Car worries

I'm getting some concerns about my car on this tour. It (and I) are going to have to travel some loooong distances and I hope that both of us make it okay. I have an oldish car so I hope it lasts!

We managed to bring my town to a halt on Thursday night as the clutch cable on the car snapped and I had to drive it to the garage in second gear all the way! Although it was 10.00pm at night, a large queue formed behind me and then it stalled at a junction where there are roadworks anyway. A few cars overtook me (blaring their horns!) and then two cars stopped to help. Then the police arrived with all flashing lights as they didn't know what the hold-up was!! Thankfully one of the guys was a mechanic so he drove it to the garage while I got a lift in his girlfriend's car - due to the embarrassment, I may have to move house now!!

Today I looked at the cost of European breakdown insurance and it's very expensive. For my car just for my first trip away (3rd to 7th June) they quoted £72 which is well over $100.