What is Breakdown Cover?

Breakdown Cover insurance (also known as roadside assistance or breakdown insurance) is a type of coverage that helps drivers in the event their vehicle breaks down while on the road.

It provides a range of services aimed at getting you back on the road quickly or helping you manage the situation if the car cannot be fixed immediately.

Breakdown Cover can often be purchased as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on to your car insurance.

Key Inclusions of Breakdown Cover:

1. Roadside Assistance:
   • If your vehicle breaks down, the breakdown service will send a technician to your location to try to fix the issue on the spot.
   • This might include minor repairs, such as changing a flat tire or jump-starting a dead battery.
2. Towing to a Garage:
   • If the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, it will typically be towed to a nearby garage for more extensive repairs.
   • Some policies may limit the distance the vehicle can be towed or the number of miles covered.
3. Home Start:
   • If your vehicle breaks down at or near your home, some breakdown cover policies will send assistance to help get your car started.
   • This is helpful if you’re unable to get your car started after an overnight issue, like a flat battery.
4. Onward Travel:
   • This includes providing you with alternatives to continue your journey. Options could include:
     • A hire car
     • A taxi to your destination
     • Public transport costs
     • Accommodation costs if you’re stranded overnight
   • Onward travel benefits vary by policy and can be subject to limits.
5. Replacement Vehicle:
   • Some breakdown policies offer a temporary replacement vehicle if yours is off the road for an extended period, typically while waiting for repairs to be completed.
6. Emergency Fuel:
   • If you run out of fuel, some policies provide emergency fuel delivery to your location to help you get back on your way.
7. Puncture Repair or Tyre Replacement:
   • If you have a flat tire and don’t have a spare, some policies will arrange for it to be fixed or replaced on the spot.
8. Battery Jump-Start or Replacement:
   • In the event of a flat battery, the breakdown cover will often provide a jump-start. Some providers may also arrange a new battery if needed.

How does breakdown cover work?

1. Purchase Breakdown Cover

You purchase breakdown cover from an insurer or service provider, either as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on to your car insurance. You choose the level of cover you want (e.g., basic roadside assistance, national coverage, or comprehensive cover) and pay a premium.

2. Breakdown Occurs

If your vehicle breaks down, you stop safely at the side of the road or in a safe place. It’s important not to attempt repairs yourself if you’re not safe to do so.

3. Call the Breakdown Service

• You call the breakdown service’s helpline, which is usually available 24/7. You will need to provide the following information:
  • Your location (usually the exact address or GPS coordinates)
  • The make and model of your vehicle
  • A description of the problem, if you know what caused the breakdown (e.g., flat tire, engine failure, or flat battery)

Some breakdown providers also offer a mobile app, so you can easily request help with just a few taps.

4. The Breakdown Service Arrives

• A recovery technician is dispatched to your location, and they will arrive as soon as possible. Depending on your cover level, they will either attempt a repair at the roadside or arrange for your vehicle to be towed.
• The technician might attempt to:
  • Perform basic repairs (e.g., replace a flat tire or jump-start the battery)
  • Diagnose the problem and, if it’s minor, try to get the vehicle running again.

What types of breakdown cover are there?

Can I get breakdown cover with car insurance?

Many car insurance providers offer breakdown cover as an optional add-on to your policy. It can be purchased at the time of getting car insurance or added later.

The coverage typically includes roadside assistance, towing, and sometimes onward travel.

However, the level of cover may vary, so it’s important to check the details. Alternatively, you can also buy standalone breakdown cover from a specialist provider.

Is breakdown cover worth it?

Breakdown cover is worth it for many drivers, especially those who travel long distances or drive older cars. It offers peace of mind, knowing you’ll have assistance if your vehicle breaks down.

It can save you time and money on towing and repairs, plus extra services like onward travel. If you don’t have roadside assistance through your car insurance, it’s a valuable addition. Overall, it reduces stress in emergency situations and helps keep you on the road.

How many call-outs can I make in the year?

The number of call-outs you can make in a year depends on your breakdown cover policy. Most providers offer unlimited call-outs for basic assistance, while others may impose limits, such as three to five call-outs annually.

There can also be restrictions on the type of breakdowns covered, or additional charges for repeated call-outs within a short period.