Breakdown Cover: Everything You Need to Know

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance you take out in case your vehicle breaks down. It’s sometimes also called breakdown and recovery.

It can be useful if your car, van or motorcycle gets a flat car battery or a punctured tyre as well as more severe faults. Breakdown cover means you won’t be left stranded on the roadside without a working vehicle. If your breakdown insurer cannot repair your vehicle roadside they will tow you – called ‘recovery’ – somewhere that can fix it or to your home for you.

You can generally buy breakdown cover as an individual policy, however it’s also offered by some providers as part of your motor insurance. It can even come included with some bank accounts – you should check whether you’re getting breakdown cover from any other sources before taking it out.

There are a few variations of breakdown cover you’ll be able to purchase. You can choose between -

Personal or vehicle cover: Personal cover means the breakdown policy applies to you as an individual. This means you’ll be covered for any car if you’re driving or riding passenger, as long as it meets the requirements set out in your policy

Traditional or insurance-style cover: Traditional breakdown cover is where you pay a set amount, either monthly or annually, and in return you’re covered for everything outlined on your policy. Insurance style, also known as pay-and-claim, is where you pay up front.

When you take out a breakdown policy, you’ll usually have the option to add cover for misplaced keys or when you top up with the wrong fuel.