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What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is a service that comes to your aid if your vehicle stops working due to a mechanical or electrical fault.
You'll call a number, and your breakdown provider will send a mechanic who will either fix the car at the roadside or recover it. There are two main categories of breakdown cover:
- Vehicle cover: Covers a specific vehicle, regardless of who is driving.
- Personal cover: Covers a named individual in any vehicle they are driving or are a passenger in.
The RAC notes that common car breakdowns are most frequently caused by battery failure, tyre punctures, alternator issues, fuel problems, and engine overheating. Other major causes include worn clutches, electrical faults, and neglected maintenance, such as low oil levels or broken timing belts.
New cars have a 6% chance of breaking down, but this rises to 20% for nine-year-old cars and 25% for 11-year-old cars, says Green Flag.
To ensure your car is running smoothly and to reduce the risk of breakdown, you should:
- Service your car. Most cars should be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, says the RAC
- Check the battery isn't too old and the terminals are clean
- Check tyre pressure and tread regularly
- Check oil and coolant levels regularly.
Why choose breakdown cover with Uswitch?
Uswitch helps you quickly compare quotes and policies from a wide range of top UK providers all in one place. Here are just some of the reasons you should compare with us:
- Impartial results
Our comparison is independent, showing you quotes based on your needs, not pushing any single provider
- Find the right level of coverAdd body copy here. Keep it short and clear. Aim for max 250 characters.
- Save time and money
Comparing multiple quotes instantly is the quickest way to check prices and features and ensure you're not overpaying
- Trusted and authoritative
Uswitch is an established and trusted brand, making it easy to find a policy that offers peace of mind at a competitive price.
What are the different types of breakdown cover?
Finding the right type of breakdown cover is crucial so you can ensure all your needs are covered. Some types of breakdown cover include:
Roadside assistance
This is the most basic level, covering mechanics coming to you if you break down more than a quarter-mile from home.
At home (home start)
This covers breakdowns on your driveway or within a short distance of your home.
National recovery
This allows for towing to any destination in the UK, such as your home or a local garage, if the car can't be fixed at the roadside.
Onwards travel
This helps you continue your journey with options like a hire car, public transport costs, or overnight accommodation if your car cannot be fixed quickly.
European cover
This provides assistance if you break down while driving in Europe.
"The right breakdown cover depends on how you use your car. Drivers who travel longer distances may benefit from national recovery or onwards travel, while those making shorter trips might only need basic roadside assistance. Comparing policies helps ensure you’re not paying for cover you’re unlikely to use."
Can I get breakdown cover with car insurance?
Breakdown cover doesn't usually come as standard with car insurance, but some providers may offer it as an optional extra. This will come at an extra cost, though.
Adding it to insurance is often cheaper and easier to manage than a standalone policy. But before adding it, check if your bank account or car manufacturer already provides it.
What extras can I add to my breakdown cover?
There are several optional extras you can add on to your breakdown cover:
- Key replacement
Covers the cost of replacing your car keys if they’re lost or stolen.
- Fuel cover
Provides assistance if you accidentally put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, including draining the tank.
- Family breakdown cover
Extends protection to named family members when they’re driving or travelling as a passenger in an eligible vehicle.
- Special vehicles cover
Designed for non-standard vehicles, offering roadside assistance, towing and recovery for motorhomes, horseboxes, classic cars or commercial vans.
- Battery replacement
Pays for a new battery if your existing one can’t be recharged at the roadside.
- Tyre replacement
Helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing punctured or damaged tyres following a breakdown.
How much is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover typically costs between £20 and £100+ per year, with basic, entry-level roadside assistance starting from around £20-£30 annually. Costs depend on coverage levels (roadside, home start, and national recovery), vehicle age, and provider.
How to get cheaper breakdown cover
Finding a good deal on breakdown cover starts at the comparison process - comparing car isnurance providers is the best way to find the cheapest cover that suits your individual needs. The quote process is quick and simple, meaning you can find a great deal in just a few minutes.
To save money on breakdown cover, you can:
Consider a higher voluntary excess
Choosing a higher voluntary excess can reduce your premium, but make sure it’s still an amount you can comfortably afford if you need to claim.
Pay annually
Paying for your cover in one upfront annual payment is often cheaper than spreading the cost in monthly installments, which may include interest charges.
Adjust coverage level
If you don’t need extras like home start or onwards travel, opting for basic roadside assistance can help reduce your overall cost.
Vehicle vs personal cover
Covering a specific vehicle is usually more cost-effective than personal cover, especially if you mainly drive one car.
Look for a no-claims discount
If you’ve built up a claim-free history, you may be eligible for a discount that reduces the cost of your policy.
Breakdown cover FAQs
What should I do if I break down?
Immediately turn on hazard lights and try to move to a safe space off the carriageway, such as the hard shoulder, a verge, or a service station. Turn the wheels to the left, exit via the passenger side, stand behind a safety barrier, and call for assistance.
Turn on sidelights if it is dark or foggy, and never try to fix your vehicle on the hard shoulder or in a live lane. If trapped in a live lane, turn on hazards, keep your seatbelt on, and immediately call 999.
For non-emergencies, call your breakdown provider. If you have no cover, call a provider for pay-as-you-go help or a local towing service.
What if I break down abroad?
If you break down abroad, safely pull over, use hazard lights, put on high-vis jackets, and contact your breakdown provider's European helpline (often 24/7) to arrange for a local mechanic. Use the European emergency number 112 if you don't have a specific breakdown service number for the country you are in.
If you have European breakdown coverage, they will fix it roadside or tow it to a local garage and cover partial accommodation or repatriation costs.
Can I get breakdown cover for multiple vehicles?
Yes, you can get breakdown cover for multiple vehicles. An easy way to do this is by taking out a multi-car insurance policy that offers breakdown cover. This allows you to cover 2-4 vehicles (sometimes up to 5) under the same policy. This is generally more cost-effective than having multiple separate policies but often requires all vehicles to be registered at the same address.
