With the number of drivers opting to drive to Europe potentially set to rise following the recent airport shutdown caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption, RAC is warning fleet owners to check they are fully covered for breakdown assistance while driving abroad.
With the number of drivers opting to drive to Europe potentially set to rise following the recent airport shutdown caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption, RAC is warning fleet owners to check they are fully covered for breakdown assistance while driving abroad.
Steve Whitmarsh, senior partnership manager, RAC corporate partnerships, said: “As flights gradually begin to return to normal, there is still a huge back-log of people needing to get to Europe, many of whom may opt to drive instead of wrestling with the crowds at the airport.
“Breaking down in a foreign country can be very stressful at the best of times, and extremely expensive, so checking the level of cover before leaving the country is a must.”
The average cost of breakdown repairs in Europe is more than £550, but the difference in the additional costs of breaking down vary from one country to the next. In Italy, for example, replacing a tyre typically costs £137, but it could be double this in France. Similarly, on average, motorway recovery to the nearest garage in Italy costs at least £95, while in France it costs £125 during the week and £155 at the weekend.1
Steve continued: “Fleets may not have opted to take European breakdown cover so drivers should check with their fleet manager or breakdown assistance provider. Personal cover is available, but if fleet customers upgrade the whole of the fleet to include European breakdown assistance, annual cover can cost from as little as £15 depending on the type of service and type of vehicle.
“Getting home is usually the primary concern, so confirm the repatriation cover too along with any limits on the number of days per trip that can be covered."
Call RAC on 0800 015 9976 to discuss cover requirements.
-ends-
RAC Press office contact:
Vicki Burn on 01603 684224/ 07800 692909, Lucy Haughey on 01603 688891/07800 690149 or Heather Price Longden at Staniforth on 0161 919 8010/07966 652056.
Notes to editors:
1 www.independent.co.uk/money/insurance/get-covered-if-you-take-your-car-abroad-1769401.html - 9 August 2009
About RAC
With around seven million members, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information - RAC is able to meet motorists' needs.
RAC is committed to providing the very highest levels of service to its members and has been ranked first for customer satisfaction by J D Power and Associates' UK Roadside Assistance Study for the last four years and the top-named service organisation in the July 2009 and January 2010 UK Customer Satisfaction Index from the Institute of Customer Service.
RAC Insurance has also been awarded the Best Overall Vehicle Insurance Provider 2009/10 by themoneypages.com
Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Aviva UK Insurance. Aviva is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 15%.
RAC is part of Aviva, the world's fifth largest insurance group which operates in 28 countries.
RAC's news releases and a selection of images are available from the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.