Does a Car Warranty Cover Breakdowns?
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Car warranties cover mechanical repairs: If a covered part fails, the warranty pays for the fix.
- Breakdown cover gets you moving again: It sends help when you're stuck at the roadside. It does NOT pay for repairs.
- You probably need both: A warranty fixes the car. Breakdown cover rescues you when it stops. Read our breakdown cover guide for more.
Many drivers think their car warranty covers breakdowns. It doesn't. And many think breakdown cover pays for repairs. It doesn't do that either.
Understanding the difference can save you money and stress. Let's clear things up.
What a Car Warranty Covers
A car warranty is like an insurance policy for your car's mechanical parts. If a covered component breaks, the warranty provider pays for the repair or replacement.
Typical warranty coverage includes:
- Engine: Internal components, gaskets, seals
- Gearbox: Manual and automatic transmission parts
- Electrics: Alternator, starter motor, window motors
- Cooling system: Water pump, thermostat, radiator
- Steering: Power steering pump, rack
- Suspension: Shock absorbers, springs (on some policies)
For a full list, see our guide on what car warranties cover.
What Breakdown Cover Does
Breakdown cover is a rescue service. When your car breaks down and you can't drive it, they send someone to help.
There are different levels:
| Level | What It Includes |
|---|---|
| Roadside assistance | Help at the roadside. Minor fixes to get you going again. |
| Recovery | Tow to a garage if the car can't be fixed at the roadside. |
| Home start | Help if your car won't start at home or near home. |
| Onward travel | Hire car, hotel, or taxi if your car needs to stay at a garage. |
| European cover | Breakdown assistance when driving abroad. |
Breakdown cover does NOT pay for the actual repair. It just gets you and your car to safety.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Car Warranty | Breakdown Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Pays for repairs? | Yes (covered parts only) | No |
| Sends roadside help? | No | Yes |
| Tows your car? | No | Yes |
| Covers wear and tear? | Rarely | Not applicable |
| Typical cost | £20–£60/month | £5–£20/month |
Do You Need Both?
In most cases, yes. Here's why:
- Your car breaks down on the motorway. Breakdown cover sends a patrol to rescue you. The warranty doesn't help here.
- Your engine develops a fault. The warranty pays for the repair. Breakdown cover doesn't.
- Your car won't start at home. Home start cover gets you going. The warranty handles the underlying repair.
Some warranty providers bundle breakdown cover into their packages. Check before buying separate policies.
Think of it this way: breakdown cover is for emergencies. A warranty is for repairs. Together, they keep you covered.
How to Save Money on Both
- Bundle them: Some providers (like the RAC and AA) offer combined warranty and breakdown packages at a discount.
- Check your bank account: Some bank accounts include free breakdown cover.
- Check your car insurance: Some policies include breakdown assistance as an add-on.
- Compare prices: Don't just renew. Shop around every year.
Final Thoughts
A car warranty and breakdown cover serve different purposes. A warranty pays for repairs when things go wrong. Breakdown cover rescues you when you're stuck.
If you're buying a used car, consider both. And always run a car history check before you buy. It could save you from buying a car with hidden problems that no warranty will cover.
Read our other articles:
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