Does Breakdown Cover Include Repairs?

Experiencing a vehicle breakdown can be both stressful and inconvenient. Having reliable breakdown cover is essential to ensure you’re not left stranded, whether you need a simple repair, or your car needs to be taken to a garage. However, understanding what your breakdown policy includes, especially regarding repair costs, is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether breakdown cover includes repairs, when you might need to pay for them, and what specific components are covered under ALA’s breakdown policies.

Are the Cost of Repairs Included in Breakdown Policies?

Breakdown cover primarily focuses on providing assistance when your vehicle becomes immobilised due to mechanical or electrical failures. This assistance often includes roadside repair attempts, towing services, and sometimes additional benefits like alternative transportation. However, the inclusion of repair costs varies between providers and specific policies.

At ALA, our breakdown cover is designed to offer comprehensive support during unforeseen vehicle issues. Our breakdown policies are split into four levels: recovery, recovery and repair, total UK and total UK and Europe. Each policy differs in price, so it’s essential to review the specific terms of your policy to understand the extent of coverage regarding repair costs.

Some premium breakdown policies may include minor repairs, particularly if they can be completed at the roadside, and transport to a local garage. However, more significant repairs requiring parts replacement or extensive labour are generally not covered and would need to be paid for separately.

You can browse our breakdown policy levels here.

When Would I Need to Pay for Repairs?

There are certain situations where you might be responsible for covering repair expenses, even with breakdown cover in place:

• Parts and Labour Costs: While our breakdown service aims to fix minor issues at the roadside, if your vehicle requires significant repairs that can’t be addressed immediately, the cost of parts and labour at a garage may fall to you. We will, however, cover labour costs at the scene of the breakdown.
• Non-Covered Components: Some parts or types of damage might be excluded from your breakdown policy. For instance, using to wrong fuel to fill your car or for any wear and tear that didn’t contribute to the breakdown.
• Specialist Equipment: If your vehicle requires specialist equipment for recovery or repair, additional charges might apply.
• Accident Damage: If your car breaks down due to an accident, this will typically fall under your car insurance rather than your breakdown cover. Some breakdown providers offer accident assistance as an optional extra, but it’s not usually included as standard.

It’s advisable to consult our policy documents or contact our customer service for detailed information on what is and isn’t covered.

What Components are Covered in a Breakdown Policy?

At ALA, our breakdown cover is structured to assist with a wide range of common vehicular issues. While the primary goal is to get you back on the road swiftly, understanding the specific components and situations covered can provide peace of mind:

• Roadside Assistance: If your vehicle breaks down away from home, we offer roadside assistance to attempt immediate repairs on all of our policy options.
• Recovery Services: Should immediate repair not be possible, we provide recovery services to transport your vehicle to a local garage (roadside assistance only policies), or a garage of your choice (all other policies).
• Home Start: If your vehicle won’t start at home, our Total UK and Total UK and Europe policies include assistance at your residential address.
• Alternative Travel: In cases where your vehicle cannot be repaired promptly, we will offer options for alternative transportation or accommodation on Total Uk and Total Uk and Europe policies.
• European Cover: If you breakdown in a European country, our Total UK and Europe policy is our most robust coverage option, helping you on your way when abroad.

For a comprehensive breakdown of covered components and services, refer to our breakdown cover page.

What Repairs are Excluded from Breakdown Cover?

• Routine Maintenance: Regular services, oil changes, and other routine maintenance tasks are typically not covered.
• Pre-Existing Faults: Issues that were apparent before the policy’s inception or during a specified waiting period are usually excluded.
• Accident Damage: Damage resulting from road traffic accidents may fall under your vehicle insurance rather than breakdown cover.
• User-Induced Issues: Problems arising from user errors, such as running out of fuel or misfuelling, might not be covered.
• Tyre Replacements: While some breakdown policies offer tyre repair assistance, full replacements are typically not included unless you have a specific add-on.

With our breakdown policies, you can add excess cover and keycare for extra peace of mind. You can start building your breakdown quote.

Breakdown Cover at ALA

At ALA, we offer a range of breakdown cover options tailored to meet diverse needs. Our policies are designed to provide prompt and efficient assistance, ensuring minimal disruption during unforeseen vehicle issues.

Key features of our breakdown cover include:

• 24/7 Assistance: Round-the-clock support to address breakdowns whenever they occur.
• Nationwide Coverage: Services available throughout the UK, ensuring help is always within reach.
• Multiple Cover Levels: Options ranging from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive packages that include home start and European cover.
• No Call-Out Charges: Unlimited call-outs without additional fees, provided the service isn’t misused.
• Optional Extras: Add-ons such as key replacement and excess cover for enhanced coverage.

To explore the various breakdown cover options and find a policy that suits your requirements, visit our breakdown cover page, or get in touch with a member of our team today.