Page 1 of 1

Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2023 3:15 pm
by JeromeNorris
I am planning to attend the Le Mans Classic this year and would like to go in my 1993 XJS 4.0. The car is in good condition and I use it regularly without any breakdown anxieties. However, I have never taken it abroad but I know many of you have taken your classics into Europe.
I wonder if anyone has found a breakdown organisation offering any sort of assistance to owners of older cars?

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2023 3:23 pm
by davidr
Hi - I have used AA before. I am a member but I'm not sure I got a better deal because of it. It wasn't cheap and I thankfully didn't have to use it but its peace of mind should I have been stuck. Recovery from France would be expensive.
Like all insurance, either a shrewd investment if you need it or a waste of money if you don't!

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2023 6:05 pm
by JeromeNorris
Thank you David. What you say about the AA is interesting and has got me thinking. I have RAC cover in the UK and Europe included in a travel pack from my bank. I presumed they would only cover modern cars in Europe but when I checked the policy it was not clear. I have messaged the RAC for clarification - I will post what I learn when they get back to me.
Like you David, I have confidence in the car but I am plagued with a belt and braces mentality.
Best wishes
Jerome

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2023 9:17 pm
by davidr
Jerome. I have an insurance package that comes with my bank and it includes European travel, but when I looked into it the car had to be 10years old or less.

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:55 am
by JeromeNorris
Hi David, after six days (four working days) the RAC replied to say they did not know and I should contact my bank. I contacted the bank and eventually they told me the car could not be older than 12 years. Why don't they make it clear in the policies? getting information is like pulling teeth!. So, back to the drawing board. Thank you for your input.

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 11:28 am
by JeromeNorris
And finally! I rang my classic car insurer to ask if they knew of any breakdown service for classics in Europe. Lo and behold, they can add it to my existing insurance policy for £75 per year extra to cover breakdowns in the UK and Europe. The cover is with the RAC through arrangement with my insurers, Footman James. No doubt other insurers will offer similar.

Re: Classic car breakdown cover in Europe

Posted: Wed Mar 29, 2023 5:18 pm
by andypryce
Useful to know, thanks for the update