Caravan and Trailer Breakdown Cover

If your towing a caravan then you are most likely heading off on holiday. A vehicle breakdown before you have even started your trip can lead to many other problems, such as missing a ferry or campsite check-in being closed. Which is why you need to get back on the road as soon as you can. Not all breakdown providers will offer policies which include caravan and trailer towing, so have a look at our information below for a few things to watch out for.

What to look out for?

• Getting moving again will definitely be high on your priority list. Average call out times have reduced dramatically and you should expect to be reached within 40 minutes. Many companies now offer a money back guarantee if they take longer than 1 hour to reach you.
• You want to make sure that your caravan will also be towed with your vehicle if it can’t be fixed at the roadside, so watch out for any nasty clauses which may leave your caravan stranded.

What’s not included?

• Height and weight restrictions will normally apply to caravan and trailer cover. Make sure you know the limits you are allowed to have in order to receive breakdown cover. Restrictions will differ between providers so make sure you read the terms and conditions before you accept the policy.
• Although your trailer or caravan might be covered if you are towing it at the time of breakdown, you will most likely need extra cover if you breakdown in Europe. Make sure you have European Breakdown cover if you are planning a trip abroad.

Rules for driving whilst towing

• You are not allowed to exceed 50mph on a single carriage way and 60mph on a duel carriage way.
• You are not allowed to use the outside lane on a 3 or more lane motorway.
• If you are towing a trailer with no brakes, the weight you should carry is limited to 50% of the kerb weight of the vehicle that is towing.
• If you are towing a larger trailer with brakes, the weight should not exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the vehicle that is towing.
• If you passed your driving test after 1st Jan 1997 you may be required to pass additional driving test to tow. Find out more at DVLA
• You should have your caravan, trailer or horse box serviced before you put it on the road.
• You may need extended mirrors which allow you to see around the vehicle you are towing, if you are towing a large caravan or trailer.
• Be aware that stopping times and distances are increased with extra weight, so begin to slow in advance.

For more information on how to avoid breaking down, common reasons for breakdown call-outs and what you should do in the event of a breakdown with a caravan, have a look at our breakdown tips page

Recommended Caravan Breakdown Providers

Here are some of the breakdown providers which offer breakdown cover when you are towing a caravan or trailer.

The AA will tow your caravan or trailer as long as it was attached to your vehicle when you broke down. If you are looking for European breakdown cover, then there may be additional supplements charged if you are looking to tow a caravan or trailer.

Cover starts from £30

Breakdown Direct offer four different levels of UK breakdown cover, with one policy covering your vehicle in Europe. You can also purchase short trip breakdown cover from £12.45 per day.

Caravan and trailer cover is added for free to all the policies they provide. They also offer a 14 day money back guarantee if you decide the policy isn’t right for you.

Cover starts from £26.95

Green Flag will cover any caravan or trailer being towed as long as it meets The Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 standards, and is fitted with a standard 50mm tow ball. It must also meet size and weight restrictions and have been towed by the insured vehicle.

The weight of the caravan or trailer when loaded must not be more than the kerb weight of the vehicle towing it.

Cover starts from £25

RAC breakdown will recover any vehicle that is towing a trailer or caravan at the time of breakdown, but only up to a maximum overall length of 7.6 metres.

If it’s your caravan or trailer that has broken down at the roadside and RAC cannot repair it, they will arrange for it to be recovered, however, they will not pay for it.

Cover starts from £29