Compare Car Breakdown Cover

How to choose a breakdown cover policy

Breakdown cover offers peace of mind that you will have someone to help get you moving again should you run into trouble on the roads. However, there is a wealth of choice available and breakdown cover packages can vary massively between providers making it tricky to decide which package best suits your car and driving habits.

Our frequently updated breakdown cover comparison table (above) gives you the latest price data for each product. The table presents the level of cover included in each package so you can take a look at a cross section of the market when making your choice.

We know that it helps to have as much information as possible before you make your decision. So in addition to the products above, we’ve added a bit more guidance below to help inform your choice.

Read through our tips before making your final decision and find the right policy for your needs. After all, no one wants to pay over the odds for rescue and recovery in case of an emergency.

The main types of breakdown cover

There are five most common types of breakdown cover. The level of cover you will receive depends on the policy you choose. Plans range from premium packages, which will often include all five levels of cover, to basic policies which offer Roadside Assistance and occasionally Home Start, depending on the provider.

The most common policies are:

For a more in-depth look at these read our guide to the main types of breakdown cover.

Choose the right breakdown cover for you

Choosing breakdown cover can seem initially complicated and stressful. But if you take some time to carefully consider your needs and driving habits, you should be able to find the right level of cover at a suitable price.

Savvy road users can get the best breakdown cover deals by analysing each breakdown policy bundle. Each policy bundle includes a unique combination of breakdown cover types priced accordingly. When reviewing your choices, simply cross off the cover options not necessary for your road use and choose your ideal policy from the remaining list of deals from leading UK breakdown cover providers.

Essential considerations

Regular UK business travellers may well need National Recovery to offer support if they break down a long way from home. On the other hand, motorists taking a summer holiday in Europe could benefit from a single trip policy rather than an annual policy – choosing a policy that matches your lifestyle can save you money in the long run.

It’s also important to consider how you pay for breakdown cover. Most commonly, drivers pay a yearly fee. But you can sometimes split the cost monthly. Some policies will offer 'pay and claim’ packages where you pay the bill for recovery and claim back your costs later. Consider your financial circumstances and which payment method suits you before committing to any plan.

It is also worth weighing up the differences between personal policies and vehicle policies. Personal Breakdown Cover provides cover for a named driver rather than a vehicle. This can be useful for families or those with multiple cars. However, Vehicle Cover can be cheaper for drivers with only one car or anyone sharing a car and will generally cover the car regardless of who is driving it so long as they meet the policy’s general criteria. You can find more information in our guide to compare the advantages and disadvantages of Personal Cover vs Vehicle Cover.

Consumers should be aware that not all breakdown providers offer the same service. When your car breaks down the level of service you receive will depend on the package you have chosen and your provider; some of the more established providers have their own fleet of mechanics ready to come to your aid, while others use a network of third-party recovery agents. Before making your policy choice it’s worth analysing which provider will be the most reliable when your car experiences problems.

Moreover, reading customer reviews can give you insight into which provider is appropriate for your needs. This can be especially valuable when researching a relatively new or unknown provider.

Choosing breakdown cover policies FAQs

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• 2-Car Breakdown Cover

• Annual European Breakdown Cover

• Breakdown Cover for Older Cars

• Caravan Breakdown Cover

• Family Breakdown Cover

• Instant Breakdown Cover

• Joint Breakdown Cover

• Motorbike Breakdown Cover

• Multi-Car Breakdown Cover

• Onward Travel Breakdown Cover

• Personal Breakdown Cover

• Single Trip European Breakdown Cover

• Van Breakdown Cover

• Vehicle Breakdown Cover