Breakdown cover FAQs

If possible try to pull over to the hard shoulder or as far left or as away from the road as possible. Switch on your hazard lights and, if it's dark or the light is bad, keep your side lights on.

If you can't get your vehicle clear of the road, only leave it if you can do so safely. If you can't safely exit the vehicle and decide to stay in it, keep your seat belt on at all times. If you can safely leave your vehicle, leave by the passenger side and keep well back from the road on a verge or on the other side of the barrier (if there is one). Keep a clear view of oncoming traffic and don't stand in front of your vehicle. Make a note of your location and the surrounding area and call our 24 hour breakdown line on 0330 678 7151 when it is safe to do so.

If your policy has European cover and you're planning to drive in Europe, remember to read about the country you're travelling to before you get there. Driving legislation and restrictions can differ widely between European countries so it's best to be prepared. For European assistance call us on +44 1484 435 806.

Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone dial 18001 first.

If you've changed your car and need to update your nominated vehicle please call us on 0330 678 7150. We'll update your breakdown policy at no additional cost.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone dial 18001 first.

Yes, anyone driving your nominated vehicle will be covered for breakdown as long as they're insured to drive it and have your permission. To be covered in any other vehicle they'll need separate breakdown cover for that vehicle.

If you want to cover you and your spouse/partner in any other privately owned vehicle whilst in the UK you can add personal cover to your standalone breakdown policy.

Personal cover is an optional extra you can choose to add when you set up your breakdown policy. This extra cover is great for people who travel in lots of different cars - like carpooling for work, for example.

By adding personal cover, both you and your spouse/partner are protected as passengers or drivers in any privately owned vehicle in the UK. If a breakdown happens, our Britannia Rescue team will be there to make things right and get you where you need to go. 

Remember, you can't use personal cover while you are outside the UK.

To drive abroad you need these important documents to hand:

• Full, valid driving licence
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Proof of ID (passport)
• Travel insurance documents
• European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents (having your Certificate of Insurance and other documents, including any lease documents if you lease your car may help if you experience any problems while driving abroad.)

You may need to display a country of origin sticker on your car.

You might also need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some EU countries and Norway if you have either a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Check online to see if you need an international driving permit (IDP) or ask at your local Post Office.

Do I need a green card to drive in the EU?

Since 2021, you no longer need a green card to drive your car in most EU countries. Check government information on green cards and driving to the EU before you travel.

Certain size and weight limits apply but, generally, we cover any motorised vehicle that requires motor insurance to be driven on public roads e.g. cars, motorbikes, motorhomes and vans.

We don't cover vehicles used for hire and reward.

Yes, we'll recover you to a local repairer but you'll have to cover any costs for the repair/replacement.

If you have European cover included on your breakdown policy, your nominated vehicle is covered in the following countries in addition to the UK and Republic of Ireland:

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Republic of North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia (West of the Urals), San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey in Europe, Ukraine.

Your documents will be sent by post or email depending on your chosen preference. Email documents will be with you the next working day and posted documents will arrive within five to seven days.

If you haven't received your documents within seven working days, call us on 0330 678 7150 to request new documents.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

If you're due to travel and haven't received confirmation don't worry. If you need to, you can still call us for assistance on our 24hr breakdown lines. 

In the UK call 0330 678 7111 or if you have European cover and are abroad call +44 1484 435 806. Just make a note of the numbers before you travel.

Your documents will be sent by post or email depending on your preference. Email documents will be with you the next working day and posted documents will arrive within five to seven days. If you haven't received your documents within seven working days, please call us on

0330 678 7150 to request new documents.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

Credit or debit card is the only way you can pay for your renewal, but you can change your card details. Call us on 0330 678 7150 if you want to make a change.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

To make a change or discuss your payment call us on 0330 678 7150.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

The only way to change your level of cover when you renew is to call us on 0330 678 7150.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

No, if you're travelling abroad, you don't need to tell us in advance - unless you haven't got European cover and you want to upgrade your policy.

If your car is insured with Britannia Rescue and you’re travelling to Albania, Morocco or Turkey, please call us on 0330 678 7150 as you'll need a green card for these countries.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

If your car breaks down while you're away and you've got European cover, call us on +44 1484 435 806 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

You can upgrade your level of cover at any time, as long as you're not at the point of a potential claim. You can also change the vehicle covered.

You can only reduce your level of cover at renewal or if your policy is within the first 14 days of receiving your breakdown cover documents.

To upgrade your cover call us on 0330 678 7150.

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm, Saturday and bank holidays 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Calls will be recorded. For Text Phone first dial 18001.

There are two financial services regulators; the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).