Many of us have had the experience of our car breaking down and how this can cause frustration and wreak havoc on our travel plans. Purchasing breakdown cover before you travel will provide a service that could save you time and money as well as provide safety for your family when travelling.
In this article, we have researched 6 of the top breakdown cover providers in the UK to enable you to choose the provider and service that best suits your needs and budget.
What are the different types of breakdown cover you can buy?
The different types of breakdown cover available for UK motorists allow you to choose which most suits your needs. They are:
- Personal breakdown cover - provides assistance to you as an individual whether you are driving or a passenger
- Vehicle breakdown cover - provides cover for a specific vehicle and is not dependent on who is driving at the time assistance is needed
- Multi-vehicle cover/Family cover - covers more than one vehicle that is registered to the same address.
What are the different levels of breakdown cover you can buy?
There are four main levels of breakdown cover available for UK motorists and understanding the best option for your needs can save you money as well as keep you safe when you and your family are travelling:
Roadside assistance breakdown cover
Roadside assistance breakdown cover is the cheapest and most basic breakdown cover available. It will provide assistance at the roadside by an engineer who will attempt to repair your vehicle so you can complete your journey. If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside then the engineer will take your car and passengers to a nearby garage selected by the breakdown provider. Some policies will provide for onward travel with the terms and conditions differing between providers. Most policies state you will need to be a quarter of a mile away from your home to be able to use this type of cover.
Home start breakdown cover
A large number of breakdowns occur at the owner's home address as car battery problems or other problems can worsen when the car is not driven for a period of time. Home start breakdown cover extends your cover to issues arising at your home address and an engineer will visit your home and try to restart your car. If this is not possible then your vehicle will be taken to a garage local to your address.
National recovery breakdown cover
National recovery breakdown cover will provide assistance at the roadside by an engineer who will attempt to repair your vehicle. If your vehicle cannot be repaired then you, your vehicle and passengers will be transported to a chosen location in the UK for repair. This means that you could either return home and use a local garage or complete your original journey and get your car repaired at this location.
Onward travel cover
Onward travel cover allows you to continue your journey if your car breaks down and cannot be repaired at the roadside and needs to be taken to a garage. It is typically offered as an add-on and can include a hire car, public transport costs or overnight accommodation.
European breakdown cover
European breakdown cover gives you peace of mind if you travel to a European destination in your car. This can be a stand-alone policy or an add-on and will normally include a 24/7 helpline in the UK, roadside assistance, local recovery, emergency accommodation, onward travel and repatriation of the vehicle (and sometimes the passengers depending on the provider).
How much does breakdown cover cost?
The cost of breakdown cover varies greatly depending on the level of cover and the provider. In the following table we compare the annual cost of a selection of different UK vehicle breakdown cover policies from AA, RAC, Green Flag, Rescuemycar.com, LV=Britannia Rescue and Start Rescue. Later in the article we look at each of these providers and the policies they offer in more detail. The costs in this table are based on vehicle cover and where a quote had to be run we used a 2018 Ford Focus. As you can see the cover varies significantly between providers but so does the service provided. Always make sure you check the terms & conditions of each policy before paying the premium.
Price comparison - 6 of the best breakdown cover providers
| Provider | Policy Name | Roadside Assistance¹ | At Home² | National Recovery³ | Onward Travel4 | Annual Cost |
| AA | Roadside Assistance | Yes | No | No | No | £72.00 |
| AA | Home Start | Yes | Yes | No | No | £116.57 |
| AA | Relay | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | £151.51 |
| AA | Stay Mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £158.20 |
| RAC | Basic | Yes | No | No | Optional extra | £74.905 |
| RAC | Standard | Yes | No | Yes | Optional extra | £113.895 |
| RAC | Extra | Yes | Yes | Yes | Optional extra | £145.485 |
| RAC | Complete | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £191.935 |
| Green Flag | Rescue | Yes | No | No | No | £53.085 |
| Green Flag | Rescue Plus | Yes | Yes | No | No | £81.465 |
| Green Flag | Recovery | Yes | No | Yes | No | £75.035 |
| Green Flag | Recovery Plus | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £86.095 |
| Rescuemycar | n/a | Yes | No | No | No | £27.505 |
| Rescuemycar | n/a | Yes | Yes | No | No | £41.935 |
| Rescuemycar | n/a | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | £23.905 |
| Rescuemycar | n/a | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £21.695 |
| LV= Britannia Rescue | Roadside Assist | Yes | No | No | No | £33.005 |
| LV= Britannia Rescue | Home Assist | Yes | Yes | No | No | £66.005 |
| LV= Britannia Rescue | UK Recovery | Yes | No | Yes | No | £73.005 |
| LV= Britannia Rescue | UK Recovery & Home Assist | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £102.005 |
| Start Rescue | 1 Star | Yes | No | No | Yes | £49.855 |
| Start Rescue | 2 Star | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | £60.955 |
| Start Rescue | 3 Star | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | £73.445 |
Prices correct as of 19/09/25
¹Assistance if your vehicle breaks down more than 1/4 mile from your home
²Assistance if your vehicle breaks down at your home or within 1/4 a mile from your home
³If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside the driver and passengers will be taken to a destination of their choice in the UK
4If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside alternative transport, accommodation or a hire car will be provided (varies depending on provider)
5A Ford Focus 2018 was used for these quotes
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Who offers the best breakdown cover?
