What is motor breakdown insurance?

February 5, 2025

Motor breakdown insurance does just what it says. It’ll make sure you’re not left stranded – but get you going again – in the event of a sudden mechanical or electrical failure. In that way, it can save you time, money, and stress if your vehicle fails.

How much does motor breakdown insurance cost?

As with many kinds of general insurance, motor breakdown insurance can be bought for a wide range of prices. The cost of the premiums will be determined by several factors such as the level of protection, provided, the frequency of any claims, your driving habits and respect for regular servicing, and whether you want cover for travel throughout Europe.

If you are looking for motor breakdown cover, we can arrange annual UK and European cover starting from as little as £49.44 (as of the 1st of March 2025).

Why may motor breakdown insurance be essential?

If you are looking for complete peace of mind whenever you get behind the wheel of your car, you are likely to consider motor breakdown insurance to be essential – especially when you are on long journeys.

It might be something as relatively simple – but no less damaging – as a burst tyre or it could be a major mechanical breakdown. Either way, motor breakdown insurance, or roadside assistance as it is also known, can help take the worry out of even the longest of journeys.

The insurance will also ease the otherwise steep out-of-pocket expense of towing or emergency repairs.

What does motor breakdown insurance cover?

Although the details of the cover provided will vary from one policy to another and also the level of cover your select, common features tend to include:

  • roadside assistance for immediate, emergency help if you have a flat tyre, an electrical fault, or fuel problems;
  • home start – whereas some motor breakdown policies may be restricted to roadside assistance provided only when you are away from home and already underway, other policies may include the help and repairs necessary to get you started if your car is stuck at home;
  • towing services are typically included so that your vehicle can be transported to the nearest suitable garage or workshop if it is impossible to make roadside repairs;
  • onward travel: there is typically provision for onward travel arrangements if you breakdown far away from home – optional extra cover might cover the cost of public transport, a hire car, and overnight accommodation;
  • the costs of any repairs – parts and labour – might be covered in your motor breakdown insurance policy but mechanical failures might alternatively be included in the terms of your vehicle warranty.

Different types of breakdown cover explained

Breakdown cover is typically purchased as a standalone insurance policy. It might also be incorporated as an add-in to your comprehensive motor insurance.

Some, but not all, policies include cover whilst driving in Europe – so if you need this protection while abroad, make sure to choose the appropriate policy.

Motor breakdown or roadside assistance policies are insurance policies that cover your vehicle – so any personal cover for injuries, holiday interruption, or lost baggage will need separate insurance.

How to choose the most appropriate breakdown policy

With many different policies to choose from and the inclusion or otherwise of specific options, you will want to select the motor breakdown insurance most appropriate to your needs.

Therefore, consider such issues as the level of cover you need, the likely frequency with which you are likely to rely on the cover, your personal driving habits, maintenance and service routines, and whether or not you will be driving in Europe. Or, give us a call on 01702 826060 – we’d be delighted to help!

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