Compare Car Breakdown Cover
- Looking for the top breakdown cover deals?
- Use our quick and easy comparison tool to compare all the leading breakdown brands
- Simply choose from the cover options below to tailor your policy and click the links provided to get a quote.
Choose your breakdown cover options
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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:
- Roadside assistance: Also known as a basic policy, Roadside Assistance helps you when the worst happens and you breakdown on the road. A mechanic will attempt to repair your car on the roadside. If they can’t repair it there and then, your car will be towed to a local garage or your home. Check individual policy details carefully for full details.
- Home Start: This level of cover protects you if your car won’t start at home or if you breakdown close to your home. If the distance from your home is too short, Roadside Assistance might not be there to help you. The specific distance will differ by provider.
- Onward Travel: This option allows you to make use of a hire car should your car need to be kept in the garage for repair. This could prevent you from being left stranded during important trips.
- National Recovery: Whether you’re on a business trip, staycation or visiting friends or relatives, National Recovery makes sure your car is fixed in a UK destination of your choice, whether that is in the area that you break down or closer to home. Some policies include compensation for accommodation and transportation for you and your passengers to your destination.
- European Recovery: When driving on the continent, European Breakdown Recovery will protect you if your car experiences a fault. This cover is available in single-trip and annual packages. Most policies will allow you to choose which countries you are covered in.
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
Do I already have breakdown cover?
You may have breakdown cover without knowing it. Breakdown cover is sometimes included during the purchase of a car. Also, your car insurance policy may provide you with breakdown cover, so it’s best to check. Some current bank accounts even list breakdown cover as a joining perk.
Should I buy packaged, or separate breakdown cover?
Most breakdown cover is pre-packaged, allowing individuals to choose suitable packages tailored to their requirements. Drivers can also purchase breakdown cover based on separate products and features. Deals and prices vary, so check before deciding on the one for you.
How do I choose between a basic or premium breakdown policy?
Drivers need to consider several factors before choosing the level of cover they would like in their policy. Frequency and distance of travel, car mileage and the likelihood of purchasing a new car in the near future are just a few things to have in mind.
How do I get cheap breakdown cover?
Simply put, if you want cheap breakdown cover, take time to look at the options and be sure you are only paying for what you need. You could choose to omit National Recovery if you only drive in your local area, for example.
Selecting a basic package is a logical option for some drivers, but this might not suit your needs if you travel a lot. Preventing avoidable breakdowns in adverse weather will also go a long way towards saving you money. See our complete guide to Saving Money on Breakdown Cover for more information
Another way to save on breakdown cover is by pushing back on brand loyalty. Money-conscious customers who take time to find deals and switch policies regularly will often save money.
What breakdown cover deals are available?
Rival firms frequently attempt to out-do each other with seasonal and special offers. We often see a flurry of deals come on to the market in early summer and early winter, just as the weather is changing.
Find the latest deals and offers available in our Breakdown Cover Comparison Table (above).
Should I choose the cheapest breakdown cover package?
The cheapest breakdown cover package is not always the best option and may cost you more in the long term. Basic policies don’t tend to include National Recovery or other features that you may need to cover the costs of repair.
Home Start is also excluded from many of the cheapest car breakdown policies, but can be essential if you live in a remote area and rely on your car for your livelihood. Furthermore, cheaper policies often have a hefty excess fee for callouts; in contrast, premium policies typically allow drivers to spread their costs.
There is no ‘one size fits all’ best approach here. The most important thing is that you choose the right package to cover you for all your regular activities as a driver.
Featured articles
Featured brands
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AA Breakdown Cover
Established in 1905, the AA is one of the best-known breakdown cover providers, with the UK?s largest in-house recovery fleet.
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AutoAid Breakdown
Owned byRight Choice Insurance Brokers (RCIB), AutoAid offer personal-based breakdown cover that comes with free cover for spouses (terms apply).
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Emergency Assist Breakdown Cover
Independent breakdown provider established in 2017. Emergency Assist provide low cost UK and European recovery membership.
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Euro Plus Breakdown Cover
European breakdown cover specialists offering cover on the continent provided by Allianz Global Assistance.
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Eversure Breakdown Cover
Eversure is an insurance intermediary that offers vehicle recovery services provided by National Breakdown.
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GEM Motoring Assist Breakdown Cover
Established in 1932, GEM is a personal breakdown cover provider that has been offering recovery assistance since 1978.
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Green Flag Breakdown Cover
One of the UK's leading recovery companies that works with a nationwide network of breakdown specialists.
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MotorEasy Breakdown Cover
MotorEasy aim to take the hassle out of car ownership by providing a range of products and services including UK and European breakdown membership.
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Nova Direct Breakdown Cover
Nova Direct is an insurance specialist - Policy Excess Insure Ltd providing a range of breakdown cover options.
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RAC Breakdown Cover
Long established motoring association that has been at the forefront of British vehicle recovery since the 19th century.
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Not found what you are looking for?
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2-Car Breakdown Cover
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Annual European Breakdown Cover
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Breakdown Cover for Older Cars
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Caravan Breakdown Cover
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Family Breakdown Cover
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Instant Breakdown Cover
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Joint Breakdown Cover
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Motorbike Breakdown Cover
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Multi-Car Breakdown Cover
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Onward Travel Breakdown Cover
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Personal Breakdown Cover
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Single Trip European Breakdown Cover
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Van Breakdown Cover
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Vehicle Breakdown Cover