Find the best breakdown cover policy for you by comparing deals from leading UK insurers
As the only breakdown company to be endorsed as a Which? Recommended Provider for 7 years running,
Start Rescue provides peace of mind to hundreds of thousands of motorists every year!
Start Rescue has also been endorsed as a Which? Trusted Trader for roadside recovery, so you can rest assure that you’ll receive professional and trustworthy service ‘where and when you need it the most’
Unlimited callouts, misfuel cover and accident recovery included as standard
We cover vehicles of any age in the UK with cover available for vehicles up to 10 years of age in Europe
T&C and restrictions apply
Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that will arrange and pay for roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down.
Some policies will also help with return or onward travel if your vehicle can't be quickly fixed.
You can get different types of breakdown cover, including:
🚩 Not all breakdown policies will include all these options as standard.
Your insurer will send a mechanic or tow truck to you, and help you get back on the road again. If that isn't possible, they will move you, your passengers and your vehicle to a safe location.
If your car breaks down and you need assistance, help will be available all of the time and across all parts of the UK.
If your car is unable to be fixed there and then, your onward travel, accommodation and replacement vehicle costs can be covered.
If you are using a car abroad in Europe, European breakdown cover is available. Check your policy and if it isn’t detailed there, call your provider to add it as additional cover.
💡Top tip: Some car insurance policies include breakdown cover as standard.
This is where you choose your policy based on the level of cover you require, and you have the option to add on any extras that are needed. Make sure your car insurance doesn’t already have breakdown cover included or you’ll be wasting money and doubling up on cover.
Contact your provider if you break down. They will tell you what help is available and arrange it for you.
A mechanic will be sent out to help you on the side of the road, they will either try and fix it there and there, or two it to a nearby garage. Certain policies also include a courtesy car to help you get back on the road.
Yes. You can buy instant breakdown cover at the roadside after you run into trouble. Your new provider should then send a representative to take a look at your vehicle.
You can find providers who offer instant breakdown cover on our website. You will then need to call them to secure your instant breakdown cover, as this type of cover cannot be bought online.
The cost of breakdown cover will depend on a few factors.
The cost of breakdown cover is down to how old your vehicle is, and the vehicle’s make and model. Repair costs and whether the vehicle is prone to breaking down are also taken into consideration.
Cars, vans, and bikes vary when it comes to repairs and the length of time it takes to repair them.
The same applies for different types of these vehicles, too. For example, motorbikes, scooters and mopeds will all have different repair costs.
If you want to cover more than one vehicle, a multi-vehicle insurance policy can sometimes work out cheaper than having separate policies.
The level of cover you take out will also affect the cost of your insurance.
Local cover is generally the lowest cost, as it is the most basic of cover. Cover which includes recovery nationwide or vehicle hire if yours is unusable will be more expensive.
You can also buy it as a standalone product.
This example quote is for illustrative purposes only. Prices are tailored to individual needs and circumstances, so your quote may be more or less expensive than the example shown.
Quote taken on 15.08.25.
Learn more about our full methodology here.
There are different breakdown cover options depending on which policy you have purchased. Here are some of the types of cover you can purchase.
This type of policy will cover any vehicle whether you’re a driver or passenger. If your vehicle breaks down and you have local personal cover, roadside repairs are included, plus being towed to a nearby garage.
This type of policy will cover any vehicle whether you’re a driver or passenger. If your vehicle is unable to be repaired on the side of the road or within the same day at a garage that it’s been towed to, your vehicle can be taken back to your home or to where you began your journey.
This type of insurance will cover your vehicle with any driver and the policies can be applied to four vehicles.
As with the local personal cover, this policy includes repairs by the roadside and the vehicle to be towed to a nearby garage if necessary.
This covers your vehicle breaking down with any driver, and the policy applies to up to four vehicles. If your vehicle is unable to be fixed in a nearby garage on the same day, it will be taken to your home or the destination you started with on the day.
If you opt for Europe and UK cover, you are entitled to breakdown cover nationally for 12 months in the UK and up to 30 days per trip in Europe, which includes multiple trips.
There are two main types of optional cover you can add to your breakdown policy:
If you break down you’ll have more options available to help you on your way, such as courtesy vehicles, accommodation, or alternative travel arrangements
Home start cover means you’ll be able to get a call out if your car is broken down at home, or sometimes within a short distance of your home
It depends on your policy. Some providers offer unlimited callouts as standard, while others set a maximum number per year. If you exceed your limit, you may need to pay for the extra callout yourself.
