Breaking down at the side of the road or motorway can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t have a breakdown plan in place. Opting for breakdown cover can ensure you get the help you need should your car suffer an electrical or mechanical problem whilst driving. Our versatile breakdown policies at ALA are suited to your needs and budget, ensuring you get the appropriate cover for you and our vehicle.
In our comprehensive guide, we will cover the benefits of breakdown cover, as well as the cover option you should choose, and whether it is worth it for you and your circumstances. We will also discuss the perfect time to purchase breakdown cover, and how our policies at ALA can help.
Breakdown cover is a service that provides assistance when your vehicle breaks down, ensuring you’re not left stranded. It covers issues like flat tyres, engine failure, and more. At ALA, we offer tailored breakdown cover, from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive policies that include accommodation and European coverage for up to 31 days. Having breakdown cover ensures you’re prepared for unexpected vehicle failures at any time.
While not legally required, breakdown cover offers significant benefits:
It’s especially useful for those with older cars, frequent travellers, or people who rely on their vehicles for work.
Breakdown cover is optional in the UK. However, it provides valuable protection, preventing costly and stressful situations. Frequent drivers or those dependent on their vehicles may find it essential.
Without cover, you may face high costs for towing and repairs, long delays, potential safety risks, and significant inconvenience, especially in remote areas.
We offer flexible cover options, which include:
You can find out more about breakdown cover in our previous guide here.
For many drivers, breakdown cover is a smart investment. While no one expects their car to break down, unexpected issues—such as a flat battery, engine failure, or mechanical faults—can happen anytime. Without cover, you’d need to arrange and pay for assistance on the spot, which can be costly.
Breakdown cover provides a pre-arranged safety net, offering roadside assistance and recovery services for an affordable annual or monthly fee. It’s especially beneficial for:
Our breakdown cover includes four levels: roadside assistance, roadside and recovery, total UK, and total UK & Europe, ensuring help is always available when needed. You can start building your breakdown cover quote here.
Selecting the best policy depends on your driving habits, budget, and vehicle type. Key factors to consider include:
Taking time to assess your needs ensures you choose a policy that offers the best value. You can find out more about whether you should choose breakdown cover in our breakdown cover.
Breakdown cover is a crucial safety net, particularly if you own an older vehicle or rely on your car for daily commuting. Even well-maintained cars can experience unexpected issues like flat tyres, dead batteries, or engine failures. Without cover, arranging recovery and repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
Many new cars come with breakdown cover, but it may be limited in scope. Manufacturer-provided policies often exclude home start, onward travel, or extended coverage after the warranty period. A separate breakdown policy from a dedicated provider ensures continuous, comprehensive protection.
Costs vary depending on the level of cover and additional features. ALA offers competitive pricing with flexible payment options (monthly or annual) and no hidden fees, making budgeting easier.
You can find out more in our previous guide here.
The best time to purchase breakdown cover is before you need it. Whether you’re driving your first car, a new model, or an additional household vehicle, having cover in place ensures you’re protected from unexpected breakdowns and costly call-out charges. Even for short commutes, a breakdown plan can save you time, money, and stress.
Car age and reliability are key considerations. Older vehicles and those with a history of mechanical issues are more prone to breakdowns, making cover essential. However, even new cars can develop faults, so having a policy in place provides peace of mind.
Activation times vary by provider and policy. Many breakdown cover plans, including those from ALA, take effect immediately, meaning you can access assistance as soon as you purchase your policy. However, some plans have a short waiting period (typically 24 hours) before you can make a claim.
It’s essential to check your policy’s terms and conditions, especially if you’re buying breakdown cover after experiencing an issue. Most providers, including ALA, do not cover pre-existing breakdowns, so arranging cover in advance is always the best approach.
Using breakdown cover does not usually impact car insurance premiums, as breakdown assistance is separate from insurance claims. Standalone breakdown cover allows you to call for help without affecting your renewal costs.
However, if breakdown assistance is included within your car insurance policy, some insurers may factor usage into their risk assessment. To avoid complications, choosing a dedicated breakdown policy ensures complete clarity and peace of mind.
To find out more about the perfect time to buy breakdown cover, please read our previous guide here.
Car Excess Insurance
Short Term Motor Insurance
Scratch and Dent Insurance
Tyre & Alloy Wheel Insurance
Cycle Insurance
Breakdown Cover
