Choosing Breakdown Cover for a Petrol Car | Are There Any Policy Differences?

Whether you own an electric, diesel or petrol car, all vehicles can benefit from breakdown cover. As of 2025, petrol cars are still the most popular option in the UK, and can be susceptible to breakdowns if there is a problem with their internal combustion engine. If you drive a petrol car, there are plenty of breakdown cover policies out there for you to choose from…

Explore our helpful guide to find out more about breakdown cover for petrol cars, such as the various benefits, availability and cost.

Do I Need Breakdown Cover for a Petrol Car?

While petrol cars are often seen as simpler and more familiar to work on than their diesel or electric counterparts, they’re not immune to breaking down. Common faults such as battery issues, fuel system problems, and overheating can affect petrol vehicles just as much as any other.

If you use your car regularly, no matter whether you are commuting, doing the school run, or routinely planning weekend getaways, having breakdown cover in place offers peace of mind. Without cover, you could face a hefty bill for roadside assistance or recovery, especially if you’re far from home or travelling late at night.

Breakdown cover is particularly valuable if:

• You drive frequently or over long distances.
• Your car is older or no longer under manufacturer warranty.
• You wouldn’t be comfortable diagnosing or fixing an issue yourself.
• You want to avoid the stress and delay of trying to arrange help independently.

If you’d prefer not to be caught out by an unexpected breakdown, having cover in place is a smart move. We have four breakdown cover levels here at ALA; choose your breakdown policy here.

What Breakdown Cover is Available for a Petrol Car?

Most breakdown cover providers offer a range of policies that are equally suitable for petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles. That means there are no major policy differences when it comes to covering a petrol car, but you should still take time to choose the right level of cover for your needs. Our policies at ALA include:

• Roadside Assistance: This is the most basic level of cover. If your car breaks down, a mechanic will try to fix it at the roadside. If it can’t be fixed, you’ll usually be towed to a nearby garage.
• Roadside Recovery: This builds on roadside assistance by giving you the option to have your vehicle (and you) transported to any destination in the UK, ideal if you’re far from home.
• Home Start: Sometimes the problem occurs before you even leave your driveway. Home Start cover means help is available if your car won’t start at home, which is especially handy for cold mornings or after periods of inactivity. This is available in our Total UK and Total UK and Europe cover.
• Onward Travel/Accommodation: Also available in our more comprehensive packages, this offers additional support such as a replacement vehicle, overnight accommodation, or alternative transport if your car can’t be fixed quickly.
• European Cover: If you’re planning to drive abroad, European cover ensures you’re protected in case your petrol car breaks down while on the continent.

H2: What are the Benefits of Having Breakdown Cover for a Petrol Car?

Breakdown cover is all about providing reassurance and practical support when things go wrong. Here are some of the top benefits for petrol car drivers:

• Peace of Mind: Knowing that help is just a phone call away takes the stress out of driving, especially if you travel alone or with family
• Financial Protection: Breakdown costs can quickly add up, particularly if towing or garage fees are involved. Cover protects you from unexpected expenses.
• Convenience: From jump-starting a dead battery to recovering your vehicle after a mechanical fault, cover saves you the time and effort of finding help yourself.
• Keeps You Moving: With features like onward travel or accommodation, you won’t necessarily be left stranded if your vehicle can’t be fixed on the spot.
• Comprehensive Support: Modern breakdown cover isn’t just about towing your car, it often includes extras like tyre changes, lost key assistance, and misfuelling support (a common issue with petrol cars).

Want to know more? Find out more about how our breakdown cover can help you.

How Much Does Breakdown Cover Typically Cost for a Petrol Car?

The cost of breakdown cover for a petrol car can vary depending on:

• The level of cover you choose.
• The age and mileage of your car.
• Whether you opt for optional add-ons

On average, basic roadside assistance may cost from around £30–£50 per year, while more comprehensive policies with national recovery, home start, and onward travel could range from £80–£150 annually.

At ALA, we offer competitive pricing by working with leading underwriters and letting you customise your policy. It’s often more cost-effective (and better suited to your needs) than paying for cover bundled into a car insurance policy.

To accurately find out how much your breakdown cover could cost you, use our helpful breakdown policy quote builder here.

Breakdown Cover for Petrol Cars at ALA

At ALA, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to something as personal as your car. That’s why our breakdown cover policies are tailored to suit you and your driving needs, regardless of whether your car runs on petrol, diesel, or electricity.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today to find the right breakdown policy for your petrol car today.