When searching for the best breakdown service for your needs make sure to look closely at the terms and conditions of each policy as they do vary widely. Also, check with your current car insurance provider as they may offer a discount on breakdown cover when included with your insurance policy.
We have looked in detail at six of the most well known breakdown services available in the UK to provide a guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.
What breakdown cover does the AA offer?
The AA has been helping motorists since 1905 and the breakdown/recovery service is the primary focus of its operation. It offers 4 types of breakdown cover which are single person, joint personal, family person and vehicle cover and offers the following levels of breakdown cover:
Roadside Assistance
- Roadside Assistance is available if your vehicle breaks down more than a quarter of a mile from your home address and you purchased cover at least 24hrs prior to the breakdown occurring
- An AA appointed engineer will attend to try to fix your vehicle and get you on your way
- If your vehicle cannot be fixed, it, together with the driver and up to seven passengers will be taken to the AA's choice of local repairer or a destination of your choice of providing it is no further than the distance to the AA repairer
- If your vehicle has run out of fuel or charge it will be taken to the nearest fueling station or charge point, whichever is applicable
- The AA will make a telephone call at your request following a breakdown.
- If your car is involved in an accident that wasn't your fault then AA specialist staff can arrange recovery, help organise repairs, vehicle hire or personal injury assistance under their Accident Assist service
- Unlimited call outs but repeat call outs within 28 days for the same fault will not be covered
At Home
- At Home also known as "Home Start" provides the same service as Roadside Assistance but includes any breakdown occurring at home or within a quarter of a mile from your home address
- Available as an addition to a Roadside Assistance policy and cover must be purchased at least 24 hours before the breakdown or accident occurred
- Unlimited call outs but repeat call outs within 28 days for the same fault will not be covered
National Recovery
- National Recovery also known as "Relay" provides the same service as Roadside Assistance and Home Start but in addition, if your vehicle cannot be repaired, it provides for the recovery of your vehicle, driver and up to seven passengers to any single destination of your choice in the UK
- Must be purchased at least 24 hours before the breakdown or accident occurred
- Unlimited call outs as long as it is not for a recurring problem
Onward Travel
- Onward Travel also known as "Stay Mobile" extends Roadside Assistance, Home Start and National Recovery cover where a local prompt repair cannot be arranged
- Choice from either, a replacement vehicle, overnight accommodation or public transport costs to a single UK destination
- 3 claims each year
Parts and Garage Cover
- Parts and Garage Cover also known as "Breakdown Repair Cover" provides up to £535 if your vehicle needs a replacement part or repairs in a garage after a mechanical or electrical breakdown
- It covers vehicles of any age or mileage but will not cover any faults discovered at the vehicles MOT or annual service not any pre-existing faults.
- No cover within the first 14 days
- 5 claims per year (6 if your cover is for more than 1 vehicle on a family or joint policy)
- £35 excess payable each time you make a claim
European Cover
- Roadside assistance in 44 countries across Europe
- 24/7 English-speaking helpline
- Up to £1,500 for alternative travel arrangements and up to £500 for emergency accommodation
- Recovery of vehicle back to UK
Read our review of AA Breakdown Cover.
What breakdown cover does the RAC offer?
