Breakdown Cover
Learn how breakdown cover works, the types of cover available, and what to consider so you can drive with confidence on UK roads.
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What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown Insurance provides protection against unexpected vehicle breakdown.
Roadside Assistance can help to fix your car or van when away from home. If a roadside fix is not possible, your vehicle can be towed either to your home or garage.
Some Breakdown Cover policies include Home Assistance, meaning a mechanic can be sent to your address if your vehicle will not start.
Onward travel can sometimes be provided within Breakdown Insurance to help minimise travel disruptions, providing you with alternative arrangements if your vehicle breaks down.
Ready to get a free quote and compare your breakdown cover options?
Types of breakdown cover
Breakdown cover you can choose to insure yourself or a vehicle. Many providers let you add up to four vehicles or four people on one policy, as long as they’re registered to the same address.
Personal cover
Personal cover insures you as a named driver, not a specific vehicle. You can call for breakdown help in any vehicle that meets your policy conditions, even if it isn’t your own.
Vehicle cover
Vehicle cover insures one specific car, van or motorbike. Anyone who has the owner’s permission to use that vehicle is covered if it breaks down.
Ready to get a free quote and compare your breakdown cover options?
What can breakdown cover include?
Depending on the type of cover you choose, some of the following may be included.
If your vehicle breaks down or doesn’t start while it’s still at home
If it can’t be repaired roadside, your vehicle can be taken anywhere in the UK
Breakdown cover while you’re driving in Europe
Help to keep you moving if your vehicle can’t be fixed
Roadside assistance if you break down while you’re out on the road
Hugo’s helpful notes:
The scope of coverage is dependent on the insurance provider you choose. Please carefully read insurance policy wording to understand what is covered and what is excluded in your breakdown cover policy.
The insurance comparison service here is being provided by Seopa Ltd, who are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 313860). Protect Line Ltd will receive a commission for introductions made to insurers which result in a policy being purchased.
FAQs
Got questions about breakdown cover? Here are some of the most common ones.
How can I get cheap breakdown cover?
If you are looking for cheap breakdown insurance, you might find it better to compare fixed-price premiums compared to calculated premiums.
You can also ensure you are only paying for breakdown cover features which you’ll benefit from to cut costs – there is no point in paying for European Cover if you have no intention of leaving the UK during the policy term.
If you choose the pay and claim option over standard breakdown insurance you could also reduce the annual premium, but the trade-off may be a lower level of service.
The insurance comparison service here is being provided by Seopa Ltd, who are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 313860). Protect Line Ltd will receive a commission for introductions made to insurers, which result in a policy being purchased.
The information contained within this page is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
Read moreHow should I compare breakdown cover policies?
When comparing breakdown policies narrow the options to only include the features you want. For example, European cover may be convenient if you drive across the continent a lot, but not if you only drive in the UK. Onward Travel is great if you commute for work, but it could be unnecessary if you drive more for leisure.
It’s important you take a note of any policy exclusions, as neglecting this aspect could lead to unpleasant surprises in the future. There are annual or policy limits on the number of call-outs each year and vehicle weight limits. Human error incidents such as lost keys, running out of fuel, or flat battery due to lights being left are sometimes not included. Some policies also do not provide cover for wheel changes, so it’s the driver’s responsibility to have a roadworthy spare with them and the appropriate accessories.
The insurance comparison service here is being provided by Seopa Ltd, who are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 313860). Protect Line Ltd will receive a commission for introductions made to insurers, which result in a policy being purchased.
The information contained within this page is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
Read moreWhat’s the difference between ‘standard’ and ‘pay and claim’ cover?
With standard breakdown cover the driver tends to choose the level of coverage that is right for their needs, and pays an annual fee which entitles the driver to a number of breakdown call-outs for the following year with no additional charge.
With pay and claim cover there is still an annual fee to pay and an additional fee is usually paid to the assistance provider on call-out. Depending on the individual scenario, the additional fee can be reimbursed by the insurance provider, depending on the terms of the policy.
The insurance comparison service here is being provided by Seopa Ltd, who are regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA FRN 313860). Protect Line Ltd will receive a commission for introductions made to insurers, which result in a policy being purchased.
The information contained within this page is for editorial purposes only and not intended as financial advice.
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