BREAKDOWN RECOVERY & SOS INSURANCE IN PORTUGAL.

Vehicle breakdown recovery and assistance insurance in Portugal and Europe

EUROPEAN VEHICLE BREAKDOWN AND RECOVERY INSURANCE IN ENGLISH

A GUIDE TO VEHICLE BREAKDOWN & ACCIDENT RECOVERY INSURANCE FOR EXPATS IN PORTUGAL.

Wherever you travel in and around Europe, Portugal and the UK, we can provide comprehensive car and vehicle breakdown insurance on an annual basis. Our Portuguese Breakdown recovery insurance also incorporates an annual green card so you can use your vehicle and have this cover anywhere in Europe and the UK.

Not just cars, but just about any type of vehicle can be insured in Europe for Breakdown and recovery insurance. Motor homes and Camper vans, 4x4’s, SUV’s, pick-up trucks, commercial vehicles and vans, buses and passenger vehicles, taxis and all types of trailers including horseboxes and boat trailers can be covered for breakdown anywhere in Europe.

GETTING THE BEST QUOTE FOR BREAKDOWN INSURANCE.

When asking for a vehicle or car insurance quote, most Portuguese Insurance Agents, Brokers and Insurance Companies are not likely to include the breakdown recovery insurance in that initial quote. This is an attempt to offer you a lower premium in the first instance when applying for a car insurance quote. When you then agree to take the Car insurance, they inform you that you also need to have a compulsory Breakdown Recovery insurance because you are not allowed to tow your car in Portugal without using a professional Grua (registered recovery vehicle).

BREAKDOWN INSURANCE - WHAT IS COVERED.

The basic breakdown insurance policy that is included with your standard car insurance in Portugal will include:-

A replacement vehicle. Towing charges. Running out of fuel or use of the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle. Tyre changes and blowouts and punctures are covered. Lost or stolen keys – including those keys locked inside the car. Payment of medical, surgical and hospital expenses in case of accident or illness abroad.

WHAT YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR BASIC BREAKDOWN SERVICE IN PORTUGAL.

You can increase the cover for towing charges. Arrange for a replacement vehicle. Taxi service if you are over the Alcohol Limit. Travel assistance for travelers and baggage extended to the whole world. Taxi service home or repatriation of passengers.

EXTENDING THE BREAKDOWN COVER FURTHER.

Optimal breakdown packages can include:-

Broken windscreens and windows. A replacement vehicle. A replacement vehicle during servicing. Personal Protection, theft, documents, key replacements and fraudulent card use. Own damages that extends the cover to all European Countries.

IS BREAKDOWN INSURANCE IN PORTUGAL COMPULSORY?

Yes it is. We include it in your car insurance policy at the time of the quote as it is a lot cheaper. If you have to tow a vehicle, after an accident or breakdown, you will be in for a hefty bill of at least €100 + just to get your car towed off the motorway.

It also includes some medical cover and legal defense costs, repatriation, and ongoing travel costs to get to your destination, so it’s a bit more than just breakdown cover. Contact us for more information

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAKDOWN IN PORTUGAL.

Stay calm, don’t panic. All vehicles in Portugal are required to have a minimum of two warning triangles and reflective vests to cope with the number of people that can be in the vehicle, (Usually 5 jackets). Your safety and that of your passengers is paramount. Put on your reflective safety jackets and get the passengers away from the vehicle and off the road and out of the way of any passing traffic.The two warning triangles should be placed facing any oncoming traffic at least 50 yards apart behind your vehicle.

Using the breakdown recovery telephone number on the small card in or included with your insurance documents. Call them and let them know where you are, giving them the details of the insurance policy number. This is so that they can check that you have got breakdown recovery assistance as part of your insurance.

LOCATION SERVICES FOR BREAKDOWN VEHICLES IN PORTUGAL.

If you don’t know exactly where you are, they can ask you to send a location from WhatsApp to assist them in finding you and getting the tow truck to you quickly.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT IN YOUR CAR FOR PORTUGAL.

You are required by law to have a minimum of two Emergency reflective triangles, and the requisite number of reflective jackets as per the number of people you can legally fit in your car.

CAN I TOW MY VEHICLE/CAR IN PORTUGAL?

NO, it is not allowed. You are not permitted to be towed or tow another vehicle, other than a caravan or trailer. Any vehicle that requires towing must be done by an official Tow service in Portugal, that is licensed to do so. Fines are hefty if you get caught flouting the laws.