If you’re packing up your campervan, car, or motorbike and heading over The Channel, don’t forget breakdown insurance for Europe. Unlike forgotten toothpaste or clothes, it’s something you can’t buy once you’re there. So make it part of your essential holiday planning so you can enjoy a relaxing time away.

What does breakdown insurance for Europe include?

Just like in the UK, you can opt for different levels of cover when you choose European breakdown insurance. If your car breaks down, you’ll have a number to call summoning a local breakdown service to your rescue. Double check first if your cover has a limit to the cost of required roadside assistance.

They’ll then try and fix your car by the side of the road. And if they can’t, they’ll tow you to the nearest garage where it will be fixed. Again, watch out because different levels of European breakdown cover will pay different amounts towards this repair work.

The number you call for help will assist in English, so you won’t be left struggling with the language barrier. And that makes it a lot easier and quicker for you to get on your way again, so you can still enjoy your holiday. For extra peace of mind, look for insurance that will pay out if your car needs to be brought back to the UK to be repaired. Some options will also pay out for extras like replacement tickets if you miss your train or ferry because of the breakdown.

Does your current breakdown cover include European cover?

There’s no point paying out twice for the same thing. If you already have breakdown cover for the UK, double check with your provider to see if you’re covered in Europe as well. If you are, next you’ll need to check what is included. Don’t just assume that you’ll have the same level of cover as you do in the UK. It’s also worth checking if there is a limited to the number of days your trip can last. And read the small print to see if there is a cap on the amount that will be paid out for accommodation or to continue to your destination.

If you do need to take out additional cover for your travels in Europe, you could contact your UK breakdown provider to see how much it would cost to add on. Alternatively, it could be cheaper to source it separately. If you want to save your money for sightseeing or souvenirs, get ready to ring around to get a bunch of quotes or use an independent insurance broker, like Easy2Insure, to do this for you.

Breakdown cover in Europe for towing a caravan

If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, check on any restrictions to size or weight in your breakdown cover before you set off. If you need specialist cover for your vehicle and trailer, speak to your broker who will be able to source exactly what you need.

Driving older vehicles

Beware. Many European breakdown cover options are suitable only for vehicles aged less than six years. Speak to your broker for a quote if you need cover for an older vehicle, or you’re travelling in a classic.

Don’t forget other insurance essentials while you’re away

Do you need to cover your kit while you’re away? Easy2Insure can help with other essential travel insurance, to cover bikes, baggage, iPads, and phones while you’re away too.

Get a free quote today

Breakdown insurance for Europe gives you peace of min. If something does go wrong during your road trip, you can get on your way again swiftly and easily. Whether you’re planning a quick dash to France for the weekend or a couple of months exploring Eastern Europe, Easy2Insure make it simple to find cheap European breakdown insurance that you can rely on. Call us on 0800 9179522 or get a quote today.

What are the driving licence categories for towing a horsebox?

Briefly, the driving licence categories for towing a horsebox are:

• If you passed your category B licence (the standard driving licence) on or after January 1^st 1997:

• You may tow a trailer with a MAM not exceeding 750kg (e.g. a small garden trailer). If you do pull a trailer with a MAM of over 750kg you must ensure that:
  • The actual weight of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3,500kg
  • The actual weight of the trailer may not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle – so your trailer cannot be heavier than the vehicle towing it.

If you are towing a trailer heavier than that, you’ll need:

• A Category B+E licence – this is the most useful for towing horsebox trailers. It allows you to tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg (i.e. a horse trailer). To get this, you’ll need to take an extra driving test (see below)

• Or, a Category C1 licence – For vehicles that have a MAM of over 3,500kg but less than 7,500kg.

If you passed your category B licence (the standard driving licence) before January 1^st 1997:

• You have entitlement to drive C1+E with a ‘107’ restriction. This limits the actual weight of the combination of both towing vehicle and trailer to 8.25 tonnes (or 8250kg). This weight limit is normally ample for towing any horsebox. But you’ll still need to check that your vehicle is powerful enough to safely tow your horsebox.

If you’re unsure as to whether your licence allows you to pull a horsebox then check with the DVLA.

How do I find my vehicle’s MAM?

Your vehicle’s MAM may be listed on your vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) plate, which is normally under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door. Alternatively, you may find this information in you’re vehicle’s handbook, or get in touch with the manufacturer.

How do I get a Category B+E licence?

In most cases, horseboxes exceed the standard MAM limits, so you’ll need to pass your car and trailer driving test. This test is also sometimes known as the B+E test. To take it, you’ll need a full car driving licence but you won’t have to take your theory test again.

For heavy combinations of vehicle and trailers, or large motorised horseboxes, you’ll need to take your C1+E driving test. This allows you to drive vehicles and trailers with a combined weight up to 12,000kg MAM.

 Is your car big enough to tow?

Even if you think you meet the legal requirements, stop and think if your car is suitable for towing a horsebox. Remember, if you’re planning to take your horse to compete, you may need to drive in muddy fields. If your car is too small or doesn’t have enough power it could be dangerous.

What happens if I don’t have the right type of licence?

Failure to have the right licence and the right car or horsebox insurance can result in hefty fines, points on your licence and, in some cases, jail terms.

Do I need horsebox insurance?

Although you don’t legally have to take out independent insurance for a towed horsebox, it is wise.

