Just another manic Monday

28 July 2011
  • Green Flag reveals the busiest day for breakdowns in Europe
  • Driving abroad predicted to be worst 1 and 8 August

With the start of the English summer holidays, so begins the big getaway. Motorists load their cars and head abroad to grab some sunshine. Green Flag, the breakdown cover expert, has revealed that the busiest day for European breakdowns over the past three years is always a Monday at the start of August.

Green Flag’s busiest days in Europe:

  • Monday 2 August 2010
  • Monday 3 August 2009
  • Monday 11 August 2008

In 2010, Green Flag saw an increase of 223 per cent in European breakdowns. The most frequent calls were for cars aged seven years old.

Gary Amos, head of Green Flag’s rescue network, comments: “People need to check that their insurance and breakdown policies provide overseas cover. Green Flag customers have an option to take out an annual policy covering UK and Europe if they are likely to do a number of trips, or they can just take out short term cover for each trip they take. Rescuing a car and its passengers, even from as near as France, back to the UK can be costly. A driver could pay in excess of £5,000 to recover a family of four with a car and caravan from Spain. The further afield drivers are, the more crucial it is that they have cover in place.”

Green Flag European Breakdown Cover will also cover breaking down in the few days before going away and emergency roadside repairs, as well as emergency labour costs.

Top 10 European rescue calls

  1. Vehicle will not start
  2. Engine problem
  3. No drive (engine runs and in gear but will not drive)
  4. Cut out, will not start
  5. Wheel change
  6. Battery fault
  7. Accident damage
  8. No power
  9. Overheating
  10. Clutch problem

Notes to editor

For further information or to arrange an interview please contact:
Claire Foster
Green Flag Press Office
Tel: 020 8285 8682
Email: claire.foster@rbs.co.uk

Green Flag
With over 30 years experience, Green Flag provides customers with rapid breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a national network of thousands of independent recovery agents in the UK and mainland Europe.

Green Flag is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com

Green Flag Motoring Assistance breakdown cover is underwritten by Direct Line Insurance plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 1AG. Registered in England No. 1810801. FSA registered No. 202684. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk