Breakdown cover is a necessity in most drivers lives, saving them from being stranded at the side of the road with no means of repair or recovery. When you buy a new car, you may not think breakdown cover is important. However, brand new vehicles are not immune to common breakdown causes, such as flat tyres and flat batteries. Breakdown cover is a great choice, no matter the age of your car.
In this guide, we will explore the importance of breakdown cover for new cars, whether you can transfer a policy to a new car, and if it is illegal to drive without breakdown cover. We will also discuss what you should do if you don’t have breakdown cover in place, and how our policies at ALA can help.
It’s easy to assume a new car means no breakdown worries. Most new cars come with the manufacturer’s warranty, low mileage, and all the latest tech. But modern cars, especially electric vehicles (EVs), are also full of complex systems, which can be the cause of most issues.
Breakdown cover is still worth considering for a new car because:
Breakdown cover is your safety net; our breakdown policies are tailored to your car and driving habits, so you’re not overpaying for what you don’t need.
You can start building your breakdown cover policy quote here.
If you already had a breakdown policy with another vehicle, you might be wondering if you can just transfer it over.
With some providers, you can transfer your cover from one car to another. However, this depends on whether the policy is vehicle-based (covering the specific car) or personal-based (covering the driver regardless of the car).
At ALA, policies are vehicle-specific, which means you cannot transfer your existing breakdown cover to a different car. This is actually good news in many cases, as it it allows for more precise cover and often better value, because the policy is tailored specifically to your vehicle’s age, type, and usage.
If you’ve just bought a new car and had our breakdown cover for your old one, simply get in contact to arrange a new policy.
No, it’s not illegal to drive without breakdown cover in the UK, whether your car is new or not. However, that doesn’t mean it’s advisable to skip it altogether. While you’re not breaking any laws, you could find yourself in a very inconvenient (and expensive) situation without cover in place.
Imagine breaking down on a country lane at night, or on a busy motorway during rush hour. Without breakdown cover, you’d need to arrange a private tow, which isn’t always convenient or quick. Even basic roadside assistance from a towing company can cost significantly more than an annual policy.
While it’s not mandatory, breakdown cover is strongly recommended, especially if you want to avoid stress and potentially steep costs.
You can find out more about what our breakdown policies cover here.
If you’ve just bought a new car and realise you’re not covered, don’t panic.
Some dealerships or manufacturers provide complimentary breakdown cover for a limited time (usually 12 months) with new vehicles. It’s worth checking this first. However, this type of cover might be basic and may not include extras like nationwide recovery or home start.
Think about where and how often you drive:
If so, breakdown cover could be the right fit for you. For example, if you often drive long distances, nationwide recovery is a must. If your car is parked on your driveway for long periods, home start could be a smart choice.
One common misconception is that you can just buy cover when something goes wrong. Most breakdown policies have a waiting period before they activate to prevent misuse. That means if your car breaks down tomorrow and you buy cover today, it may not help.
It’s always best to be proactive. Getting breakdown cover now ensures you’re protected whenever and wherever you need it.
When it comes to reliable, flexible, and great-value breakdown cover, our policies at ALA could be the best choice for you. Our breakdown policies are built with the real needs of drivers in mind, especially those with newer vehicles.
Our policies are based on the car itself, not the driver. That means the cover is designed for your vehicle’s age, make, and condition, often resulting in better value and more accurate protection. From basic roadside assistance to premium packages that include home start, nationwide recovery, and even European cover, we also let you choose the breakdown cover policy that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Breakdowns don’t always happen during the 9-to-five routine. That’s why we offer round-the-clock support from UK-based teams, so help is always just a phone call away. Unlike some providers, we don’t restrict how many times you can call for help in a year, giving you total peace of mind.
To find out more, get in touch with us today, or start building your breakdown cover quote using our handy online tool.
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