Key Facts About Breakdown Cover
Not Legally Required
Unlike insurance, breakdown cover is optional but highly recommended for peace of mind
Main Levels
Roadside only, Roadside & Recovery, At Home, Relay, European cover, and Personal cover
Price Factors
Vehicle age, mileage, cover level, location, number of vehicles, and optional extras
Typical Callout
Average roadside repair costs £75-150; recovery can exceed £200 without cover
Coverage Type
Vehicle-based (covers any driver of your car) or personal (follows you in any vehicle)
Why choose UtterlyCovered for breakdown cover?
breakdown cover
We arrange breakdown cover so you have roadside assistance and recovery when you need it.
Cover to suit you
Choose the level of cover that fits your vehicle and the way you drive.
Clear information
Plain explanations with no jargon, so you understand exactly what assistance you're getting.
Human support
Real people available if you have questions, with no pushy sales.
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Quick to arrange
Set up your cover through our online form in minutes, with no lengthy paperwork required.
FCA regulated
Authorised and regulated by the FCA (ref. 534183) for your complete peace of mind.
Dedicated experts
A small, passionate team of insurance specialists who genuinely care about finding you the right cover.
How to arrange breakdown cover
You can set up breakdown cover through our own online form. Here is what to expect.
1. Share your details
Tell us about your vehicle and the level of cover you are looking for. It only takes a few minutes.
2. Check the cover
Read the RAC policy documents so you understand what is included before you decide to go ahead.
3. Arrange your cover
Complete the online form to set up your breakdown cover and get protected.
About this cover
RAC breakdown cover is provided by RAC Motoring Services and/or RAC Insurance Limited and arranged by Im-Insured.com Limited trading as UtterlyCovered.
Before you buy, please read the RAC policy wording, policy summary and Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) to make sure the cover meets your needs. The policy terms are set by RAC and we cannot change them.
Any money you pay for your policy is held on behalf of the insurer. If you cancel, any refund will be handled in line with the RAC policy terms and cancellation conditions.
Types of breakdown cover explained
Roadside Assistance
Help at the breakdown scene. Technician attempts repairs on-site but won't tow your vehicle.
Best for: Budget-conscious drivers who mainly use their car locally.
Roadside & Recovery
Includes roadside help plus towing to a garage if your vehicle can't be fixed on-site.
Best for: Most drivers needing reliable, complete breakdown protection.
At Home / Home Start
Assistance if your vehicle won't start at your registered address. Often an add-on to roadside packages.
Best for: Anyone wanting coverage from their doorstep, not just away from home.
Relay / Onward Travel
Provides alternative transport (hire car, taxi, accommodation) if your vehicle can't be repaired quickly.
Best for: Long-distance drivers who need to reach their destination quickly.
European Cover
Popular Add-onExtends breakdown assistance to European countries. Usually covers 30-90 days abroad per trip.
Best for: Anyone driving to Europe for holidays or business trips.
Personal Cover
Covers you as a passenger or driver in any vehicle, not tied to one specific car.
Best for: People who drive multiple vehicles or frequently travel as a passenger.
Who needs breakdown cover?
- All drivers: Breakdowns happen unexpectedly. Even reliable vehicles can suffer battery failure, punctures, or mechanical issues.
- Older car owners: Vehicles over 5 years old have higher breakdown risk. Cover provides peace of mind and avoids costly emergency callouts.
- High mileage drivers: More miles mean more wear. If you regularly drive long distances, breakdown cover is essential protection.
- Young or new drivers: Less experience spotting warning signs. Cover ensures help is always available when needed.
- Family drivers: Protect loved ones from being stranded. Family policies can cover multiple vehicles at better value.
- European travelers: Foreign breakdowns are stressful and expensive. European cover provides language support and local assistance.
What affects the price of breakdown cover?
Vehicle age & condition
Older vehicles typically cost more due to higher breakdown likelihood. Some providers limit cover for very old cars.
Annual mileage
Higher mileage increases breakdown risk. Accurate mileage estimates help keep costs fair.
Cover level & extras
Basic roadside costs less than full recovery. Add-ons like home start, relay, and European cover increase price.
Location
Urban areas with better coverage networks may have different pricing than remote rural locations.
Number of vehicles
Multi-car policies often offer discounts. Personal cover may cost less if you drive several vehicles.
Vehicle type & weight
Vans, motorhomes, and modified vehicles may require specialist cover at different prices.
Payment method
Annual payment upfront usually costs less than monthly installments which include interest charges.
Provider reputation
Premium providers with faster response times and better service may charge more but deliver better value.
