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Breakdown insurance (also known as breakdown cover) is an insurance policy that financially protects you if your vehicle breaks down due to mechanical or electrical faults while you're out on the road. It provides assistance from trained technicians who will either fix your vehicle at the roadside or tow it to a garage if a repair on the spot isn't possible.
With around 1 in 16 new cars breaking down in their first year, 1 in 7 when they're around 6 years old, and 1 in 5 when they're 9 years or older, breakdown insurance is a valuable policy to have no matter what age your vehicle is.
Unlike standard motor insurance, breakdown insurance does not cover accident damage, but it does mean you won't be left to arrange and pay for emergency assistance yourself.
When you take out breakdown cover, you pay a monthly or annual premium in exchange for cover. If your vehicle suffers a breakdown, your provider will send an engineer to help.
The level of cover you choose determines what's included but typical benefits may include:
In the first instance, a trained technician will attempt to fix your vehicle on the spot.
If your vehicle cannot be fixed roadside, it can be towed to a garage or destination of your choice.
Assistance if your vehicle fails to start at home or within a short distance from your address.
Such as European cover for trips abroad, alternative travel or overnight accommodation if your breakdown leaves you stranded.
Don't become stranded when your car, van, or bike breaks down. Find the best breakdown cover to suit your needs and compare policy quotes in just a couple of minutes.
Breakdowns can occur without warning whether due to a flat battery, engine failure, or other mechanical fault. In 2025, poor roads were to blame for an increase in vehicle breakdowns with the RAC attending 71 breakdowns a day due to potholes. With breakdown insurance, you know help is on the way no matter where you are on the UK's road network.
Get a QuoteYou never think it will happen to you, but breaking down and paying for roadside assistance or a recovery truck on the spot can be expensive, particularly if you're far from home or a garage. A breakdown policy can significantly reduce these costs.
Get a QuoteDifferent drivers need different levels of cover. Whether you make short local journeys or take long trips across the UK and Europe, there's a breakdown insurance option to fit your needs.
Get a QuoteThere are two main types of breakdown policies available to suit different needs and budgets:
This type of breakdown insurance is tied to a specific vehicle, rather than a driver. That means anyone driving the car, van, or bike at the time of a breakdown is covered.
This type of cover applies to a named driver rather than a specific vehicle. It's ideal if you regularly drive different cars, travel regularly or have multiple vehicles in your household.
From home start to European travel, make sure your vehicle is fully covered. Quickly and easily compare the best breakdown insurance deals today with just a few simple details.
Breakdown insurance premiums vary based on the level of cover you choose and any additional services you add. In the UK, basic policies can start from around £XX per year, while more comprehensive plans that include home start and nationwide recovery tend to cost more.
Level Of Cover (Basic, National Recovery, Home Start, European)
Any Optional Extras (Like Alternative Travel)
How often you drive and where you live
Whether you choose vehicle-specific or driver-based cover
Top Tips
Choose a policy that suits the way you drive and the vehicle you own. Whether you use your car, van, or bike for short everyday journeys or regular travel, comparing cover options can help you find the right balance of protection and value.
If you have several vehicles at the same address, a joint or multi-car policy can save money compared with separate policies for each vehicle.
To compare quotes from multiple providers, use MoneyExplorer. Just enter your vehicle details, tell us what you're looking for and we'll compare quotes from the UK's top breakdown cover providers.
Don't let a breakdown leave you stranded or out of pocket. Find the best breakdown cover for your needs with MoneyExplorer's comparison tool, providing you with cheap breakdown insurance quotes from multiple UK providers. Choose the level of support you need securing roadside assistance, recovery, and optional extras in minutes.
