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The cost of breakdown cover depends on several factors that help providers assess the likelihood of a call-out and the level of assistance you may need. While some details, such as your vehicle’s age, can’t be changed, there are still ways to manage the cost of your policy.
Your vehicle’s age, mileage, fuel type and condition can affect the price. Older cars or vehicles with a history of mechanical issues are generally more likely to break down, which may increase premiums.
The level of cover you choose plays a big role in the cost. Basic roadside assistance is usually cheaper than policies that include national recovery, home start or onward travel.
Where you want cover to apply matters. UK-only breakdown cover is cheaper than policies that include European or overseas travel.
Optional extras can increase the price. Cover for caravans, trailers, electric vehicle recovery, or misfuelling assistance will usually raise your premium.
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What types of breakdown cover are there?
Breakdown cover isn’t one size fits all. There are different types of policies depending on whether you want cover for a specific vehicle or for people, regardless of the car they’re in. Understanding the options makes it easier to choose cover that fits your lifestyle and driving habits.
Vehicle Cover
Vehicle cover is linked to a specific car, van or motorcycle. It provides assistance if that vehicle breaks down, no matter who is driving it at the time. This type of cover is ideal if you’re the main driver of one vehicle or share a car with family members, as the vehicle itself is always protected.
Personal Cover
Personal cover protects you rather than a specific vehicle. You’re covered if you break down while driving or travelling in any vehicle, including someone else’s car or a hire vehicle. This is a good option if you regularly drive different cars or want flexibility beyond a single vehicle.
Family Cover
Family cover extends personal breakdown cover to multiple people living at the same address. It typically covers you and other named drivers, whether they’re driving their own cars or travelling in another vehicle. Family cover can be a cost-effective choice if more than one person in your household drives regularly.
Breakdown Cover FAQs
What is Breakdown Cover?
Breakdown cover helps if your vehicle won’t start or breaks down while you’re on the road. Depending on the policy you choose, it can cover roadside repairs, recovery to a garage, help at home, or even onward travel if your journey is disrupted.
Instead of paying expensive call-out fees when something goes wrong, breakdown cover gives you peace of mind that assistance is just a phone call away. Comparing policies makes it easy to find the right balance between cost and cover.
Roadside Assistance
The most basic level of breakdown cover. Roadside assistance provides help if your vehicle breaks down more than a set distance from your home (often a quarter of a mile). A mechanic will attempt to fix the problem at the roadside, or recover your vehicle to a nearby garage if it can’t be repaired.
Roadside + Home Start
Adds cover if your vehicle won’t start at home or nearby. Home start is ideal if your car often sits unused or you want protection for flat batteries, starter motor issues or other problems before you even begin your journey.
National Recovery
Offers the most flexibility within the UK. If your vehicle can’t be fixed, national recovery will transport you, your passengers and your vehicle to any destination in the country, not just the nearest garage. This is useful for long-distance drivers or frequent travellers.
Onward Travel & European Cover
Designed to keep you moving even if your car can’t. Onward travel may include a courtesy car, overnight accommodation, or public transport costs. European cover extends protection to trips abroad, offering breakdown assistance while driving outside the UK.
What does breakdown cover include?
Depending on the policy you choose, breakdown cover can include:
- Roadside repairs
- Vehicle recovery to a garage
- Home start assistance
- National recovery to any UK destination
- Onward travel (courtesy car, hotel or public transport)
European breakdown cover
Optional extras may also be available, such as:
- Electric vehicle recovery
- Caravan and trailer cover
- Key replacement
- Misfuelling assistance
Always check the policy details to see exactly what’s included.
How much is breakdown cover?
The price of breakdown cover varies based on:
- Your vehicle’s age and condition
- The type of cover you choose
- Whether you want UK-only or European cover
- Any optional extras you add
Basic roadside assistance is usually the cheapest option, while comprehensive policies with national recovery and onward travel cost more.
When comparing quotes, look at call-out limits, recovery distances and any exclusions, as these can vary significantly between providers.
Which breakdown cover is right for me?
The right policy depends on how you use your vehicle and how much reassurance you want.
If you mostly drive short distances, roadside assistance may be enough. If you travel long distances or rely heavily on your car, national recovery or onward travel cover could offer better peace of mind.
While price matters, don’t choose cover based on cost alone. Cheaper policies may have limits on call-outs or exclude certain situations. Comparing multiple providers helps you find reliable cover at the best price.
How can I get cheap breakdown cover?
Getting good value breakdown cover doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest option. Here are some ways to reduce costs while staying protected:
- Choose the right level of cover- Don’t pay for extras you don’t need
- Compare quotes – Prices and benefits vary between providers
- Avoid duplicate cover – Check if breakdown assistance is already included with your car insurance, warranty or bank account
- Pay annually – Annual payments are often cheaper than monthly plans
- Maintain your vehicle – Regular servicing can reduce the risk of breakdowns
Review your policy each year to make sure it still fits your needs.
Does breakdown cover include pre-existing faults?
Most breakdown policies won’t cover pre-existing faults, problems that existed before you took out the policy. This usually includes known mechanical issues, warning lights or faults you were aware of but hadn’t repaired.
Some insurers may still provide assistance, but they may not cover the cost of repairs or recovery related to those faults. Definitions vary, so it’s important to read the policy wording carefully.
Can I cover more than one vehicle?
Yes. Many providers offer multi-vehicle breakdown cover, allowing you to protect more than one car under a single policy. This can be more convenient and often works out cheaper than buying separate policies for each vehicle.
Who provides the Breakdown Cover quotes?
Breakdown Cover quotes are provided by Quotezone.co.uk, which is a trading name of Seopa Ltd, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Mustard.co.uk acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative (IAR) of Seopa Ltd. Mustard.co.uk’s role is limited to introducing customers to the comparison service and it does not provide insurance advice or arrange policies.
Seopa Ltd is only responsible for the insurance comparison service accessed via Quotezone. Seopa is not involved in car or van insurance quotation or distribution activity on this website.
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