Breakdown cover can be a great way to grant you peace of mind on the road, ensuring you aren’t left stranded should your car experience a fault. There are various details to be aware of when choosing a breakdown policy, including your budget, coverage levels, and whether you need extra protection in a different country.
In our guide, find out more about the cost of breakdown cover policies, whether they include repairs, and how you can choose the best breakdown cover for your needs and preferences. We will also guide you through how quickly you can claim on your breakdown cover after purchase, and whether or not your policy is transferable.
Breakdown cover costs vary based on provider, coverage level, and additional services. In the UK, basic policies start from around £20 per year, while comprehensive options can exceed £100 annually. Basic roadside assistance is the most affordable but may have limitations, whereas higher-tier plans include home start, national recovery, and European coverage.
Several factors affect the cost of breakdown cover. Older vehicles often attract higher premiums due to increased breakdown risks. High mileage also raises costs, as frequent driving leads to more wear and tear. The level of coverage impacts pricing, with more extensive policies costing more. Added extras like keycare and excess cover can enhance protection but increase premiums. Payment methods also play a role; paying annually is typically cheaper than monthly instalments.
While breakdown cover includes most emergency assistance, extra charges may apply for replacement parts, specialist equipment, or policy excess fees. Despite these potential costs, breakdown cover is often considered a valuable investment, offering peace of mind, convenience, and financial protection against unexpected vehicle failures. At ALA, you can start building your breakdown cover quote online and add or remove optional components to make the price work for you.
You can find out more about breakdown cover costs in our previous guide here.
Breakdown cover provides assistance when your vehicle is immobilised due to mechanical or electrical failures. This typically includes roadside repairs, towing services, and sometimes additional benefits like alternative transportation. However, repair costs vary by provider and policy.
At ALA, we offer four levels of breakdown cover: roadside, roadside and recovery, total UK, and total UK and Europe. While some policies may include minor roadside repairs, major repairs requiring parts and labour at a garage are usually not covered. Additional costs may apply for specialist equipment or accident-related breakdowns, which are typically handled by car insurance.
Key components of our breakdown cover include roadside assistance, recovery services, home start (on certain policies), alternative travel arrangements, and European cover for those who drive abroad. While many common breakdown situations are covered, exclusions include routine maintenance, pre-existing faults, accident damage, user errors (e.g., misfuelling), and tyre replacements unless covered by an add-on.
You can find out more in our previous guide, Does Breakdown Cover Include Repairs?.
Choosing the right breakdown cover ensures you aren’t left stranded in case of a vehicle failure. We offer four levels of breakdown cover: Roadside Assistance, Roadside & Recovery, Total UK, and Total Europe, each catering to different needs and budgets. Basic roadside cover includes minor repairs and towing to the nearest garage, while more comprehensive options offer home start, nationwide recovery, onward travel, and European assistance.
Without breakdown cover, you may face high recovery costs and significant delays. If a vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, national recovery allows you to choose your preferred garage. Onward travel options, such as courtesy cars or hotel stays, are available with higher-tier policies. Pet owners should inform recovery services if they have animals in the car to ensure appropriate arrangements.
Additional services include home start, which assists with issues like flat batteries at your residence, and European breakdown cover, offering roadside assistance and recovery across the continent. When comparing providers, consider response times, customer service ratings, and value-added features rather than just price.
Our breakdown cover at ALA can start immediately or after a waiting period, depending on your policy selection. Some policies, like Roadside and Recovery, have a 48-hour delay before recovery services become available. You cannot claim for a breakdown that has already occurred before purchasing cover.
If your vehicle is already broken down, we don’t provide instant cover for pre-existing faults, like many providers. Instead, you’ll need to arrange a separate recovery service before activating breakdown cover for future incidents. To avoid being stranded, it’s best to have a policy in place before an issue arises.
We offer four levels of breakdown cover:
We provide fast, reliable service across the UK and Europe, offering flexible policy options based on your driving habits and needs. To ensure peace of mind on the road, choose a breakdown policy that suits your requirements and budget.
At ALA, we offer driver-specific breakdown cover, meaning only the insured policyholder is covered. Unlike vehicle cover, which protects the vehicle rather than the driver, our policies apply strictly to the named policyholder. Other drivers using the insured car cannot access breakdown assistance, and the cover cannot be transferred to another driver.
If you change your vehicle, the breakdown policy can be transferred. You must inform us and purchase a change the details to match the new car. Similarly, if you sell your car before the policy expires, you must change the policy for any replacement vehicle.
Our policies offer peace of mind with services such as home start, onward travel, and European assistance. To ensure continuous protection, policyholders must update their details if changing vehicles.
You can find out more about breakdown cover transferability in our previous guide here.
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