VW Assist or European Breakdown cover?

[Ting Tong]

Going to France shortly and no longer have Safeguard insurance that included AA European cover. The AA want about £8 a day for cover or can I rely on VW assist, particularly in case of an accident where it says cover is at their discretion.

What's everyone doing for European cover otherwise?

 

[Shadrack]

Hi Ting Tong,
I recently went through a similar dilemma. No longer have vw assist so I went with ‘Autoaid’ for my day to day breakdown in uk. It covers me and not specific vehicle. I noticed that they also did as a separate package international breakdown & recovery onward travel etc for a very reasonable price.
In years gone by I have used autoaid for my breakdown recovery with no issues at all.
so may be worth a look. It’s were I will be heading for cover when eu travel becomes easier.
Hope you get sorted ok.

 

[WelshGas]

Going to France shortly and no longer have Safeguard insurance that included AA European cover. The AA want about £8 a day for cover or can I rely on VW assist, particularly in case of an accident where it says cover is at their discretion.

What's everyone doing for European cover otherwise?

Red Pennant.

 

[Ting Tong]

Red Pennant.

Tried that...was considerably more expensive than the AA.

 

[WelshGas]

Tried that...was considerably more expensive than the AA.

But covers more than just the vehicle.

 

[B J G]

I got full European cover, including repairs needed or carried out there, as part of the Warranty Pack from Warrantywise.

 

[Bigbrownbear]

Try A Plan

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Added annual UK & Euro Breakdown to our Admiral insurance, cost was around £100.

 

[Barbara]

I have luckily not needed to use a breakdown cover with the van but have 4 times with my car. I have Britannia rescue and have always been very quick and helpful in France and Spain. They arranged for an English speaking European agent to ring me, I think they are Dutch. They then deal with a local garage where you are and so far it has worked.

The first time I got got to Calais when the water pump failed. Car was collected and I was put up in a hotel as they need to get a part. I have had 2 battery problems, one my own fault as left the cool box on overnight, we were met within 30mins and problem fixed quickly. I like the fact that they contact a local garage.

 

[WelshGas]

Having been involved in a number of Medical Repatriations from Europe over the years following illness or accidents, good travel insurance is a priority as far as I am concerned and vehicle breakdown or accident cover is often part of good insurance policies or an option if required.

 

[Bigbrownbear]

I have luckily not needed to use a breakdown cover with the van but have 4 times with my car. I have Britannia rescue and have always been very quick and helpful in France and Spain. They arranged for an English speaking European agent to ring me, I think they are Dutch. They then deal with a local garage where you are and so far it has worked.

The first time I got got to Calais when the water pump failed. Car was collected and I was put up in a hotel as they need to get a part. I have had 2 battery problems, one my own fault as left the cool box on overnight, we were met within 30mins and problem fixed quickly. I like the fact that they contact a local garage.

Thats the measure of insurance. It ONLY matters when you need it. I can remember travelling in S Spain and our Vito 108d ( a paltry 82bhp of real engine) lost its clutch about 15miles from where they were originally produced. Typical!!... cover at the time had us in a big people carrier in two hours and the van into the Merc repair shop for a week. We took full advantage of the new vehicle sleeping in it and travelling far and wide. The day we came to give it back and collect the van i copped a 700euro!

The guys at Aplan have our insurance on our VW van, a 2011 T5.1 and yesterday insured us for European and UK breakdown for a year for about £42. That will give us replacement vehicle, repatriation, hotels , and curbside help and assistance etc... Im already a AA Silver member but they wanted £100 for the two week trip.

In my experience the insurance is only as good as the kind, supportive help you need when you are up the creek without a paddle. Somewhere on here someone said wisely that a deep breath and the manner of your responses to actions outside your control is as much a help as an expensive policy.

A big shout out to the people on here who take the time and energy to provide useful information. We are SO looking forward to a few weeks away from the UK. Landes ere we come....

