Roadside assistance, or breakdown cover, isn’t always part of standard car insurance policies. In many cases, it’s offered as an optional add-on, meaning you’ll need to specifically request and pay for this cover if you want it. Some comprehensive policies may include a basic level of breakdown cover, but it’s always important to review the details of your policy to know exactly what’s included.
What Is Roadside Assistance, and What Does It Cover?
Roadside assistance, also known as breakdown cover, provides help if your car breaks down and leaves you stranded. Whether you’ve got a flat tyre, your battery has died, or the engine won’t start, this service is designed to get you back on the road or tow your vehicle to a repair shop if necessary.
- Roadside repairs: If your car breaks down, a mechanic may come to your location and try to fix the problem on the spot.
- Towing service: If the vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside, you’ll be towed to a garage or other safe location.
- Battery replacement: If your battery dies, many roadside assistance services might replace it for you.
- Flat tyres: If you have a flat, roadside assistance can help you change the tyre or tow you to a garage if necessary.
- Fuel delivery: If you run out of fuel, some roadside assistance providers could bring enough fuel to get you to the nearest petrol station.
The level of cover varies depending on the provider and the policy you choose. Basic cover often includes assistance for common issues like flat tyres and dead batteries, whilst more comprehensive plans may offer nationwide towing, vehicle recovery, and even cover for incidents that happen at home.
Can You Add Roadside Assistance to Your Existing Car Insurance?
If your current car insurance policy doesn’t include breakdown cover, you can often add it on for an extra cost. Many insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on, allowing you to customise your policy based on your needs. Adding this cover provides peace of mind, knowing that help might be available if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly.
- Basic breakdown cover: This usually includes assistance for breakdowns that occur a certain distance from your home and typically involves repairs at the roadside or towing to the nearest garage.
- Nationwide recovery: This level of cover includes towing to any destination in the UK, regardless of where the breakdown occurs.
- At-home cover: This option covers breakdowns that happen on your driveway or near your home, which may not be included in basic plans.
- European cover: For those who drive in Europe, you can add European breakdown cover to your policy for assistance whilst travelling abroad.
Adding roadside assistance to your car insurance can be a convenient way to bundle services under one policy, but it’s worth comparing standalone breakdown cover as well. Some drivers look for that specialist breakdown providers offer more comprehensive or flexible cover at a lower price.
Is Roadside Assistance Worth Adding to Your Car Insurance?
Deciding whether to add breakdown cover to your car insurance depends on your personal needs and circumstances. If you frequently travel long distances or rely heavily on your vehicle for work or daily life, having roadside assistance can provide valuable peace of mind. Even if you rarely experience car troubles, breakdowns can happen unexpectedly, and having access to help can prevent stress and expensive towing costs.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that help is available in case of a breakdown can reduce the stress of driving, especially on long journeys or in unfamiliar areas.
- Cost savings: Without breakdown cover, you may need to pay for towing and repairs out of pocket, which can be costly, especially if you break down far from home.
- Convenience: Roadside assistance ensures you’re not left stranded, and many providers offer quick response times to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Whilst adding roadside assistance to your insurance comes with an additional cost, it’s often more affordable than paying for a breakdown service on an as-needed basis. Weighing the potential benefits against the cost can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Are There Alternatives to Adding Roadside Assistance to Car Insurance?
If you don’t want to add roadside assistance to your car insurance, there are other ways to ensure you’re covered in case of a breakdown. Many drivers choose to take out standalone breakdown cover through a specialist provider, which can offer more flexibility and a wider range of services.
- Standalone breakdown cover: Companies like the AA, RAC, and Green Flag offer dedicated breakdown services, with different levels of cover available to suit your needs.
- Manufacturer warranties: If your car is relatively new, it may still be under warranty from the manufacturer, which could include roadside assistance for a set period.
Standalone breakdown cover may offer more comprehensive services than what’s available through an insurance add-on, and it can sometimes work out cheaper if you drive multiple vehicles or frequently travel abroad. Comparing your options is key to Looking for the best cover for your situation.
What Are the Limitations of Roadside Assistance?
Whilst roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in many situations, it’s important to understand the limitations of your cover. Some policies have restrictions on how far they could tow your vehicle, how many callouts you can make in a year, and the types of repairs they could perform.
- Callout limits: Some policies limit the number of times you can use the service in a year. Exceeding this limit may result in additional charges or a refusal of service.
- Distance restrictions: Basic breakdown cover may only tow your car a short distance to the nearest garage, whilst higher levels of cover allow for nationwide or even international recovery.
- Types of repairs: Roadside assistance is designed for minor repairs that can be completed at the roadside. Major repairs might typically require your car to be towed to a garage.
- Vehicle age and condition: Some providers may refuse cover for older vehicles or those that are not regularly serviced, as these are considered higher risk for breakdowns.
Understanding these limitations can help set expectations and ensure you’re not caught off guard if your vehicle breaks down. If you need more comprehensive cover, it may be worth upgrading your policy or considering a specialist provider.
How Do You Make a Claim for Roadside Assistance?
If your vehicle breaks down and you have roadside assistance as part of your car insurance, the claims process is typically straightforward. Most insurers and breakdown providers offer a 24/7 helpline you can call to request help.
- Contact your provider: Call the dedicated helpline to report your breakdown. Have your policy details, location, and a description of the problem ready.
- Wait for assistance: A mechanic might be dispatched to your location. Response times vary, but most providers aim to reach you as quickly as possible.
- On-the-spot repairs: If the issue can be fixed at the roadside, the mechanic could carry out the repair. If not, your vehicle could be towed to a nearby garage.
If you need roadside assistance, having the right details on hand and following your provider’s instructions can help speed up the process and get you back on the road sooner.
Conclusion: Ensure You’re Covered for Breakdowns
Whilst roadside assistance isn’t always included in standard car insurance policies, it can be added as an optional extra or purchased separately from a specialist provider. Whether it’s worth adding breakdown cover depends on your driving habits and the peace of mind it offers.
For those who rely heavily on their vehicle, regularly travel long distances, or simply want the reassurance of help in case of an unexpected breakdown, roadside assistance is a valuable addition. To explore your options and look for the best policy that suits your needs, consider comparing car insurance policies with breakdown cover today.
Why not get quotes now?