Euro trip breakdown cover

[Saloonatic67]

I wasn't quite sure where to post this one, however if it's in the wrong spot I'm sure Admin can move it to a more appropriate place 

Anyway on to my point .......

I'm off to Europe at the end of August for an 11 day jaunt wherever the roads/weather takes us ( 4 bikes in total ) arriving at and ultimately departing from Ijmuiden, Holland. We did initially have a planned route but have decided to just "wing it" this time.

I'm a bit confused regarding breakdown cover as the bike is still well within it's warranty. It came supplied with 3 years cover from new which apparently covers Europe too.

Has anyone had need to call BMW for assistance using their cover and if so how was the service ?

Repatriation appears to be part of the service regardless of whether the bike is immobilised due to breakdown OR accident.

So my confusion lies in whether I need any additional cover or not 

Anyone got any advice/recommendation/experience I may benefit from?

Thanks in advance. Russ.

[wessie]

I never had to use BMW Assist on my XR or RS but my understanding from GS owners who seem to use the service a lot, BMW is one of the better service providers. You are going to be recovered initially to a BMW dealer on a weekday. If the bike is not fixed the same day then the other options kick in such as a local hotel, onward travel or repatriation home.

[bobdave]

i've never had to use it but my dealer indicated that whilst in warranty I would not need any extra cover for Europe as the breakdown service will cover it. As Wessie says, initially they will try to get it to a local dealer and fixed the first day but if not they should then kick in other options including repatriation. The only thing that may be debatable is who pays for motorway recovery in France as you have to call the French recovery service to get you off the motorway if you break down on the French motorways. As I understand it most break down cover will then pick up that cost but I don't know if the warranty breakdown cover will pick that up.

[scotti]

I've used it a couple of years ago.  Called the usual UK number (0800 777111 if I remember correctly) and was recovered to dealer.  Bike was fixed and I was on my way, all within about 3 hours.  Couldn't fault the service TBH.

[af1-windy]

Not BMW breakdown cover but on a recent trip to France, my brother's 2016 XR's wheel bearings collapsed, the company he was with were pants but the BMW dealer we were eventually taken to had the bike back on the road within the hour.. and that included one of the sales staff popping out in his car at 4pm to get the bearings..

  windy

[Saloonatic67]

Thanks everyone for your replies 

[Gazk]

I've used Green flag for years and the service the twice I've had to use it was fantastic, easy to access and super helpful.

Years back the radiator went on a ZRX1200s they arranged a van within two hours so we could carry on our Holiday down to the south of France, I managed to get a new rad in Nice we did 4 days round the Alps on the bike then dropped the van back at st etienne.
Sent Green Flag the bill for the diesel which they paid without a question. 
Could not have been easer.

The other time puncture in the rear tyre in Germany, guy arrived with an hour after the first call fixed the puncture, then flowed us to the bike shop and helped sort a new tyre. Top bloke.

A Mate on his new GS a couple of years back in Spain the bike just stopped something to do with excess heat call BMW they were out within the hour, plugged in the BMW tool and all sorted.

I'd look at your insurance see if they can do anything on breakdown cover.

[PaulS1000XR]

BMW Assistance or whatever its called will do just fine but it only covers the bike and not you

[bazzer]

I called RAC at 8:20pm on Saturday this weekend (flat battery on van) They turned up 7am on Sunday morning. Was down in Plymouth visiting my dad and was about to go home to Hampshire, so I had to stay another night.

I would not be recommending the RAC !!!!