Best breakdown cover

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that provides help if your vehicle breaks down. It usually includes roadside assistance and towing services to help if you break down when you're driving. Breakdown cover is sometimes included with car or van insurance, but it can also be bought separately.

Unlike car insurance, breakdown cover isn't legally required in the UK. But, it can be reassuring to know that you'll be able to use roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown or flat tyre while you're driving, rather than facing expensive one-off callout costs.

Breakdown cover is worth it for most drivers. Without it, a single callout can cost £100 or more, while a year’s cover often costs less. The best breakdown cover also includes extras like home start (if your car won’t start on your driveway) and onward travel if your vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside.

The best breakdown cover depends on how and where you drive. If you mostly drive locally, basic roadside assistance and local recovery may be enough. If you drive long distances or regularly travel with family, nationwide recovery, onward travel and home start cover become more valuable. Our comparison rankings above show which providers our customers rate most highly across all cover types.

Vehicle breakdown cover is tied to a specific car, so only that vehicle is covered regardless of who’s driving it. Personal breakdown cover follows you as a driver, so you’re covered in any vehicle you’re travelling in, including as a passenger. Personal cover tends to cost more but is better value if you regularly drive different cars.

Home start is an optional or premium add-on with most providers. It covers you if your car won’t start at your home address, useful if your battery dies on your driveway, for example. Not all standard policies include it, so it’s worth checking before you buy if this is important to you.