Horsebox insurance for towed horseboxes can cover everything from the theft or damage of your horsebox, to additional cover for the contents such as your tack, saddles and personal possessions.

Remember, if you drive a motorised horsebox, then vehicle insurance is a legal must-have.

Do I need specialist horsebox breakdown cover?

Standard car breakdown cover can be used if your car breaks down when you’re towing your horsebox. But, this is only helpful if your car can be fixed at the side of the road. If it can’t, your car breakdown company won’t have the capacity to tow your car, trailer and horses to safety. Specialist horsebox breakdown cover gives you peace of mind you can get safe onward travel for your horses as well as secure overnight stabling if needed. In many cases, it is cost effective to include this with your horsebox insurance package.

Horsebox cover for European travel

If you compete your horse overseas, make sure that you’re covered to tow or drive your horsebox abroad.

What does our horsebox insurance cover?

At Easy2Insure, we make it easy to get the right level of insurance cover for your horsebox at the best price. Our horsebox insurance provides cover whilst your horsebox or trailer is at home, on the road or at a competition. And you can opt for additional extras to include cover for tack and equipment, as well as getting you home again should your box be stolen or damaged whilst at a show.

Our competitive policies cover:

• Horsebox insurance for a boxes of up to four stalls
• Insurance for a motorised horsebox with up to four stalls
• Trailer insurance
• 4×4 / towing vehicle insurance
• Private car No Claims Bonus acceptable
• Protected No Claims Bonus
• Discounts for limited mileage
• Discounts for security / immobilisers
• Horsebox breakdown cover options

Why should I choose Easy2Insure as my broker?

As an independent insurance broker, Easy2Insure, has access to a wide variety of different horsebox insurance policies to meet every need. We provide insurance for all types of horseboxes, including motorised horseboxes and trailers. Part of the highly respected Park Insurance Group, we have over 20 years’ experience in sourcing specialist insurance deals for our customers. And because we’re based online, our overheads are lower, so we can pass the savings directly onto you.

Our position as preferred broker to many of the UK’s largest insurance providers also means that we can source deals and packages that are uniquely tailored to suit your specific requirements.

In conclusion

Horseboxes, even second-hand loose boxes, can cost thousands of pounds to replace if they’re stolen or damaged. Add to that the cost of covering your tack and equipment, and the small premiums you’ll pay for your horsebox insurance every month are a worthwhile expenditure. Especially when compared to the amount you’d need to pay out to replace uninsured boxes or tack and the stress and worry that not being insured could cause.

Call our friendly team for free on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch. Let us find you the best horsebox insurance quote that is right for you, your horse and your budget.

Cars are getting bigger, but parking spaces are not – and that’s where cosmetic car insurance can help.

Car and fuel pump manufacturers are kind to us. They’ve made the diesel nozzle larger than the hole at the top of your car’s petrol tank to make it harder to put in the wrong fuel. But sadly, they can’t save us from the mistake of putting petrol in a diesel car. If you’ve ever done this, you’re not alone. Estimates suggest that it happens every one minute and 45 seconds. This simple mistake can cost you up to £3,000 to put right. But don’t panic. Find out what happens when you put petrol in a diesel engine and how to limit the impact on your wallet with misfuel insurance.

What happens when you put petrol in a diesel car?

Putting the wrong fuel in your car causes damage to the engine, which can result in costly repairs or even a complete engine replacement.

Diesel contains a lubricant, but the addition of petrol reduces this lubrication and means metal parts can rub and become damaged. If you put a very small amount of petrol into a tank that already contains plenty of diesel, the damage will be more limited. But you still need to take action to put things right as soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk various parts of your car’s engine and fuel system being damaged, and that can cost a lot to put right.

What should I do if I put petrol in a diesel car?

If you realise your mistake in time, don’t start your car. As soon as you turn the ignition, the petrol will circulate around the engine, and start to do its damage.

Instead, you’ll need to call for someone who can drain the tank to remove the wrong fuel. If you have misfuel insurance, you’ll be given a 24/7 contact number to get help to you quickly so you can get back on your way. If not, you could call your usual garage or look online for a specialist fuel drain service.

Does my breakdown cover already include fuel draining?

Probably not. Most breakdown cover does not include the cost of a fuel drain or for any repairs or replacement parts.

Is it worth claiming on your insurance?

If you’ve made this mistake you’ll need to carefully weigh up whether it’s worth you claiming the costs back from your insurance company. If you can’t get hold of that amount of cash to put the problem right, you may have no option. But bear in mind that this claim will impact on your no claims bonus, and could see your car insurance prices rise next time you renew.

An alternative, that allows you to claim back the money to fix your car without affecting your no claims bonus is to take out misfuel insurance. This can be a relatively low-cost add-on option to your car insurance. And it will give you the peace of mind you can fix your car without claiming on your normal car insurance.

Do I need misfuel insurance?

Around 300,000 of us put the wrong fuel in our car every year. We can all have momentary lapses in concentration when we’re at the pumps. So really, misfuel insurance is something for everyone to consider.

Cheap misfuel insurance

Call our friendly team at Easy2Insure on 0800 917 9522 or get in touch to find out just how little you’ll need to pay for misfuel insurance. We’re an independent insurance brokerage, so we’ll shop around to find you the best price out there, giving you peace of mind for less.