car owners now venturing abroad with their vehicles, it’s important to ensure your breakdown policy includes comprehensive European cover.

Finally, don’t forget to shop around every time your breakdown cover is due for renewal, as many companies offer more favourable rates to new customers than for existing clients. It’s annoying but it’s true; and so changing your provider each year (or asking your existing provider to ‘price match’ other quotes) could save you a significant sum in the long term.

Do I need European breakdown cover for my classic car?

If you’re planning on driving your classic abroad, then chances are you’ll need to buy some European breakdown cover. While quite a few classic insurers offer cover when driving abroad, making sure you’re looked after isn’t normally included.

How much does European breakdown cover for a classic car cost?

Most insurers don’t charge any more than £50, for which you should be covered for the year. For example, Hegarty’s European breakdown cover costs £34.90 and covers you for multiple trips up to 90 days.

What does European breakdown cover include?

Every supplier is different, but there are few key things you’ll want to check. At the very least, you’ll want to make sure you have access to the service 24/7 all year round. English-speaking advisors is also a must.

What happens if my classic breaks down in Europe?

If the worst happens and your classic breaks down, you could be in a tight spot. If your can’t be fixed by the side of the road it’ll need moving. Some breakdown cover will just take you to the local garage (a loose definition which could include a tyre fitting centre with very basic facilities). You’ll need to check to make sure that you’ll be recovered to a suitable garage or specialist.

Do I get a courtesy car?

If you need parts for your car, then you may well have the option to take advantage of a courtesy car. You’ll need to check that this is big enough to take you, your passengers and any luggage. You’ll also want to check for hidden charges such as insurance cover or mileage restrictions.

What about accommodation?

If you can’t continue your journey without your classic, then you’ll need to find out if you cover includes suitable accommodation and transport to and from the repair shop.

What if my car can’t be fixed?

If your car can’t be fixed (believe us, it happens) then you’ll need to make sure your cover includes repatriation. Be sure to ask about timescales as in our experience this often takes longer than expected. You’ll also need to find out where it goes once it arrives in the UK. Is it stored somewhere? Is it returned to you? Or can you ask for it to be delivered to your chose specialist?

What countries are covered by European breakdown cover?

Every provider is different, but most should cover:

• Andorra
• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• Estonia
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Republic of Ireland
• San Marino
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Liechtenstein
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Hungary
• Slovenia
• Malta
• Republic of Cyprus
• Also included: The Vatican City, any islands that belong to these countries, that are in Europe.

European breakdown cover essentials for classic car owner

Before you go, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the necessary contact details and a working mobile phone that you can use abroad.

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