United Kingdom
Stay protected on the road with cover that keeps you moving when the unexpected happens. Whether you’re out and about in a car or motorbiking, you’ll feel at ease with the reassurance that help is on hand and in reach.
Having breakdown cover gives you tranquillity knowing there is roadside help available if your vehicle breaks down. A trained professional will be sent to you, and if the issue cannot be resolved on-site, your vehicle will be taken to a local garage.
As breakdowns do not occur at convenient times (or places), having the right cover means you will never be left stranded.
Whether you use a car, van, motorbike, or scooter, breakdown insurance ensures that help is only ever a phone call away.
You can select breakdown cover tailored to suit your lifestyle; you can choose cover for yourself or for a vehicle:
This cover is designed for you rather than your vehicle. You will be covered for any type of vehicle that your policy allows, when you are driving it or when you are a passenger. In some cases, it is possible to extend coverage to include people living at the same address as you, usually up to four individuals.
Ideal if:
1. You drive multiple vehicles
2. You give up control over vehicles within your household
This covers a particular vehicle, no matter who is driving at the time of breakdown. Anyone legally allowed to drive that vehicle can access assistance.
Ideal if:
1. You mostly drive one car
2. You have a family car that gets used by multiple drivers
The levels of cover vary between providers, but the main options you may be able to choose from are:
A mechanic will come to you if you break down, and if they can't fix the issue there, they will tow you to the nearest garage.
Will cover you if your vehicle won't start at home or within a short distance from your home.
If your issue cannot be fixed at the roadside, your vehicle can be towed anywhere in the UK.
If your vehicle cannot be repaired quickly, your cover assists you to continue your journey via courtesy car, hotel accommodation, or public transport.
Provides cover when you are driving in Europe (EU countries) with the option being for cars, vans, or bikes.
Selecting the right level of cover means balancing your driving behaviours and deciding whether you want a low-cost, basic policy or more comprehensive cover.
Many different providers will allow you to increase your policy with optional extras like:
To assist you with a punctured or damaged tyre.
Provides a new battery in the event your battery fails.
Car keys can be expensive to replace. This add-on steps in if yours are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Covers trailers, caravans or vehicles that are not standard vehicles.
To add multiple drivers or cars in one plan.
Assistance if you misfuel or run out of petrol/diesel.
Choosing the correct extras ensures you're facing more than just a breakdown.
Yes, breakdown cover provides peace of mind. One roadside call-out could cost more than a whole year’s premium. With cover, you know you can access help when you need it, and without the associated one-off costs.
Breakdown cover is often not included in standard car insurance polices, but in some instances, the insurer provides it as an additional optional extra.
You may also have a basic cover yourself, through other products – like packaged bank accounts or credit cards, but usually, this will be limited and not the best option. Always look through the small print to avoid duplication and ensure that the cover may suit your needs.
Breakdown coverage operates similarly to insurance; you take out a policy, and the type of cover you take out determines what type of assistance you will receive.
Pick a level of cover which suits your needs. You can get protection for a single vehicle or cover just yourself to drive any vehicle. You can also add additional extras like home start, onward travel, or parts and labour on some policies for added reassurance.
If you break down, just call your provider, and they will send a mechanic to attempt to fix the issue on-site. If it can’t be repaired on-site, your vehicle will most likely be towed to a nearby garage. If you have onward travel cover, you can also receive a courtesy car, accommodation overnight, or travel expenses to help you continue your journey.
The cost is dependent on several factors:
Level of cover
More comprehensive policies are more expensive and provide wider cover.
Type of cover
Personal cover is more affordable than cover for a specific vehicle.
Number of vehicles or people
Adding more vehicles or drivers will increase the premium.
Optional extras
Elements such as misfueling, key replacement or parts and labour change the premium.
It is not all about the lowest cost option; it is about selecting the cover that is most suitable for your driving habits.
Experiencing a breakdown without breakdown cover can be costly and very worrying. Some breakdown providers will allow you to join on the spot, but there is usually a high emergency fee, and you won’t benefit from normal policy rates.
If you do not currently have cover in place, you have a few choices:
Call a Breakdown Provider for pay-as-you-go Help
Some providers will help non-members, but expect to pay more for a one-off call-out.
Contact a Local Garage for Recovery
They may agree to tow or recover your vehicle to their workshop. You will depend on their workshop. You will depend on their opening hours, and additional charges can quickly add up.
Ask Friends or Family for Assistance
Realistically, this option may not be possible, depending on your circumstances, particularly late at night or far from home.
Having breakdown cover gives you comfort and security. You make one call, and help is on the way – with no worries about unexpected high bills.
Comparing policies with Clarity Compare is quick and easy:
Tell us your registration, journey dates and extras if you want to add any.
Compare your results from trusted providers in approximately three minutes.
Pay online and get covered immediately.
With Clarity Compare, you’ll find the right breakdown cover at the right price - so you can get on with your travel plans with confidence, no matter where you are going.
Breakdown cover includes roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down. Depending on your policy, it can include roadside repairs, towing to a garage, home start, onward travel, and European assistance.
Yes, car insurance protects you financially if you’re in an accident. In general, it doesn’t cover roadside assistance if your car breaks down. Breakdown cover is a separate service.
Personal cover protects you in any eligible vehicle, whether you’re driving or a passenger. Vehicle cover applies to one specific vehicle, no matter who’s behind the wheel.
Yes, most providers offer cover for cars, vans, motorbikes, and scooters. Always check eligibility when comparing policies.
No, European cover is usually offered as an optional add-on. If you plan to drive in Europe, make sure to include this in your policy.
The price varies based on your level of cover, whether you choose personal or vehicle cover, and any extras like key replacement or onward travel. Policies can start from just a few pounds per month.
Most policies allow multiple call-outs per year, though limits vary by provider. Always check your policy terms before buying.
Without cover, you may need to pay high emergency call-out fees. Some providers let you buy breakdown cover on the spot, but it’s usually more expensive.
Yes, many providers will provide the option for multi-car or family cover, which will cover multiple vehicles or drivers in one policy. This is often a cheaper option than purchasing separate policies.
Definitely, a single call-out can sometimes cost more than the cost of a year’s policy. Breakdown cover gives you peace of mind knowing that help is readily available when you need it most.