Is Breakdown Cover Worth It?

Imagine cruising down the motorway, listening to music, and enjoying the scenery. Suddenly, your car sputters and loses power. Or maybe you hear a sudden thump, followed by the unmistakable sound of your tyre deflating. You barely manage to pull over to the side of the road.

In situations like these, a great breakdown cover company can be your knight in shining armour. It can rescue you from a potential roadside nightmare and get you back on the road quickly and safely.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about breakdown cover, including how it works, the different types of cover available, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Breakdown cover is a special type of insurance policy that offers logistical and even financial assistance when your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down on the road, whether due to a flat tyre, engine trouble, or something as simple as running out of fuel. Roadside breakdown cover saves you the cost of rescue and ensures you’re not stranded on the road.

Breakdown is typically available as a standalone policy from a speciality breakdown provider or as an add-on to your car insurance.

With breakdown cover, you pay a regular premium (monthly or annually) and, in return, receive prompt assistance in the event of a breakdown.

Most breakdown cover companies provide a 24/7/365 helpline. If you experience car trouble, all you have to do is reach out. A patrol will assess the situation and arrange for the necessary assistance. They may send a mechanic to fix your car on the roadside, a truck to tow your vehicle to a nearby garage, or arrange alternative transportation for you and your passengers or overnight accommodation.

The specific process and level of service depend on your chosen level of coverage.

For many drivers, having breakdown cover offers peace of mind and practical benefits that outweigh the cost.

While the final decision is yours, here are some scenarios where having this safety net makes a lot of sense:

If you’re unsure whether you need breakdown cover, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and purchase it. Even with a relatively new car, unexpected breakdowns can still happen.

Here are some key benefits of breakdown cover that make it worthwhile:

There are 2 primary categories of breakdown cover: personal breakdown cover and vehicle breakdown cover.

Within these 2 categories, you can choose from 5 different levels of cover.

Breakdown cover usually addresses a variety of issues that can lead to car breakdowns and journey disruptions.

Breakdown policies often have specific exclusions. Knowing these can help you avoid surprises during a roadside emergency. Here’s what breakdown cover typically does not include:

In addition to the standard services included in breakdown cover, many providers offer a range of add-ons that can provide additional protection and peace of mind. We’ve already mentioned some of them, but here’s a concise list of the most common add-ons:

Numerous companies offer breakdown cover in the UK. Below are a few of the top options.

LV= offers 5 levels of breakdown cover: Roadside Assist, Roadside and Home Assist, UK Recovery, UK Recovery and Home Assist, and UK & European Assist.

LV= is one of the most affordable breakdown companies in the UK, with prices starting at just £33 per year. The company has a network of over 4,000 professionals to assist drivers across the UK.

In a 2024 What Car? Survey, LV= was ranked the best breakdown provider for reaching stranded motorists. The company’s patrols arrived at 78% of broken-down cars in less than an hour. In the same survey, LV= also scored the highest marks for successfully repairing vehicles on the roadside.

✍️ Have you used this breakdown cover? Share a rating and review for LV= on Review Centre.

The RAC provides various breakdown policies (including speciality breakdown cover), such as van breakdown, multi-car breakdown, family breakdown, and business breakdown cover.

Each policy offers a choice of 3 coverage levels: Basic, Extra and Complete. The Basic plan includes 24/7 roadside assistance and recovery up to 10 miles. The Extra includes features in the Basic plan plus national recovery, while the Complete plan adds extra services, such as unlimited callouts, At Home Assistance, and a free MOT.

Motorists can customise their policy with optional extras such as onward travel and battery, tyre, and key replacement.

The RAC claims to fix 4/5 cars on the spot. Customers also receive several free perks, including a car health check, a legal helpline, and access to a mobile app that helps you find cheap places to fuel.

✍️ Have you used this breakdown cover? Share a rating and review for the RAC on Review Centre.

The AA is a leader in the UK breakdown industry, with an impressive 40% market share and more mobile patrols than any other provider.

The AA offers 4 main types of breakdown cover: single personal cover, joint personal cover, family cover, and vehicle cover. All plans include standard roadside assistance and unlimited callouts. You can customise your policy further with optional extras like national recovery, home assist, onward travel, and parts and garage cover.

✍️ Have you used this breakdown cover? Share a rating and review for the AA on Review Centre.

Green Flag offers several breakdown cover options, from basic roadside assistance to more comprehensive plans, including national recovery, home assistance, and even European Rescue. It also provides speciality coverage for different types of automobiles, including electric car breakdown, caravan breakdown, motorhome breakdown, and motorbike breakdown cover.

