We're trusted
We've been around since 1993 and are the UK's most recommended price comparison website
Breakdown cover
Compare cheap quotes on roadside assistance.
Compare breakdown cover from 14^ trusted UK providers
Find the best breakdown cover policy for you by comparing deals from leading UK insurers
Affordable Cover you Can Trust
Why Choose Start Rescue?
As the only breakdown company to be endorsed as a Which? Recommended Provider for 7 years running,
Start Rescue provides peace of mind to hundreds of thousands of motorists every year!
Start Rescue has also been endorsed as a Which? Trusted Trader for roadside recovery, so you can rest assure that you’ll receive professional and trustworthy service ‘where and when you need it the most’
Unlimited callouts, misfuel cover and accident recovery included as standard
We cover vehicles of any age in the UK with cover available for vehicles up to 10 years of age in Europe
T&C and restrictions apply
What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is a type of insurance designed to get you back on the road if your vehicle stops working. When you call your provider, they send a mechanic to attempt a roadside repair. If that is not possible, they arrange for your vehicle to be towed to a nearby garage and can help with your onward journey.
You can compare breakdown cover for a range of vehicle types, including:
Car breakdown cover
Multi-car breakdown cover
Van breakdown cover
Motorcycle breakdown cover
Classic car breakdown cover
What are the benefits of breakdown cover for me?
Not all policies include every benefit as standard, so check what is covered before you buy.
Roadside assistance
Your provider sends a mechanic or recovery vehicle to where you have broken down. They will attempt to fix the problem at the roadside or, if that is not possible, move you, your passengers and your vehicle to a safe location.
24/7 nationwide cover
Help is available around the clock and across all parts of the UK, so it does not matter when or where you break down.
Onward travel and other extras
If your vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside, some policies will cover your onward travel costs, overnight accommodation or a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired.
Cover across Europe
If you drive abroad, European breakdown cover is available as an add-on or as part of a more comprehensive policy. Check whether your policy includes it or contact your provider to add it before you travel.
How does breakdown cover work for me?
Top tip: Some car insurance policies include breakdown cover as standard. Check yours before buying a separate policy, or you could end up paying twice for the same protection.
Buy a policy
Choose your policy based on the level of cover you need and add any extras that matter to you. Make sure your car insurance does not already include breakdown cover before purchasing a separate policy.
A breakdown occurs
Contact your provider as soon as you break down. They will explain what help is available under your policy and arrange assistance.
Assistance dispatched
A mechanic is sent to help you at the roadside. They will either fix the problem there and then or tow your vehicle to a nearby garage. Some policies also provide a courtesy car so you can keep moving while yours is being repaired.
Can I buy breakdown cover after I've broken down?
Yes. Several providers offer instant breakdown cover that you can buy at the roadside after your vehicle has already broken down. Your new provider should then send someone to assess your vehicle and arrange assistance. You can find providers offering instant cover through our website, but you will need to call them directly to arrange it, as instant cover cannot be bought online.
How much is breakdown cover?
The cost of your breakdown cover depends on several factors.
Vehicle age, make and model
Older vehicles or those with higher repair costs may be more expensive to cover. The make and model of your vehicle, and how likely it is to break down, are also taken into account.
Vehicle type
Cars, vans and motorcycles each have different repair costs and response times. Within those categories, different vehicle types (for example motorbikes vs scooters vs mopeds) will also affect your quote.
Number of vehicles
If you want to cover more than one vehicle, a multi-vehicle policy can sometimes work out cheaper than buying separate cover for each.
Level of cover
Local cover is usually the cheapest option, as it only includes roadside assistance and towing to a nearby garage. Policies that add national recovery, home start or onward travel will cost more, but offer wider protection.
The average price of breakdown cover is £30
Example breakdown insurance quote
The cost of breakdown cover will depend on a few factors.
Example quote
This example quote is for illustrative purposes only. Prices are tailored to individual needs and circumstances, so your quote may be more or less expensive than the example shown.
Quote taken on 15.08.25.
Learn more about our full methodology here.
What does my breakdown policy include?
Breakdown cover comes in different levels and types. Understanding the options helps you choose the right policy before you compare quotes.
Personal cover vs vehicle cover
This is the first choice you will make when buying breakdown cover. Personal cover protects you as the driver or passenger in any vehicle. Vehicle cover protects one specific car, van or motorcycle, regardless of who is driving it. Vehicle cover can usually be applied to up to four vehicles and tends to be cheaper, while personal cover offers more flexibility if you regularly drive different cars.
Local personal cover
Covers you in any vehicle, whether driving or as a passenger. If your vehicle breaks down, you get roadside repairs and, if needed, a tow to a nearby garage.
National personal cover
Covers you in any vehicle. If your vehicle cannot be repaired locally on the same day, it can be transported back to your home or to where you started your journey.
Local vehicle cover
Covers your vehicle with any driver and can usually be applied to up to four vehicles. Includes roadside repairs and towing to a nearby garage.
National vehicle cover
Covers your vehicle with any driver, for up to four vehicles. If your vehicle cannot be repaired locally on the same day, it will be taken to your home or your original starting point.
Europe and UK cover
Provides breakdown cover in the UK for 12 months and in Europe for up to 30 days per trip, with multiple trips included.
What extras can I add to my breakdown cover?
There are two main types of optional cover you can add:
Onward travel
Gives you more options if your vehicle cannot be fixed quickly, such as a courtesy car, overnight accommodation or alternative transport to your destination.
