Breakdown cover is not only a must-have policy for older cars that are more prone; it can be beneficial for any car, no matter its age or mileage. Any car can suffer a fault that leads to a breakdown, and breakdown cover can ensure you aren’t stranded with no help.
Read our comprehensive guide here to compare breakdown cover for a range of cars, such as old and new vehicles, as well as petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Breakdown cover is often seen as essential for drivers, offering peace of mind and protection against being stranded. Even with a brand-new car, problems such as punctures, flat batteries or misfuelling can occur, and warranties won’t provide roadside recovery. Breakdown cover ensures help is available quickly, saving both stress and potentially high costs for private callouts.
For those wondering about transferring policies, it depends on the provider. Some offer personal cover, while others, like ALA, provide vehicle-based cover tailored to a specific car. If you change your vehicle, we will update your policy details.
It is not illegal in the UK to drive without breakdown cover, but doing so could leave you in a difficult and expensive situation if your car fails. Towing services without cover can cost far more than an annual policy, making cover a sensible investment.
If you don’t currently have breakdown cover, first check whether your car came with temporary protection from the dealer or manufacturer. Be aware that most new policies have a waiting period, so arranging cover in advance is wise. We offer flexible, 24/7 vehicle-based policies with options from roadside assistance to nationwide and European recovery.
You can find out more about breakdown cover for new cars in our previous guide here.
Breakdown cover is especially valuable for older cars, which are naturally more prone to faults such as dead batteries, punctures and engine problems. Even well-maintained vehicles over 10 years old carry greater risks, and roadside recovery without cover can be expensive. Having a policy in place provides peace of mind and ensures help is available whenever you need it.
Some providers impose age limits, often around 15 years, or may charge slightly more for older vehicles due to higher risk. However, many still offer comprehensive protection, provided the car is regularly serviced. At ALA, breakdown cover is available for vehicles up to 15 years old, giving reassurance that age needn’t be a barrier to reliable assistance.
The cost of breakdown cover for older cars can be marginally higher, but price is also influenced by mileage, level of cover and extras such as recovery or onward travel. Choosing the right policy matters more than simply opting for the cheapest; you can build your breakdown cover quote here.
When selecting cover, consider features like roadside repair, recovery to a garage or chosen location, home start, multiple callouts, European cover and, for frequent travellers, onward travel or accommodation. Classic cars, usually over 20 years old, may require specialist breakdown cover.
Breakdown cover remains an important safeguard for petrol car drivers, ensuring help is available when things go wrong. While petrol cars are often viewed as simpler than diesel or electric vehicles, they are still prone to faults such as flat batteries, overheating and fuel system issues. Without cover, roadside assistance or recovery can be costly and inconvenient, particularly if you’re far from home.
Policies for petrol cars are broadly the same as those for other fuel types, with options ranging from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive packages. Key features include home start, national recovery, onward travel, accommodation, and European cover for drivers heading abroad. Choosing the right level of cover depends on your driving habits, car age, and how much peace of mind you want.
The benefits of breakdown cover extend beyond financial protection. It offers reassurance that help is always at hand, convenience in dealing with unexpected problems, and extras such as lost key support or misfuelling assistance that are particularly relevant to petrol drivers.
Costs vary depending on cover level, car age and mileage. Basic roadside policies start at around £30–£50 annually, while comprehensive packages can range from £80–£150.
Breakdown cover is just as important for diesel cars as for petrol or electric vehicles, offering reassurance and practical support if your car fails. Diesel cars are prone to issues such as flat batteries, turbocharger faults and fuel system problems, but breakdown cover ensures help is always available, whether at the roadside or through recovery to a garage.
There are no diesel-specific breakdown policies in the UK; most providers, including ALA, offer cover that applies to all standard vehicles. What matters is choosing the right level of protection for your needs. Options range from basic roadside assistance to national recovery, home start, onward travel, accommodation, and European cover for those driving abroad.
One of the biggest concerns for diesel drivers is misfuelling. This can cause serious damage, so the key is not to start the engine and to call your breakdown provider immediately. With the right policy, misfuelling assistance covers draining the tank and safely refuelling, helping you avoid costly repairs.
Hybrid cars are growing in popularity as drivers look for greener alternatives, but like any vehicle, they can still suffer faults. While no specialist breakdown policy is required, it’s important to ensure your cover includes hybrid-related issues such as battery faults. Most mainstream providers, including ALA, now tailor their policies to suit hybrid drivers, with roadside teams trained to handle both conventional mechanical issues and high-voltage systems.
Breakdown cover for hybrids typically includes roadside assistance, recovery to a chosen location, home start, onward travel options such as accommodation or replacement transport, and European cover for those driving abroad. These features provide peace of mind whether you’re commuting locally or travelling long distances.
When choosing a policy, consider factors such as battery cover (both 12-volt and high-voltage), nationwide recovery options, and whether you want recovery to a hybrid-trained garage. Extras like key cover, misfuelling protection and tyre replacement can also add value, though many are included as standard with ALA. Checking customer reviews for service quality and response times can help you choose the most reliable provider.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular in the UK thanks to environmental benefits and government incentives, but like any car, they can still break down. Breakdown cover for EVs works in much the same way as for petrol or diesel vehicles: roadside repairs where possible, towing to a garage if needed, and onward travel support. The only notable difference is the risk of running out of charge, with many providers now offering roadside charging or recovery to the nearest charging station.
At ALA, there are no separate EV policies; you’ll receive the same protection as petrol, diesel or hybrid drivers, without paying extra. Cover includes roadside assistance, national recovery, home start, European cover, and options for accommodation or alternative transport if repairs take time.
Preventing breakdowns is also key. EV owners should plan charging stops carefully, maintain both the main battery and 12V battery, keep tyres in good condition, and ensure regular servicing. Software updates should also be installed promptly to avoid avoidable faults.
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