Choosing a Breakdown Policy for a Diesel Car

Although diesel cars only make up around 33% of cars on the road in the UK, they’re still a popular option and, like all cars, can suffer faults on the road. Whilst diesel cars may need specific parts, they are usually fixed the same way that petrol cars are when a breakdown occurs. But are there any diesel-specific breakdown cover policies to choose from?

In our complete guide, we will discuss what breakdown cover for a diesel vehicle involves, if there are any diesel-specific policies available, and what you should do if you accidentally put petrol in your diesel car.

What is Breakdown Cover for a Diesel Car and How Does it Work?

Breakdown cover is essentially a safety net for drivers. If your car suffers a mechanical or electrical failure that leaves you stranded, you can call your provider and a trained mechanic, or recovery team, will come to help.

For diesel car owners, breakdown cover works in exactly the same way as it does for petrol cars. Common causes of breakdowns in diesel vehicles include battery issues, turbocharger problems, or issues with the fuel system. Whether it’s something minor like a flat battery or something more serious requiring garage repairs, breakdown cover is designed to minimise stress and inconvenience.

Here’s how it usually works in practice:

• Call your provider: At ALA, our helplines are open 24/7. Simply provide us with your details and location.
• Assistance is dispatched: Many faults can be repaired roadside. Depending on your level of cover, recovery to a garage or onward travel will be provided if your car cannot be fixed.
• Recovery if needed: As mentioned, If the fault can’t be fixed on the spot, your car may be taken to a nearby garage or even transported to your home, depending on the level of cover you have.
• Onward travel options: Some policies include alternative transport, car hire, or overnight accommodation if your journey is disrupted.

For diesel car drivers who often travel long distances, or rely heavily on their vehicle for work or family commitments, breakdown cover provides reassurance that help is always within reach.

See how much you could be paying with our breakdown cover quote calculator here.

Can I Get Breakdown Cover Specifically for a Diesel Car?

You don’t usually need to search for diesel-specific breakdown cover. The majority of breakdown policies in the UK are general, meaning they cover all standard vehicles, whether petrol or diesel.

The core services available with breakdown cover, such as roadside repair, towing, home start and onward travel, apply equally, regardless of fuel type. Diesel cars may sometimes require specialist knowledge for certain repairs, but providers are already well equipped to deal with these differences.

The only time policies tend to be fuel-specific is with electric vehicles (EVs). Because EVs have unique requirements, such as battery charging or specialist recovery methods, some companies now offer dedicated electric breakdown cover. But for diesel, a general policy is absolutely fine.

In other words, you can focus on choosing the level of cover that best suits your needs, rather than worrying about whether the policy will include diesel.

What Breakdown Cover is Available for Diesel Cars?

Even though diesel cars don’t need their own specialist policies, there are still several types of breakdown cover available, and you can mix and match the features that matter most to you.

At ALA, our breakdown cover policies are flexible and tailored, so you can build cover that suits your lifestyle. The main types of cover are:

• Roadside Assistance: This is the most basic level of cover. If your diesel car breaks down more than one mile from home, a mechanic will come to you and attempt to repair the problem at the roadside.
• Roadside and Recovery: If your diesel car can’t be repaired at the roadside, this policy ensures you can either have it transported to a local garage or any UK destination of your choice.
• Total UK: This policy includes everything mentioned in Roadside and Recovery, but will also provide home start if your car is stranded on your own driveway. If your breakdown leaves you stranded far from home, onward travel can provide useful extras such as overnight accommodation and alternative transport. This means your plans don’t have to grind to a halt while your diesel car is being repaired.
• European Cover: If you plan to drive your diesel car abroad, especially to popular destinations like France or Spain, European cover ensures you’re protected outside the UK. This is particularly important for long road trips where the risk of breakdown is higher.

The flexibility of our breakdown cover means you can choose a simple package for peace of mind on local journeys, or a comprehensive one if you travel frequently and want the highest level of support. Find out more about our breakdown cover here.

What Should I Do if I Accidentally Put Petrol in my Diesel Car?

Misfuelling is one of the most common mistakes drivers make, and it’s particularly easy to do if you’re switching between vehicles. Putting petrol into a diesel car can cause serious damage, so knowing what to do is important.

If you find yourself in this situation:

• Do not start the engine. Turning the ignition will circulate the petrol through the system, which can harm components like the fuel pump and injectors. If you have already started the engine, a mechanic can still attempt to save your car.
• Call your breakdown provider immediately. Many breakdown policies, including all four cover levels at ALA, provide misfuelling assistance.
• Have the tank professionally drained. Recovery teams can remove the contaminated fuel safely and dispose of it properly.
• Refuel with diesel. Once the tank has been drained, refill with the correct fuel before driving.

With the right breakdown cover, you won’t be left panicking if this happens. Instead, you’ll know exactly who to call and how the problem will be sorted.

Diesel Car Breakdown Cover at ALA

When it comes to breakdown protection, we offer policies that are straightforward, affordable, and flexible. While there isn’t a “diesel-only” policy, their general breakdown cover is perfectly suited to diesel drivers. For many diesel car owners, reliability is a priority. Whether you use your car for long motorway journeys, family holidays, or simply commuting to work, breakdown cover with ALA ensures you’re not left stranded when things go wrong.

Get in touch with our team here to find out more about our breakdown coverage.