If you though that the cost of a car breakdown or accident was expensive in the UK then you had either better hope never to suffer the same fate in Europe unless you have breakdown cover as latest figures suggest huge hikes in the cost of accidents and recovery.

Research has suggested that the cost of a European breakdown or accident in Germany, for instance, costs 50% more than in the UK on average – with a prang setting every motorist back almost £3,000 each time.

Personal injury claims in France are really something to be aware of too as the average £9,510 payout makes good European car insurance cover a necessity.

A Rescue my Car spokesman said: ‘We are always saying that it pays to sort your cover either for car insurance or car breakdown before you go away and this research further supports that. We are not here to part you from your money unnecessarily. These are very real dangers when you travel to Europe in a car.’

 Another great tip when you are in Germany it is that despite the fact that there are no speed limits on the autobahns you need to keep your head. Many drivers come unstuck – driving at speeds faster than they are used to travelling at and put extra stress on their cars. This makes either a European breakdown or accident more likely.

 For a European breakdown or car insurance quote call the Rescue my Car team on 0800 0199519.