Green Flag has a patrol network of over 3,000 technicians and claims to get to breakdowns in under an hour on average. It also offers unlimited callouts if it’s not for the same issue within 28 days.

A unique perk of using this company is that if you find yourself stranded in a place with no network, you can request help via satellite on your iPhone.

✍️ Have you used this breakdown cover? Share a rating and review for Green Flag on Review Centre.

Rescuemycar.com is one of the cheapest breakdown cover providers in the UK. Prices start at a low £16 annually or about £1.30 monthly.

The company offers several levels of cover, including local rescue (with excess), national and home rescue, national and home rescue (with excess), and European Rescue. You can also get a comprehensive policy that includes all the above features.

Rescuemycar.com has a network of more than 4,000 recovery operators nationwide. Since its inception, it has assisted more than half a million motorists in getting back on the road.

✍️ Have you used this breakdown cover? Share a rating and review for Rescuemycar.com on Review Centre.

Here are some key factors to consider when shopping for breakdown coverage or comparing providers:

Coverage options

Most breakdown providers offer roadside assistance as standard. However, some might not provide onward travel or European rescue, or these options might be available only as optional extras. Confirm that the provider you’re interested in offers all the coverage options you need for your circumstances. Additionally, prioritise providers who allow you to customise your policy to your specific needs.

Response times

Research each provider's average response time. Some providers even offer a response time guarantee. Use online customer reviews, feedback, or industry surveys to confirm that they meet those timeframes.

Exclusions

All breakdown providers have some exclusions or limitations (such as the number of callouts per year, car age, and mileage). Confirm each provider’s exclusions to avoid unpleasant surprises down the road, and prioritise providers whose exclusions seem fair and not overly restrictive.

Value-added services or membership perks

Some providers offer additional perks, such as car maintenance or parts discounts, free car health checks, MOTs, etc. These extras can enhance the overall value of your policy.

Cost and value

Compare prices across providers, but don’t just focus on the lowest premium. Evaluate the value offered for the cost, such as the scope of coverage and included benefits.

Customer reviews and ratings

Check online reviews and ratings to assess customer satisfaction. Look for feedback on service reliability, professionalism, and claim handling.

Network

Consider the provider’s network of recovery vehicles and technicians. An extensive network often translates to faster service and better reliability.

Recommendations and referrals

Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations based on their experiences. Personal referrals can provide insights into the provider’s reliability and quality of service.

The cost of breakdown cover varies widely depending on factors like the level of cover and the provider. Generally, basic roadside assistance plans can start as low as £25 per year (or even less). In contrast, more comprehensive policies with features like nationwide recovery, home start, onward travel, and European rescue can reach £250+ per year.

If you break down without breakdown cover, you’ll be responsible for arranging your rescue and covering any associated expenses, including roadside repairs and recovery.

Some companies offer pay-as-you-go services, but this can be expensive compared to having a breakdown policy. For example, a one-off callout can cost anywhere from £100 to £300, depending on the service needed and your location.

Some car insurance policies may include basic roadside assistance as an add-on or as part of a comprehensive plan. Check your policy documents or call your car insurance company to confirm.

In addition, if your vehicle is relatively new, it might still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, which often includes free roadside assistance for a set period. Contact your dealership or review your warranty details for more information.

In less urgent situations, you might be able to call a friend or family member to assist you. They could help transport you, provide tools, or tow your vehicle to a safe location if they have the necessary equipment.

Breakdown cover is a practical investment for most vehicle owners, especially those who prioritise convenience, safety, and financial predictability. It can provide significant peace of mind and potentially save you money in the long run. If you travel long distances, drive an old vehicle, or rely heavily on your car for work or family commitments, the benefits of having breakdown cover can outweigh the cost.

Conversely, if you rarely drive, have a new car with a comprehensive warranty, and are comfortable with the potential risks of a breakdown, you may decide you don’t need breakdown cover.

Ultimately, the final decision is yours. Assess your circumstances to determine if breakdown cover is worth it.

No, breakdown cover is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, having it can provide peace of mind and save you from expensive recovery costs in the event of a breakdown. It's highly recommended for most motorists.

It depends on the type of policy and the provider. Some providers or policies offer unlimited callouts for roadside assistance, while others may limit the times you can request assistance per year. Always check the terms of your coverage for specifics.

Some providers offer immediate breakdown cover, which means you can use your policy immediately after purchase. However, most impose a waiting period of up to 24 hours after signing to prevent potential policy abuse.