Cars & Motoring2 min check

Breakdown Cover Comparison Checklist

Decide what level of UK breakdown cover you actually need based on usage.

Short answer

4 levels: Roadside (basic, recover only if at least ¼ mile from home), Home Start (covers driveway breakdowns), Onward Travel/Recovery (tow to destination + hire car), European (overseas cover). AA, RAC and Green Flag dominate; many bank accounts include free cover.

Step 1 of 10%

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used: Car age, Annual mileage, Drive abroad?, Need cover at home (driveway)?.
Calculation approach: The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage: Cars & Motoring. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version: No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.

Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

How it works

This checks your typical use (urban vs touring, frequency of long trips, whether you drive abroad) and recommends the cover level. Most drivers don't need top-tier — a packaged bank account often gives Home Start + Onward Travel free.

Worked example

Daily commuter, no long trips, no Europe → basic Roadside + Home Start, ~£40/year. Family driver doing 12k miles + summer France trip → full Onward Travel + European, ~£100–£180/year.

Who should use this

•New car owners deciding cover level
•Drivers comparing renewal vs switch
•People with packaged bank accounts checking what's already included

Common mistakes

×Buying European cover for UK-only driving
×Paying twice — many credit/bank accounts include cover
×Not adding Home Start when most breakdowns happen on drives
×Picking the cheapest without checking 'per incident' or annual call-out limits

Frequently asked questions

Do I need breakdown cover?▾

Not legally, but a single recovery without cover is often £100–£250+, more than a year's premium.

Personal or vehicle cover?▾

Personal covers you in any car (driver or passenger). Vehicle covers one specific car for any driver. Pick based on your situation.

Does insurance include breakdown?▾

Rarely. Some 'Plus' insurance products include it — check before buying separately.

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Insurance Checklist →Running Costs →Car Tax →