Breakdown Cover Explained: What to check before you buy

Back to guides
Breakdown Cover Explained: What to Check Before You Buy and the Different Types

Although we all hope to never experience a breakdown, unfortunately, the worst can happen. In those instances, it is vital to have breakdown cover for your vehicle to avoid further stress and expense.

Breakdown cover will protect you in the event of a mechanical break down and can ensure that you get the help you need to get moving again, whether at the roadside or a garage. Without this safety net, you could end up stranded on the road without a provider to contact for assistance, at any time of day or night. This could lead to expensive tow truck and mechanic costs, or a last-minute sign-up to a breakdown service provider, which will be far pricier than the cost of advance cover. It is far better for your stress levels and wallet to sign up for breakdown cover before an emergency, so that you can drive with peace of mind. Many providers will have introductory offers with good rates.

What to do before you buy a breakdown policy

Before you start your search for your perfect breakdown cover, check your bank, insurance provider, and car manufacturer, as they may offer this as an additional service.

  • Banks might have breakdown cover as a bonus for premium accounts, so it is worth checking if your account offers this as an extra.
  • Many car insurance policies include breakdown cover, and even if this is not the case for your provider, you can get a good deal by adding it on to an existing insurance policy.
  • As for car manufacturers, breakdown cover is sometimes added as a service when you buy a new car directly from them, and is almost always included with a lease car. A key benefit of manufacturers’ cover is that they will send you to a manufacturer approved garage for repairs, ensuring that your car is fixed by a mechanic with expert knowledge of the model.

If you have checked the details from your bank, insurance provider, and car manufacturer and found that you are not yet covered, there are plenty of breakdown cover options still available. Below we have listed the key types of breakdown coverage available, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Some content on this page may be sponsored. You can read more on our Editorial Code here. 

Types of Breakdown Cover

UK Breakdown Cover

As its name suggests, this type of cover applies for any breakdowns that occur in the UK. If you travel the UK extensively, make sure that your cover includes all areas of the UK, so that you are not caught out. It is also worth checking the details of your policy to check which specific scenarios are included: for example, not all providers are obligated to come to you in the event of flooding or heavy snow. Factor this into your decision making when choosing your breakdown cover provider.

*Get a quote from the AA here.

European Breakdown Cover

If you use your car to travel on the continent, be sure to purchase European breakdown cover whenever you take it to Europe. Your typical coverage will not extend to other countries, so take out a specific, European policy when necessary. Check coverage details for a list of countries included and for information on how rescue and repair work in a foreign country, including whether there are certain road types that are not covered (some coverage options will only rescue you on the main roads).

Family Breakdown Cover

For those of you that have several drivers in your household, family breakdown cover is a great option. It covers multiple people living at the same address and offers personal breakdown cover in any eligible vehicle, which often works out to be less expensive than taking out individual policies. Each family member gets the same level of coverage, no matter their age or driving experiences, therefore it is suitable for households with teenage or first-time drivers.

Commercial Breakdown Cover

A car that is used for work as well as leisure needs to be protected with additional breakdown coverage, specific to commercial use. If you already have breakdown cover, check your policy for details on business use, then look into adding commercial breakdown cover to your existing policy.

Multi-Car Breakdown Cover

Multi-car cover differs from family cover in that the policy applies to the vehicle, rather than the person driving it. Homes with more than one car would benefit from this type of coverage, which ensures you won’t get caught out if you are driving a different car than usual (if the car is covered in your policy, of course). It also means that all cars have the same level of coverage, so you don’t have to concern yourself with different rules for each different vehicle.

Next Steps

Once you have researched and purchased the right breakdown cover for you, there are a few next steps that you can take to reduce the stress of a potential breakdown. Prepare yourself and your vehicle with the following actions.

  • Take a photocopy of your policy details and keep it in your glovebox. Alternatively, take a picture of policy details on your phone and keep it saved in a dedicated folder for easy access.
  • Keep your phone fully charged and consider packing a portable charger in your car.
  • Store a torch in your vehicle in case of a nighttime breakdown, and a high visibility jacket to keep your visible to other road users in an emergency.
  • In the colder months, take a warm coat for every passenger and store blankets in your boot to stay warm if you break down.

With these tips in mind and a comprehensive breakdown cover policy, you can make a breakdown as stress-free and inexpensive as possible!

Read the latest motoring news

© Copyright 2025 Automate App Limited, 8th Floor South, Reading Bridge House, George Street, Reading, RG1 8LS

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Editorial Code