Motorists advised to cover the cost of breakdowns abroad

On top of ruined holidays, thousands of motorists face being out of pocket if they have a breakdown while driving in Europe this summer, according to research issued today (June 10).

Green Flag Motoring Assistance found that call-out charges to recover a car or even change a tyre could cost as much as 150 (201 Euros). Recovery of the vehicle and passengers could cost 1 (1.34 Euros) per mile, taking the bill for a recovery from St Tropez to Manchester to 1,000 (1,340 Euros).

Even a weekend jaunt to France could end up costing a packet. British drivers could be charged as much as 45 (60 Euros) just to be towed to the nearest garage and if the car cannot be repaired, motorists could be faced with an extra bill of 200 (268 Euros) to recover the car back to the UK.

Green Flag spokesperson Nigel Charlesworth said: Our research shows that thousands of drivers are making a false economy by driving in Europe without adequate cover. The motorists we spoke to who said they did not plan to cover breakdown costs when travelling on the continent could be heading for trouble."

Despite the best of intentions and improvements in vehicle technology, breakdowns do happen. Last year, Green Flag received more than 100,000 calls from UK motorists stranded in Europe.

Green Flag has some 15,000 mechanics at locations on mainland Europe and a dedicated team of multi-lingual telephone operators who customers can speak to on a free phone number from most countries in Europe.

Green Flags European motoring assistance package also covers any repatriation costs -- if the vehicle cannot be repaired abroad -- which otherwise could turn the trip into an expensive nightmare.

Nigel Charlesworth added: Whether its a breakdown, minor accident, or anything else that brings your car to a halt while driving in Europe, our recovery agents are located close by and ready to assist. And if you cant drive yourself home, our package provides a chauffeur service."

Full details on Green Flags European Motoring Assistance service are available from www.greenflag.com.

Ends

Notes to editors
 At time of writing, 1 was worth 1.34 Euros.
 Source: Green Flag Motoring Assistance Network Department
 Images are available from the press office.
 Green Flag Motoring Assistance provides roadside rescue and recovery to almost 5m customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 Many join through unique partnership arrangements with some of the UKs largest businesses and organisations.
 Green Flags incident management centre in Leeds handles around 1m calls each year.
 On average, Green Flag reaches customers within 35 minutes (verified by research)
 Green Flag customers give the service a 98 per cent satisfaction rating (based on the results of questionnaires sent to 500,000 customers)
 Customers have access to a national network of independent recovery agents and 6,000 qualified technicians.
 More than 90 per cent get assistance within the hour.
 Green Flag supports the best of British motor racing and is sponsor of the Green Flag British Touring Cars Championship
 Green Flag Motoring Assistance products are underwritten by UK Insurance Ltd, a member of the General Insurance Standards Council

Press Calls
For further information contact Nigel Charlesworth or Melanie Denny at Green Flag on 0113 399 1427/1387 (out of hours 07711 964 615).

Public-relations@greenflag.com            www.greenflag.com