Roadside assistance abroad: who is responsible?

1. Roadside assistance through car insurance

Do you have partial or full casco insurance for your vehicle? The roadside assistance add-on is often part of this insurance. In addition to breakdown assistance, it also includes cover for the costs of advice or expenses for a necessary overnight stay, for example. The basic coverage normally only applies in Switzerland.

Depending on the product, the insurer may offer breakdown assistance in Europe. Find out in advance from your insurance company whether the coverage is also valid in your destination country. Important: roadside assistance coverage in car insurance is tied to your vehicle. This means it does not apply to rental cars, for example.

In case of accidents abroad: contact the insurer immediately

In the event of any damage, inform your insurance company by phone. Let the insurer handle the rest and act only after consulting with your provider. Otherwise, not all costs may be covered.

2. Roadside assistance abroad from motor clubs

The motor clubs in Switzerland offer their members breakdown assistance. However, not all have the same coverage abroad.

ACS: roadside assistance across Europe

With the Classic membership in Automobil Club der Schweiz (ACS, link not available in English), you receive roadside assistance throughout Europe. The membership fee is 98 francs for the first year. After that, the contribution increases to at least 130 francs.

In addition to ACS members, everyone living in the same household are also insured with all vehicles registered in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein, according to the information on the ACS website. With the Travel membership, this protection even applies worldwide.

TCS: ETI letter of protection for Europe and worldwide

For roadside assistance abroad, Touring Club Switzerland (not available in English) offers an ETI letter of protection. Depending on the coverage option, TCS provides roadside assistance in Europe or worldwide.

The TCS ETI letter of protection is only available for members. For existing members, costs start at 94 francs. New members pay the following amounts for the letter of protection and membership (without breakdown protection in Switzerland):

• at least 91 francs (people under 26 years of age)

• at least 126 francs (individuals)

• at least 163 francs (families and couples)

Roadside assistance applies to all driven vehicles according to the information on the TCS website.

VCS: ETI letter of protection for Europe and worldwide

Verkehrs-Club der Schweiz (VCS, link not available in English) offers membership from 85 francs per year. However, you must also take out roadside assistance cover both in Switzerland and abroad.

The VCS letter of protection covers breakdown assistance abroad and costs 89 francs or more for Europe, with worldwide coverage costing 159 francs. Families pay 107 francs for European protection and 197 francs for global protection. This applies to the vehicles used by the policyholder according to the VCS service overview.

Our tip: motor clubs sometimes offer a starter discount on the first annual premium. It is therefore worthwhile to look out for special offers.

3. Roadside assistance through travel insurance

Have you already taken out a travel insurance policy, or are you planning to do so for your upcoming trip? You can include roadside assistance abroad as an additional component.

As with all providers, the following applies to travel insurance: in the event of a claim event, inform the insurer without delay. Do not organize anything yourself until you have consulted with the insurer. Otherwise, not all costs may be covered.