Breakdown cover

The number of callouts you can make will depend on the breakdown cover you choose.

With some policies, you can make up to three callouts in a year. Policies that offer unlimited callouts are available too, but premiums for these may be higher.

However, some providers won’t cover you for repeat callouts for the same fault. Be sure to check the policy before you buy.

Simply choosing the cheapest breakdown cover policy might not give you the level of protection you need.

For example, if you’ve broken down far from home and don’t have national recovery, you’ll need to find a way to get your vehicle home. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay for somewhere to stay while it’s being repaired locally.

And policies that are cheaper to buy generally have a higher excess charge.

Here’s what to do if you break down:

• Park somewhere safe and turn on your hazard warning lights

• Get out of your vehicle through the passenger door

• If you have one, and it’s safe to do so, place a traffic warning triangle down

• Stay a safe distance from the carriageway

• Call your breakdown provider.

Keep your policy information in your vehicle or where you can easily find it on your smartphone.

In most cases, cover will start 24 hours after your payment has been accepted. But this can differ among breakdown cover providers, so check your policy conditions before you buy.

When you take out a policy, by law you’ll have a minimum 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period. During this time, you can cancel your breakdown cover without any charges.

Be aware that if you’ve used the service within those 14 days and decide to cancel, you won’t be given a refund.

If you want to cancel your policy after the cooling-off period, you might be charged a cancellation or administration fee. Check your policy details to see what charges there are for early cancellation.

If your vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside and you have basic roadside recovery, it will usually be towed to the nearest garage.

If you have national recovery cover, your vehicle can be towed to a location of your choosing in the UK.

If a family member breaks down and they’re covered by your breakdown policy, they should be able to get the same assistance as you.

If you take out personal cover, you can arrange for family members who live at the same address to be added to your policy.

If you have vehicle cover, your family member will be covered if they’re driving the named vehicle and it breaks down.

Most breakdown providers will also cover vans, if they’re under 3.5 tonnes.

If you use your van to get to work, it could be worth taking van breakdown cover to help you get back on the road with minimal disruption.

Compare the Market doesn’t currently compare van breakdown cover for business and commercial use. However, we do compare van breakdown cover for commuting and private use.

Yes, you can buy motorbike breakdown cover, which offers the same levels and features as a car breakdown policy.

Breakdown cover might not include:

• Repeat callouts for a recurring fault

• Routine maintenance

• A breakdown caused by neglecting a known fault

• Roadside assistance for an accident or breakdown that involves the emergency services.

There may also be conditions attached if you break down on private land.

​​​If you break down on a motorway, leave your pets inside the car for safety, where possible. If you have to take them out, keep dogs on a lead.

If your car can’t be fixed by the road, animals can usually travel in the recovery vehicle’s cab. They can also travel in your car if it’s being towed.

Having transferable pet travel carriers or restraints will help make sure your pet is transported safely.

When calling your breakdown provider for help, explain you have pets with you so the mechanic knows what to expect. Most recovery operators will try to accommodate pets; just try to keep your pet as calm and secure as possible.

​​​If your car is damaged during the breakdown service, you should point out the damage immediately. Take photos, write down what’s happened and report it to the breakdown provider straight away.

You’ll then need to contact the provider to find out how they can resolve the issue. If you’re not satisfied with their response, you’ll need to make a formal complaint.

Procedures for doing this will be set out in your policy.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to provide help in settling your case.

If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it’s important to make sure you arrange European breakdown cover before you leave the UK. And be aware that breakdown cover isn’t a replacement for European car insurance.

Some breakdown providers will cover vehicles of all ages, others will have restrictions on age. When comparing breakdown cover, you should check the policy terms and conditions for any limits.

Specialist classic car breakdown cover is also available.

Most breakdown providers will cover you for towing a caravan, although weight and size restrictions usually apply. Go above these and you’ll need additional cover before setting off.

Some providers offer specific breakdown cover for caravans and motorhomes if you’re a member of a caravanning club, such as The Camping and Caravanning Club UK. These policies often offer extra benefits, including no weight or size restrictions.