| Provider | Roadside | National Recovery | Home Cover | Onward Travel | Annual Cost from | ||
 | Breakdown Assist Option 1 |  |  | | | £15.95 | See Deal |
| Breakdown Assist Option 2 | | | | | £19.49 | See Deal |
| Breakdown Assist Option 3 | | | | | £27.99 | See Deal |
 | QDOS Option 1 | | | | | £18.29 | See Deal |
| QDOS Option 2 | | | | | £24.99 | See Deal |
| QDOS Option 3 | | | | | £32.49 | See Deal |
 | RescueMyCar Option 1 | | | | | £16.00 | See Deal |
| RescueMyCar Option 2 | | | | | £20.99 | See Deal |
 | Nova Direct Option 1 | | | | | £16.50 | See Deal |
| Nova Direct Option 2 | | | | | £20.00 | See Deal |
| Nova Direct Option 3 | | | | | £25.00 | See Deal |
 | Emergency Assist Option 1 | | | | | £24.00 | See Deal |
| Emergency Assist Option 2 | | | | | £33.00 | See Deal |
 | StartRescue Option 1 | | | | | £26.10 | See Deal |
| StartRescue Option 2 | | | | | £27.45 | See Deal |
| StartRescue Option 3 | | | | | £37.65 | See Deal |
 | GEM Motoring Assist One Person | | | | | £96.66 | See Deal |
 | AA Option 1 | | | | | £49.00 | See Deal |
| AA Option 2 | | | | | £95.00 | See Deal |
| AA Option 3 | | | | | £125.00 | See Deal |
| AA Option 4 | | | | | £135.00 | See Deal |
 | RAC Option 1 | | | | | £60.00 | |
| RAC Option 2 | | | | | £115.00 | |
| RAC Option 3 | | | | | £135.00 | |
| RAC Option 4 | | | | | £155.00 |
Breakdown Cover Levels Explained
There are essentially four main levels of breakdown cover offered by companies. In addition some may also have a European cover option.
Providers will generally offer each of these cover levels at a separate price or will combine them into a single product offering. The four levels are:
Roadside Recovery
This covers sending a repair van to where you've broken down and attempting to fix the problem at the roadside. If the vehicle cannot be fixed then they will take your vehicle to the nearest garage.
Note: It often has a restriction of at least a quarter of a mile from your home. In order to get your vehicle fixed at home, you need to ensure 'At Home Cover' option is included.
National Recovery
With National Recovery cover included, the breakdown company will take you, your passengers and your vehicle to anywhere in the UK if a repair cannot be made at the roadside.
Note: There may be restrictions to this cover. For example: You may need to be at least a quarter of a mile from home and there may be a limited number of passengers included. Check with the breakdown provider.
Home Cover
With the 'At Home Cover' option, the breakdown company will attempt to repair your vehicle at your home and within the distance not covered by the general 'Roadside Cover' option.
It's often very useful to include this additional option as it provides peace of mind that you can get immediate assistance, even though you may not have yet started your journey from home.
Onward Travel
If your vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside, the breakdown company will make alternative arrangements for you to get to your destination.
For example, they may arrange a hire car so that you can continue your journey, organise public transport to your destination or provide overnight hotel accommodation.
Note: Companies may offer some or all of these options so check with the provider first.
What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown Cover is an insurance policy that provides expert, mechanical assistance to you in the event of your vehicle breaking down.
The providers of breakdown cover generally offer a number of options, each with a different level of assistance that is given when you need to use them.
Who are the largest breakdown cover companies?
The market is very competitive with a number of different players vying for your business. Currently, the top 3 largest breakdown cover providers in the UK are:
- The AA - Originally known as the Automobile Association, the company is listed on the Stock Exchange and is the largest breakdown cover provider in the country.
- The RAC - Founded as the Royal Automobile Club, the RAC is the second largest breakdown provider. It is owned by the private equity company CVC Capital Partners.
- Green Flag - The UK's third largest breakdown recovery company is owned by insurance provider Direct Line. They fix around 80% of repairs at the roadside.
Tips on comparing breakdown cover deals
1. Shop around
With such a competitive marketplace, you'll often find a huge variation in prices for the exact same level of cover. Use the PocketRate breakdown matrix to compare similar products and their cost.
2. Decide what level of cover you need
Try and narrow down the actual amount of cover you require. For example, a basic roadside assistance option is fine for most people. Read our explanations of what each cover level does to help you decide.
3. Consider adding home cover
This will give you peace of mind that your vehicle can be fixed at home if for example it doesn't start first thing in the morning.
4. Look out for deals on extra free cover
For example, some providers may give you free onward travel if you opt for national recovery.