With many holidaymakers preparing to head overseas by car this year, almost one in 101 drivers say they have broken down in Europe while driving their own vehicle, according to new AA research.
The survey of 13,136 drivers suggests that while taking a car abroad remains a popular option for many holidaymakers, with 44% saying they had driven their own vehicle in Europe, some motorists may still be underestimating the risks of continental driving without fully thinking through what they would do if something went wrong.
The research found that 9% of drivers said they had experienced a breakdown in Europe. Among motorists who had travelled without European breakdown cover, 42% said they had not considered buying it at all, while over a third (35%) said they didn’t believe they would need it.
“Many drivers will spend time planning the route, the ferry or the hotel, but not always enough time thinking about what they would do if the car let them down abroad.”
The results point to a gap between the reality of driving abroad and the level of preparation some drivers are making before they leave the UK. A breakdown in Europe can quickly become more complicated than one at home, particularly if drivers are facing unfamiliar roads, local garages, different rules, language barriers, disrupted travel plans and the challenge of being far from home.
The latest findings also come against the backdrop of a separate AA survey from 20242, which found that many motorists lacked confidence about driving in Europe. That earlier study found that 70% of drivers were not confident about driving on the continent, while 30% said they avoided driving abroad altogether. Confidence was particularly low among younger drivers, with just 6% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they felt confident driving in Europe.
Taken together, the two studies suggest that, for many motorists, driving in Europe can still feel unfamiliar and daunting — yet some are still setting off without fully considering the support they may need if their vehicle breaks down. For example, without European Breakdown Cover, the repatriation costs of a moderately new car, broken down in the French Alps could run up to more than £3,500.3
The latest research also found that among drivers who had looked into European breakdown cover, fewer than half said they felt confident they understood the benefits. That suggests there is still more to do in helping drivers understand what protection is available before they head overseas.
Drivers planning a European trip should prepare both themselves and their vehicle well in advance of departure. That includes checking tyres, fluids and battery condition, making sure they understand the rules of the road in the countries they are visiting, and arranging appropriate breakdown protection before leaving the UK.
AA European Breakdown Cover is available for travel across 44 European countries and includes access to a 24/7 English-speaking helpline.
With many drivers still uneasy about motoring on the continent, and some admitting they did not even consider cover before setting off, the latest findings should act as a timely reminder that preparation can make all the difference when taking a car abroad.
Lee Morley, AA expert patrol, said: “Many drivers will spend time planning the route, the ferry or the hotel, but not always enough time thinking about what they would do if the car let them down abroad.
“Our latest research shows that breakdowns in Europe are not uncommon, yet many of those travelling without cover said they had either not considered it or assumed they would not need it. Unfortunately, that can be a costly gamble if something goes wrong far from home.
"Before setting off, as a minimum drivers should check their tyres, fluids and battery, Additionally they should make sure they understand the local driving rules, and ensure they have the right support in place in case things go wrong. AA European Breakdown Cover can give drivers reassurance that help is there if they need it while they are away.”
1 Yonder received 13,136 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd April 2026. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
2 Yonder received 13,807 responses from AA members to its online poll between the 15th to 23rd April 2024. Yonder is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
3 Estimated recovery cost of a vehicle 1.6m or under from French Alps to Northern Scotland