Only if your policy includes home start cover. Most standard policies exclude callouts from your home address or within a short distance of it. Home start is especially useful during winter when flat batteries and frozen engines are more common.
With local cover, your vehicle will be towed to a nearby garage. With national cover, it can be transported to your home or your original destination if it cannot be repaired the same day.
Here are a few tips to help you find the best policy for you:
Work out the costs of the excess versus the policy overall. A more expensive excess may reduce the policy cost, but it may mean you pay more overall if you make a claim.
We can help you compare policy costs and what each insurance provider has to offer. It’s always wise to research and never opt for the first quote you’re given.
Extras are available on some policies, so it’s wise to read what you’re entitled to. Often a slightly pricier policy could offer a lot more cover.
In 2024 there were 282,949 breakdowns on England’s motorway network – an increase of nearly 60% compared to 2020 according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request MoneySuperMarket submitted to National Highways.
We also found out where and when you’re most likely to breakdown. Each of the top 10 breakdown locations is an all-lane running smart motorway where the hard shoulder has been permanently converted to a live lane. The summer months of July and August are when most breakdowns occur on motorways in England, and Friday is consistently the worst day of the week for breakdowns on motorways in England.
Alicia Hempsted Insurance Expert
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
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Yes. Most providers offer a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel without any charge. After that, a cancellation fee may apply. Check your policy for the exact terms.
Move to a safe position if you can, turn on your hazard lights and call your breakdown cover provider. They will arrange assistance based on your policy. The steps can vary depending on whether you are on a motorway, a main road or a quieter road. See our guide on what to do when you break down.
Common exclusions include breakdowns on private land, vehicle damage from an accident, problems caused by poor maintenance, and situations involving animals in the vehicle. Your policy documents list exactly what is and is not covered.
Not automatically. Most standard UK policies do not include European cover. You can add European breakdown cover as an extra or buy a separate policy. Check which countries are included, as cover varies between providers.
You may be able to add family members or other people in your household to your policy. If you want to cover additional vehicles, multi-car breakdown cover can include up to four vehicles registered at the same address.
Most providers cover vehicles of any age for UK breakdown, but European cover often has a maximum vehicle age, typically up to around 10 years. Enter your vehicle details when you compare quotes to see what is available.
Not always. Many providers have a short waiting period before you can make your first claim, though some allow claims immediately. If immediate cover matters, check the terms before you buy.
Most providers offer the choice. Paying annually can sometimes work out cheaper overall, so it is worth comparing both options before you commit.
A standard policy is unlikely to cover a towed caravan. Caravan cover is usually available as a paid add-on if you need it.
Regular servicing and maintenance are the best way to reduce unexpected breakdowns. Keep on top of tyre pressures, fluid levels and battery health, especially before long trips or during winter.
Personal cover protects you in any vehicle you drive or travel in as a passenger. Vehicle cover is tied to a specific car, van or motorcycle and covers anyone driving that vehicle. Vehicle cover is usually cheaper. Personal cover offers more flexibility if you regularly drive different cars.
Sometimes. Some car insurance policies include it as standard or as an optional add-on, but many do not. Check your car insurance documents before buying a separate breakdown policy, to avoid paying for the same protection twice.
You are not legally required to have breakdown cover, but it can save you time and money if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. Without it, you would need to arrange and pay for your own roadside recovery, which can be expensive.
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No, at this time breakdown insurance is not an eligible product for unlocking our SuperSaveClub rewards. It is also not included in our Price Promise.
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026 by
YouGov Survey 1st July 2024 to 30th June 2025. Net Recommend score derived from “Which of the following online service websites would you recommend to a friend or colleague, or tell them to avoid?” Base: Current Customers of (MoneySuperMarket n=18,382, Compare the Market n=16,802, Go.Compare n=10,162, Confused.com n=8,229, Uswitch n=528).
From 01.06.23 to 31.05.24 MoneySuperMarket customers received £1.59bn estimated savings based on (i) SuperSaveClub reward redemptions, and (ii) savings claims per product multiplied by the number of sales. Products included - Car, Home, Pet and Travel insurance, Broadband, Credit Cards, Loans and Mortgages.
Accurate as of September 2025
Based on car insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket between October 2025 and December 2025 where the user requested Breakdown Cover and it wasnt included as standard cover.
