Best Breakdown Cover UK 2026

Breakdown cover: What do you need to know

As with any insurance policy, it pays to read the detail when buying breakdown cover. Make sure you know what’s included with any breakdown cover you buy and make sure you take copies with you when travelling abroad.

Never auto-renew

Automatic renewals are common with all types of insurance policy. That's because most companies hope you won't noticed your renewal price has crept up. At HonestJohn.co,uk, we always tell motorists to turn off the auto-renew on their policies. So when your breakdown cover is due for renewal, shop around and be prepared to haggle with the existing provider - money saved is time well spent.

Don't buy what you don't need

Know what you want. There are many different levels of breakdown cover, so decide what’s necessary for you and stick to it. Don’t add extras such as European cover if you only drive locally, but you might consider homestart, lost keys and mis-fuelling as useful extras.

Always try to haggle

Always haggle. Breakdown providers are among the most likely to reduce their prices if you haggle. Use online comparison websites to shop around and try phoning the most suitable for a better deal. Never be afraid to say 'no' to the initial price offered and move on to another company. Even if the price isn’t reduced, you may get extras included for free.

Is it personal or vehicle cover?

Vehicle-only cover is usually cheaper, but a personal policy means you can call for help regardless of what car you’re in as a driver or passenger. Be certain you know which type you have.

Are there unlimited call-outs?

Most policies have a maximum number of call-outs you can make in a 12-month period to avoid some drivers abusing the system. If you’re unlucky enough to need more than this, it will result in a higher premium in the following year.

What age and types of vehicle are covered?

If you drive an older car, breakdown providers will assume it’s less reliable than a newer vehicle and will charge more for a policy. You could also face higher costs for larger SUVs, pick-ups and motorhomes because the cost of recovery is higher.

What about caravans, trailers and classic cars

There are caravan-specific policies, but they don’t cover your car. It’s best to take out national recovery deal and state that you occasionally tow a caravan or trailer. For classic cars, there are dedicated policies available that recognise they need specialist care in the event of a fault and allow you to nominate the garage it gets taken to. On the plus side, older cars are much easier to fix at the roadside.

Off-road and on-track driving is different

If you drive on unmade roads or race tracks, normal breakdown assistance will not be able to reach your location. There are specialist policies for these types of driving, but they are expensive due the specialist equipment needed to attend to vehicles in these conditions.

Is mis-fuelling covered?

One of the most common causes of a call-out is putting the wrong fuel in your car. Most comprehensive policies will include this, but some might demand a separate payment for disposing of the waste fuel, so check your documents. Other regular reasons for calling the breakdown service are running out of fuel, lost keys and flat batteries. Depending on your policy and the provider, these problems could be sorted at no additional cost or could incur a charge.

What about tyres and punctures

Flat tyres are a frequent call-out and most companies now include this in basic cover, especially if the puncture happens on the motorway where safety is a prime consideration. Make sure you have the locking wheel nut with the car, otherwise is may be difficult for the recovery agent to replace the wheel.

Don't forget general maintenance

The onus is on you to keep your car in good condition. If the breakdown policy provider or recovery agent thinks you are using their services in place of proper maintenance, they might refuse assistance. You cannot replace routine servicing with breakdown cover. Also, if your car’s MoT or road tax has expired, the recovery team will reserve the right to take your car to a safe area and then leave you and the vehicle there.

Remember the dog...

Surprisingly, some recovery companies won’t help if you have pets or animals in the vehicle. So, check the policy before you buy it and, if necessary, insist pets are included in the deal at no added cost.