Car Breakdown Cover UK: Do You Need It and Which Is Best?

Summary

• Breakdown cover starts from about £30/year. That's much less than a single callout without cover.
• The main providers are AA, RAC, and Green Flag. Banks and insurers also offer it.
• Roadside cover is the minimum. Recovery, home start, and onward travel are worth adding.

Nobody plans to break down. But around 1 in 3 UK drivers will need roadside assistance each year. Breakdown cover means you're not stranded with a huge callout bill.

Here's what you need to know about choosing the right cover.

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Levels of Breakdown Cover

Level	What It Covers	Typical Cost
Roadside	Repair at the roadside (not at home)	£30 - £60/year
Roadside + Home Start	Also covers breakdowns at your home	£50 - £80/year
Roadside + Recovery	Tow to a garage if roadside repair fails	£60 - £100/year
Full Cover	Roadside + home + recovery + onward travel	£80 - £150/year

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Main UK Providers Compared

AA (Automobile Association)

• The largest breakdown provider in the UK
• Excellent roadside repair rate (around 80% fixed at the scene)
• Higher prices but strong reputation

RAC

• Second largest provider
• Similar repair rates to AA
• Often slightly cheaper, especially for new members

Green Flag

• Uses local garages instead of its own fleet
• Usually the cheapest option
• Can be slower to attend in some areas

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Do You Need Breakdown Cover?

Consider these points:

Yes, get cover if:

• Your car is older (more likely to break down)
• You drive long distances or on motorways
• You wouldn't know how to fix a basic problem yourself
• You drive alone frequently
• You couldn't afford a £150-£300 callout bill

Maybe not if:

• Your car is new and under warranty (some include breakdown cover)
• Your bank account or insurance already includes breakdown cover
• You rarely drive

Check your bank account: Many packaged bank accounts include breakdown cover. You might already have it and not know.

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Person-Based vs Vehicle-Based Cover

There are two types:

• Personal cover: Covers YOU in any car (including as a passenger). Good if you drive different vehicles.
• Vehicle cover: Covers the specific car, regardless of who's driving. Good if multiple people drive your car.

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Tips to Save Money on Breakdown Cover

1. Don't auto-renew: The renewal price is almost always higher than a new customer deal. Shop around each year.
2. Call to cancel: Ring up to cancel and they'll often offer a much better price to keep you.
3. Check existing cover: Your car insurance, bank account, or credit card may already include breakdown assistance.
4. Consider home start: A flat battery at home is the most common breakdown. Home start cover is worth adding.

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What to Do When You Break Down

1. Pull over safely as soon as possible.
2. Turn on your hazard lights.
3. If on a motorway, get out on the passenger side and stand behind the barrier.
4. Call your breakdown provider.
5. Stay safe and visible — wear a hi-vis vest if you have one.

Keep your car well-maintained to reduce the chances of breaking down. Read our car servicing guide for tips.

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Breakdown cover is cheap peace of mind. For less than £1 a week, you know that help is always a phone call away. Don't wait until you're stranded on a cold, dark motorway to wish you'd signed up.

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