Add-ons and extras
| Add-on | What it covers | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|
| Key cover | Locksmith callout, replacement keys, and recovery if keys are lost or locked inside | Yes if you've lost keys before or have expensive key fobs |
| Onward travel / Relay | Hire car, taxi, or accommodation if your vehicle can't be repaired quickly | Essential for long-distance or business drivers |
| European cover | Extends assistance to European countries for 30-90 days per trip | Must-have if you drive abroad regularly |
| Home start / At home | Assistance if your vehicle won't start at your home address | Worthwhile for complete peace of mind |
| Misfuelling cover | Fuel drain service if you put wrong fuel in your vehicle | Consider if you've done this before or have multiple fuel types |
| Message relay | Provider contacts family/work to let them know you've broken down | Useful for business drivers or those with caring responsibilities |
What to do when you break down
Breaking down can be stressful. Here's a clear step-by-step guide to help you stay safe and get assistance quickly.
Get to safety
Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights. On motorways, use hard shoulder or refuge area.
Keep everyone safe
Exit from passenger side. Stand behind barrier if on motorway. Use warning triangle if safe.
Call your provider
Have policy number, location (motorway marker or road name), and vehicle details ready.
Wait for help
Stay safe and visible. Don't accept help from strangers. You'll get an estimated arrival time.
Assistance arrives
Technician attempts roadside repair or arranges recovery to garage/home based on your cover.
Common exclusions
- Running out of fuel: Some policies exclude fuel delivery or limit to one claim per year. Check your policy details.
- Breakdowns at home: Basic roadside packages often only cover breakdowns away from your registered address unless you add home start.
- Repeated same fault: If the same issue causes multiple breakdowns, you may need to repair it before further assistance is provided.
- Off-road or track use: Breakdowns during motorsport events, off-roading, or track days are typically excluded.
- Lack of maintenance: Breakdowns due to neglect, failed MOT, or known faults may not be covered.
- Vehicle age/weight limits: Very old vehicles or those over certain weight limits may be excluded or require specialist cover.
- Driving under influence: Breakdowns while driver is under influence of alcohol or drugs are never covered.
Breakdown cover at a glance: pros & cons
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Roadside Only | Lowest cost, covers most common issues like battery and punctures | No recovery if vehicle can't be fixed on-site, stranded if major fault |
| Roadside & Recovery | Complete breakdown protection, towing included, good value | May not cover breakdowns at home without home start add-on |
| Comprehensive (inc. Relay/At Home) | Full protection including home, alternative transport, complete peace of mind | Higher premiums, may include features you don't need |
Coverage levels and typical features
| Feature | Roadside Only | Roadside & Recovery | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside repairs (battery, puncture) | |||
| Recovery to garage | Not included | ||
| Assistance at home | Not included | Optional | |
| Onward travel (hire car/taxi/hotel) | Not included | Optional | |
| European breakdown cover | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Key assistance | Optional | Optional |
What to think about when choosing breakdown cover
When deciding which level of cover suits you, it helps to think about:
- Where you drive: Local journeys, long-distance trips, or driving abroad will each call for different cover.
- Recovery needs: Whether you need your vehicle towed to a garage if it cannot be fixed at the roadside.
- Home cover: Whether you want assistance if your vehicle will not start at your registered address.
- Onward travel: Whether you need a hire car, taxi, or accommodation if your vehicle cannot be repaired quickly.
- Optional extras: Add-ons such as European cover, key assistance, or misfuelling cover, if they apply to you.
Reading the RAC policy documents will help you decide whether the cover meets your needs before you go ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Arrange breakdown cover
Set up breakdown cover through our online form. Tell us about your vehicle and the cover you need, and we will help you arrange your policy.
Get breakdown cover through our online formThis is a non-advised service
We will give you the information you need to make your own choice, but we will not give you a personal recommendation. It is your responsibility to decide whether the cover meets your needs. If you are unsure, please ask us before you buy.
How we are paid
[Placeholder: confirm before launch] We may receive commission from the insurer or provider when you take out a policy, and an arrangement or administration fee may apply. Full details of any commission and fees will be confirmed before you commit to a policy.
Compliance and important notes
UtterlyCovered is a trading name of Im-Insured.com Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We act as an insurance intermediary and arrange breakdown cover through our own online form. Always read the policy documents carefully before you decide to go ahead. For more information, see our Terms of Service.
The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute financial advice. Breakdown cover terms, conditions, and exclusions vary by policy. Always check the policy documents for full details of what is and isn't covered.
Ready to get a breakdown cover quote?
Request a callback and we'll help you find the right cover.