Home start
Covers callouts when your vehicle breaks down at or near your home. Standard policies often exclude breakdowns within a short distance of your home address, so home start fills that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many callouts can I make in a year?
It depends on your policy. Some providers offer unlimited callouts as standard, while others set a maximum number per year. If you exceed your limit, you may need to pay for the extra callout yourself.
What happens if my vehicle breaks down at home?
Only if your policy includes home start cover. Most standard policies exclude callouts from your home address or within a short distance of it. Home start is especially useful during winter when flat batteries and frozen engines are more common.
What happens if my vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside?
With local cover, your vehicle will be towed to a nearby garage. With national cover, it can be transported to your home or your original destination if it cannot be repaired the same day.
How can I find the best breakdown cover for me?
Compare quotes from different providers
Checking prices from multiple providers is the fastest way to find cover that fits your needs at a competitive price.
Weigh up the excess
A higher excess can reduce your annual premium, but means you pay more out of pocket if you claim. Consider the balance between upfront cost and what you would pay in the event of a breakdown.
Check what is included
Extras like home start, onward travel and European cover vary between policies. A slightly higher premium could give you significantly more protection when you need it.
Our expert says…
There are now 60% more breakdowns than there were just a few years ago
In 2024 there were 282,949 breakdowns on England’s motorway network – an increase of nearly 60% compared to 2020 according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request MoneySuperMarket submitted to National Highways.
We also found out where and when you’re most likely to breakdown. Each of the top 10 breakdown locations is an all-lane running smart motorway where the hard shoulder has been permanently converted to a live lane. The summer months of July and August are when most breakdowns occur on motorways in England, and Friday is consistently the worst day of the week for breakdowns on motorways in England.
Alicia Hempsted Insurance Expert
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Why should I compare breakdown cover with MoneySuperMarket?
Comparing quotes from different insurers allows you to find the best deal out there.
We can do this work for you.
-
^ . -
Save time
We take the effort out of shopping around. Get quotes from top insurers in minutes.
-
Save money
Our mission is to save you money. We save our customers £1 bn+ on their bills every year
^
Can I cancel my breakdown cover policy?
Yes. Most providers offer a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without any charge. After that, a cancellation fee may apply. Check your policy for the exact terms.
What should I do first if I break down?
Move to a safe position if you can, turn on your hazard lights and call your breakdown cover provider. They will arrange assistance based on your policy. The steps can vary depending on whether you are on a motorway, a main road or a quieter road. See our guide on what to do when you break down.
What is not usually covered by breakdown insurance?
Common exclusions include breakdowns on private land, vehicle damage from an accident, problems caused by poor maintenance, and situations involving animals in the vehicle. Your policy documents list exactly what is and is not covered.
Am I covered if I break down abroad?
Not automatically. Most standard UK policies do not include European cover. You can add European breakdown cover as an extra or buy a separate policy. Check which countries are included, as cover varies between providers.
Can a family member use my breakdown cover?
You may be able to add family members or other people in your household to your policy. If you want to cover additional vehicles, multi-car breakdown cover can include up to four vehicles registered at the same address.
Can a vehicle be too old for breakdown cover?
Most providers cover vehicles of any age for UK breakdown, but European cover often has a maximum vehicle age, typically up to around 10 years. Enter your vehicle details when you compare quotes to see what is available.
Can I claim straight away after buying a policy?
Not always. Many providers have a short waiting period before you can make your first claim, though some allow claims immediately. If immediate cover matters, check the terms before you buy.
Should I pay for breakdown cover monthly or annually?
Most providers offer the choice. Paying annually can sometimes work out cheaper overall, so it is worth comparing both options before you commit.
Does breakdown cover include a towed caravan?
A standard policy is unlikely to cover a towed caravan. Caravan cover is usually available as a paid add-on if you need it.
How can I reduce my chances of breaking down?
Regular servicing and maintenance are the best way to reduce unexpected breakdowns. Keep on top of tyre pressures, fluid levels and battery health, especially before long trips or during winter.
What is the difference between personal and vehicle breakdown cover?
Personal cover protects you in any vehicle you drive or travel in as a passenger. Vehicle cover is tied to a specific car, van or motorcycle and covers anyone driving that vehicle. Vehicle cover is usually cheaper. Personal cover offers more flexibility if you regularly drive different cars.
Is breakdown cover included in my car insurance?
Sometimes. Some car insurance policies include it as standard or as an optional add-on, but many do not. Check your car insurance documents before buying a separate breakdown policy, to avoid paying for the same protection twice.
Do I need breakdown cover?
You are not legally required to have breakdown cover, but it can save you time and money if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Without it, you would need to arrange and pay for your own roadside recovery, which can be expensive.
How does MoneySuperMarket make money?
We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.
Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is breakdown insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
No, at this time breakdown insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.
Reviewed on 23 Feb 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
Based on car insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket between October 2025 and December 2025 where the user requested Breakdown Cover and it wasnt included as standard cover.
From 01.06.23 to 31.05.24 MoneySuperMarket customers received £1.59bn estimated savings based on (i) SuperSaveClub reward redemptions, and (ii) savings claims per product multiplied by the number of sales. Products included - Car, Home, Pet and Travel insurance, Broadband, Credit Cards, Loans and Mortgages.
Accurate as of September 2025
