Key Facts – European Breakdown Cover
Policy summary
This document is intended to provide you with basic details of your AA European Breakdown Cover. This is not a statement of the full terms and conditions of your policy, these can be found in your AA European Breakdown Cover Terms and Conditions Booklet (the policy booklet) and should be read in conjunction with your Statement of Insurance.
In addition please see specific endorsements which apply to your policy as some sections may be restricted or excluded, depending on your individual circumstances.
1. What are the main features and benefits of my policy?
Assistance in Europe – AA European Breakdown Cover
Overall claim limit of £2,000 per party, per trip excluding unaccompanied vehicle recovery and legal protection benefits.
Section 1. Roadside assistance and emergency repair
Emergency roadside repair or towage to a local repairer
Section 2. Location and despatch of spare parts
Location and despatch of spare parts. No limit, to complete repairs overseas (cost of parts not covered).
Section 3. Alternative travel arrangements
Replacement car hire and public transport costs to allow you to continue your journey or return home. Up to £1,200 per party (Car hire limit £120 per day). Group Cover – up to £1,800 per party (Car Hire limit £150 a day).
Section 4. Emergency accommodation
Up to £500 per party (limit of £60 per person per night). Group Cover – up to £1,080 per party (limit of £60 per person per night).
Section 5. Vehicle recovery to the UK or onward to your original destination
The cost of unaccompanied recovery for your vehicle, up to it's current market value, to a single destination being either a) your UK permanent home address or b) your nominated vehicle repairer in the UK or c) your original destination within the European Breakdown Cover territorial limits, providing the cost does not exceed the cost of repatriating to your UK home address.
Section 6. Legal benefit
Up to £75,000 for costs of help and advice after a road traffic accident. With a bail bond guarantee of up to £1,500.
This is a summary of benefits. Cover is subject to full terms and conditions including geographical limits and individual sections' limits and restrictions shown in your policy document issued on acceptance of your premium or available for inspection on request.
2. Are there any exclusions or limitations to my policy and where will I find them?
The list of exclusions and limitations below is not intended to be exhaustive nor does it replace the terms and conditions of the cover provided in the policy booklet. However, it will highlight some of the key restrictions. References to page numbers and sections given below are references to page numbers and sections of the Policy Booklet.
- Service providers (refer to section 1)
Third party service providers including garages, repairers, recovery operators, car hire companies, etc whose services are arranged under the policy are not approved by the AA and do not act as agents of the AA. The AA cannot be held liable for any acts or omissions of any such garages or other third parties.
- Cost of repairs and replacement parts (refer to section 2)
Any advice regarding the cost of repairs provided by the AA Helpline will be indicative only and it is your responsibility to ensure you have received and understood the quotation given by the repairer before agreeing to any work to be carried out. Any contract for repair will be between you and the repairer.
If spare parts are not available locally, this will impact on the time taken for a repair.
- Mechanical Warranty (refer to section 3.)
You must advise us if your vehicle has a mechanical warranty. While we will provide initial assistance at the roadside, it is your responsibility to ensure that any subsequent repairs are in accordance with and do not invalidate your vehicle warranty.
- Vehicles 11 years of age or older (refer to section 4)
An older vehicle supplement must be paid for Single Trip cover. No cover for older vehicles is available for Single Trip Group, Annual Multi Trip and Annual Long Stay policies.
- Average Recovery time to the UK (refer to section 5)
Vehicle recovery from Western Europe will take on average 8–14 working days. At busy periods and from further destinations recovery may take longer.
- Personal luggage and equipment (refer to section 6)
Providing the trailer and goods meet the size restrictions on page 10, we will repatriate the trailer and its contents. Please note that your personal effects/goods/vehicles/boats on or in your vehicle/trailer remain your responsibility at all times.
- Travelling with Pets (refer to section 7)
We will not cover any additional costs incurred as a consequence of an animal travelling with you or your party.
- Replacement vehicles (refer to section 8)
While we will try to source a replacement vehicle that meets your needs, we cannot guarantee replacement vehicles of a specific make, model or type. Please see page 16 for details. Arrangements for vehicle hire cannot be made without a credit card.
- Service Liability (refer to section 9)
Nothing shall limit our liability to you in the event of death or serious injury caused by our negligence.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance (refer to section 10)
AA European Breakdown Cover is not motor vehicle insurance. It is your responsibility to check with your motor insurers to extend your motor vehicle insurance to provide comprehensive overseas cover. Failure to do so may reduce your cover to the national legal minimum level of motor insurance in the countries you are visiting.
What if I change my mind about continuing with this policy?
You have the right to cancel the cover within 14 days ('the cooling off period') commencing either from the agreement of the contract (which is the renewal date when renewing annual policies) or the receipt of the policy documents, whichever happens later. The following refund policy will apply for cancellations within the cooling off period:
- If you cancel during the cooling off period and before the stated departure date you will be entitled to a full refund of your premium.
- If you cancel during the cooling off period, but on or after the stated departure date, you will:
- If you have purchased a policy of more than one month's duration, be entitled to a refund of your premium, less our administration charge.
- If you have purchased a policy of less than one month's duration, have no right to a refund
If you wish to cancel after the cooling off period has expired, subject to any relevant statutory rights you may have, we will not be obliged to give refunds for any unexpired portions of cover.
If you would like to cancel your policy, please phone us on 0870 850 1502 and return your policy documents to: AA Insurance Services Limited, PO Box 7365, Edmiston House, 100 Edmiston Drive, Glasgow G51 9AN.
4. What if I need to make a claim?
If you wish to make a claim please telephone 01256 493730 or email overseasclaims@theAA.com
5. What do I do if I am unhappy with the service I receive?
If you wish to register a complaint please write to us at Customer Support (OACU), AA, Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA, phone 0845 850 1205 or email overseasclaims@theAA.com
If you cannot settle your complaint with us you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
6. Is there any protection for me if my insurer is unable to meet its liabilities?
Your insurer is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if they cannot meet their obligations. This depends on the type of business and the circumstances of the claim. For claims against insurance firms, the first £2,000 of an insurance claim or policy is covered in full, plus 90% of the balance. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk or telephone 0207 892 7300.