 

[Bigbrownbear]

Thats the measure of insurance. It ONLY matters when you need it. I can remember travelling in S Spain and our Vito 108d ( a paltry 82bhp of real engine) lost its clutch about 15miles from where they were originally produced. Typical!!... cover at the time had us in a big people carrier in two hours and the van into the Merc repair shop for a week. We took full advantage of the new vehicle sleeping in it and travelling far and wide. The day we came to give it back and collect the van i copped a 700euro!

The guys at Aplan have our insurance on our VW van, a 2011 T5.1 and yesterday insured us for European and UK breakdown for a year for about £42. That will give us replacement vehicle, repatriation, hotels , and curbside help and assistance etc... Im already a AA Silver member but they wanted £100 for the two week trip.

In my experience the insurance is only as good as the kind, supportive help you need when you are up the creek without a paddle. Somewhere on here someone said wisely that a deep breath and the manner of your responses to actions outside your control is as much a help as an expensive policy.

A big shout out to the people on here who take the time and energy to provide useful information. We are SO looking forward to a few weeks away from the UK. Landes ere we come....

That should read "copped a 700 euro bill from the repair shop".

 

[Azteccamper]

But covers more than just the vehicle.

Back in our caravanning days I was unfortunate to break an ankle and damage my knee running up a mountain - whilst camping around Millau (lovely place). We were in a mess. Two young children and a wife that had never towed. Red Pennant were super.
They offered to fly us home and repatriate our car and caravan, bring us back with our outfit, or help us continue with our holiday. My wife and kids choose to stay and have the holiday with me hobbling about in plaster and crutches.
RP sent a driver to drive our outfit to our next site and set us up. After another 10 days they flew over a driver from GB to drive and tow us all the way home. Holiday completed. RP communication throughout was outstanding. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

 

[Toothlessjon]

How long does VW Assist last on a new California?

 

[Ting Tong]

We have v good medical insurance and eventually opted for AA annual cover (zones 1 and 2) for £108. Thanks everyone for your input

 

[WelshGas]

How long does VW Assist last on a new California?

3 yrs in U.K. Renewal approx £155 for 2 yrs.

 

[Ting Tong]

3 yrs in U.K. Renewal approx £155 for 2 yrs.

Good value imo but not if you have an accident.

 

[WelshGas]

Good value imo but not if you have an accident.

It is Breakdown Insurance. Your general car insurance is for accidents .

 

[Toothlessjon]

Good value imo but not if you have an accident.

3 yrs in U.K. Renewal approx £155 for 2 yrs.

I tried to add the extra cover to my T6 and it said “not a qualifying vehicle“ even though my dealer said I could add it towards the end of my warranty. I ring them on Monday.

 

[WelshGas]

I tried to add the extra cover to my T6 and it said “not a qualifying vehicle“ even though my dealer said I could add it towards the end of my warranty. I ring them on Monday.

I believe you can extend VW Assistance within a month or so of the end of the standard 3 yrs that comes with a new vehicle.

 

[Toothlessjon]

Yes that’s what I thought, I’m within the period so I’ll give them a ring.

 

[Ting Tong]

I tried to add the extra cover to my T6 and it said “not a qualifying vehicle“ even though my dealer said I could add it towards the end of my warranty. I ring them on Monday.

You have to phone: you can only do cars on line.

 

[Toothlessjon]

S

You have to phone: you can only do cars on line.

Spoke to the dealership today regarding the extended warranty, and they say that you can not take out the extended warranty until 90 days before the warranty expires. They have given me a link to a website to use when required. I supposed the time period may be related to mileage on the vehicle?

 

[Ting Tong]

S

Spoke to the dealership today regarding the extended warranty, and they say that you can not take out the extended warranty until 90 days before the warranty expires. They have given me a link to a website to use when required. I supposed the time period may be related to mileage on the vehicle?

Your confusing extending the warranty with extending the VW Assistance breakdown service.

 

[Toothlessjon]

Your confusing extending the warranty with extending the VW Assistance breakdown service.

Possibly, but I assumed that VW Assistance would be included in the extended warranty. It was the extended warranty that I was concerned about tbh, as I did not want to miss out on it.