The RAC has been helping motorists since 1897 and currently has 13.6 million members using its breakdown services. It claims someone will get to you within 60 minutes or less after reporting your breakdown and they fix 4 out of 5 vehicles at the breakdown location. It offers personal cover, family cover and vehicle cover and the following levels of cover:
Basic
- Offers 24/7 roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down more than a quarter of a mile from your home
- If your vehicle cannot be fixed it will be driven to a local garage within 10 miles or another destination
- Cover starts as soon as policy is purchased but does not cover you if you have already broken down
- 5 call outs per year plus 1 additional callout for every person or vehicle you add
Standard
- RAC's Standard cover provides the same assistance as their Basic policy with the addition of National Recovery. If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside it provides for the recovery of your vehicle, driver and up to eight passengers to any single destination of your choice in the UK
- The National Recovery cover starts 24 hours after purchase
- 5 call outs per year plus 1 additional callout for every person or vehicle you add
Extra
- Extra cover offers Home Start along with all features of Basic and Standard. With Home Start you are covered if your vehicle breaks down at home or within 1/4 mile of your home
- Unlimited call outs
- The National Recovery cover starts 24 hours after purchase
Complete
- Complete cover offers all the features of Basic, Standard and Extra.
- Included Onward Travel which provides up to 3 days car hire if your vehicle can't be repaired (up to 5 claims per year)
- Unlimited call outs
- The National Recovery cover starts 24 hours after purchase
- Legal Care Plus offering up to £100,000 legal cover
- A free MOT is included up to the value of £55 at selected RAC garages
- £50 off a service at home from RAC Mobile Mechanics
European breakdown cover
- Single trip or annual cover available
- 24/7 English-speaking helpline
- Roadside assistance in 48 European countries
- Up to £4,200 towards Onward Travel (policy dependent)
- Vehicle repatriation
Optional extras
- Onward travel
- Tyre Replace Cover
- Battery Replace Cover
- Key Replace Cover
- European Rescue
- Occasional Business Cover
What breakdown cover does Green Flag offer?
Green Flag was formed in 1971 as an alternative to the AA and RAC. It uses a network of local garages and mechanics to deliver recovery and repair services, instead of patrolling mechanics. It offers single and multi-vehicle cover as well as personal cover and has the following levels of breakdown cover.
Rescue
- Roadside assistance is available if your vehicle breaks down more than a quarter of a mile from your home address, or the place you normally keep your vehicle and you purchased cover at least 24hrs prior to the breakdown occurring
- If your car can’t be fixed at the roadside it will be towed to one of their repairers. Alternatively, you can choose for the car to be taken to a destination of your choice within 10 miles of the breakdown or within the same distance as their recommended repairer
- If their recommended garage is closed, as long as your home is within 10 miles of the breakdown you can ask for the vehicle to be taken home and picked up the next day (or whenever is suitable for you) and the car will be taken to the garage then at no extra cost
- It offers a service that sends a free message to your friends and family so they know what’s happened
- Unlimited call outs (although you may be charged for a call out for a repeat problem within 28 days)
Rescue Plus
- Provides the same cover as Rescue
- Plus:
- any breakdown occurring at home or within a quarter of a mile of your home address
- if the breakdown at at home (or within a quarter of a mile of your home address) and is due to a flat tyre, your vehicle can be taken to a destination of your choice within 10 miles so the tyre can be repaired/replaced, for anything else your vehicle can be taken to a destination of your choice within 20 miles of your home
Recovery
- provides the same cover as Rescue
- Plus - it will arrange to take you, your passengers, and your vehicle to a place of your choice in the UK unless the breakdown is due to a flat or damaged tyre and then there is a 10 mile limit
Recovery Plus
- Provides the same cover as Rescue, Rescue Plus and Recovery
- Plus - it will arrange a hire car, hotel, or pay for alternative transport if your vehicle can't be fixed at the roadside
EuroPlus
- All the cover of Recovery Plus
- Plus
- Cover before you leave for your trip
- Emergency roadside repairs
- Emergency repairs if your vehicle is broken in to
- If your vehicle is out of use for more than 8 hours because it is being repaired or has been stolen, you and your passengers (and any luggage) will be either taken to your destination, provided with accommodation or a replacement vehicle
- If your vehicle can't be repaired before it is time to return home, repatriation will be provided for you, and up to 9 passengers and your vehicle
What breakdown cover does Rescuemycar.com offer?
Rescuemycar.com like Green Flag uses a network of over 4,000 independent breakdown specialists. It was established in 2000 and offers personal cover and vehicle cover and the following levels of cover:
Roadside Assistance with Local Recovery
- 24/7 roadside assistance if you are more than 1/4 mile from your home
- If vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, it will be towed up to 10 miles to either your home, original destination or local garage
- Cover starts 24hrs after policy is taken out
- Call outs in the following 24hrs are limited to local recovery (10 miles) and there will be a £40 charge
- Unlimited call outs
National Recovery
- This provides the same level of cover as Roadside Assistance with Local Recovery
- Plus
- The cover is extended so if the local garage is unable to repair the vehicle you and your passengers will be taken home or to your onward destination whichever is closest or a contribution towards alternative travel or overnight accommodation will be provided
At Home Assistance
- This provides the same level of cover as Roadside Assistance with Local Recovery
- Plus
- The cover is extended to breakdowns at home or within a quarter of a mile of your home
European Recovery
- This provides the same level of cover as National Recovery and At Home Assistance
- Plus
- Roadside assistance and recovery in Europe
- Cover for missed ferry or motorail journeys (£250 contribution)
- Annual and single trip cover is available
Optional extras
- Key Cover
- £40 voluntary excess payable for each call out (to keep premiums down)
What breakdown cover does LV= Britannia Rescue offer?
LV= Britannia Rescue have over 4,000 breakdown professionals and claim fix 4 out of 5 cars at the roadside. It only offers vehicle cover but there is the option to add on personal cover to the following levels of cover:
Roadside Assist (also known as Local Recovery)
- Roadside assistance if you breakdown more than 1/4 mile from your home
- Local recovery up to 10 miles from where you've broken down for yourself, up to 7 passengers and your vehicle
Roadside and Home Assist (also known as Local Recovery & Home Start)
- This provides the same level of cover as Roadside Assist
- Plus
- The cover is extended to breakdowns at home or within a quarter of a mile of your home
UK Recovery (also known as Nationwide Recovery)
- This provides the same level of cover as Roadside Assist
- Plus
- If your car cannot be fixed at the roadside you and your vehicle can be transported to anywhere in the UK
UK Recovery and Home Assist (also known as Nationwide Recovery and Home Start)
- This provides the same level of cover as Roadside and Home Assist and UK Recovery
- Plus
- If your vehicle cannot be repaired by the end of the working day, a hire car, overnight accommodation or alternative transport will be provided
UK and European Assist Recovery (also known as Nationwide Recovery and European Assistance)
- This provides the same level of cover as UK Recovery and Home Assist
- Plus
- Cover in Europe
- Repatriation of yourself, your passengers, any luggage and your vehicle if it is not possible to repair it before your return to the UK
- Cover before you leave for your trip
- Cover for missed Motorail connections
What breakdown cover does Start Rescue offer?
StartRescue.co.uk prides itself on offering an innovative breakdown service that is both efficient and competitively priced. It offer personal and vehicle cover and offers the following levels of breakdown cover (although not all levels are available for each type of cover).
1 Star
- Roadside assistance for breakdowns that occurs within the UK and is more than a quarter of a mile radius away from your home address
- Spend up to 60 minutes to attempt to repair the vehicle, if it then cannot be repaired it will be transported along with the driver and passengers to the nearest garage or a destination of your choice within 10 miles
- If your vehicle is involved in an accident rendering it immobile or illegal it will transport your vehicle in accordance with the terms of the policy you have purchased
- If it is unable to repair your vehicle within the same working day or other agreed period payment, up to £250 payment will be made towards the reasonable cost of alternative transport or car hire to allow you to complete your original journey or £150 towards overnight accommodation for one traveller or £75.00 per person
- It will pay up to £150 within the UK, towards the reasonable cost of alternative transport for one person to return and collect the repaired vehicle
- Misfuel cover
- Accident Assistance Service in UK
- Unlimited call outs
2 Star
- Provides the same cover as 1 Star
- Plus - if your vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside or at a local garage on the same day, it will arrange onward travel for you and the passengers to your home or if it is closer your original destination
3 Star
- Provides the same cover as 2 Star
- Plus - your vehicle will be covered at your registered home address or within a quarter of a mile radius of your home address
4 Star
- Provides the same cover as 2 Star
- Plus - your vehicle will be covered in Europe (T&Cs apply)
5 Star
- Provides the same cover as 3 Star
- Plus:
- your vehicle will be covered in Europe (T&Cs apply)
- your vehicle will be covered for theft and vandalism
- if the driver is unable to continue with a journey due to injury or illness and none of the drivers are able to drive, the passengers and vehicle will be taken to a nominated destination
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