Personal breakdown cover
Covers you in any car whether you're driving or the passenger
Useful if you regularly travel in different cars
Can offer greater flexibility but may cost more
Breakdown cover
Compare roadside assistance quotes.
What is breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that gives you access to roadside assistance if your vehicle breaks down. Your provider will usually send a mechanic to try to fix the problem - if they can't, they'll arrange recovery according to your policy.
You can choose between local and national recovery, as well as additional cover for home start breakdowns, onward travel, and driving in Europe.
Compare breakdown cover from 17[2] trusted UK providers
Find the best breakdown cover policy for you by comparing deals from leading UK insurers
Do I need UK or European breakdown cover?
You can choose breakdown cover for journeys within the UK or additional protection when driving in Europe.
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UK breakdown cover
This provides annual cover for roadside assistance and recovery within the UK. You can choose between personal and vehicle cover, local or national recovery and add optional extra cover for home start and onward travel.
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UK and European breakdown cover
This offers assistance for eligible journeys in the UK and covered European countries. You can choose single-trip protection for a particular journey or annual cover if you're planning multiple trips abroad.
Should I choose personal or vehicle cover?
Personal breakdown cover protects a named person, while vehicle cover protects a specific vehicle - the right choice depends on how many vehicles you use and who drives them.
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Vehicle breakdown cover
Covers the vehicle, regardless of who is driving it
Useful if several people drive the same car
Often cheaper if you only need to cover one vehicle
Why choose Green Flag?
Trusted by our policy holders with an ‘Excellent’ Trustpilot rating of 4.7, as of August 2026.
We’re among the UK’s leading breakdown cover providers with well over 50 years’ experience. So, when a breakdown comes, we’re there. That’s why we have over 3,000 local technicians nationwide, ready to help 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s thanks to them that we helped with over 300,000 breakdowns in 2025 – one every two minutes.
📣 Did you know?
On average, we get to you in under an hour. Based on app and phone call outs combined. Here’s the proof.
Awarded Which? Trusted Trader of the month April 2026.
4/5 customers would recommend Green Flag to friends and family.
Do I need local or nationwide recovery?
When comparing UK breakdown cover, you can choose between local and nationwide recovery - the main difference is where your provider can take your vehicle if it can't be repaired.
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Local recovery
If you break down more than one mile from your home, Local Cover will get you, your vehicle, and your passengers to the nearest suitable garage.
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Nationwide recovery
If your vehicle can't be repaired the same day, Nationwide Cover will take you, your vehicle, and your passengers either home or to your chosen destination within the UK.
What vehicles can I get breakdown cover for?
You can compare breakdown cover for a range of vehicle types, including:
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Car breakdown cover
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Van breakdown cover
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Motorcycle breakdown cover
What extras can I get with breakdown cover?
You can choose additional protection when comparing UK breakdown cover - just keep in mind these benefits may increase the price of your policy.
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Home start
Home start provides assistance if your vehicle breaks down at or near your registered home address. This could be useful if your car won't start on your driveway or develops a problem before you've set off, as most standard policies start when you're a mile away from your home.
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Onward travel
Onward travel may help you continue your journey if your vehicle can't be repaired - depending on the policy, this could include alternative transport, car hire or overnight accommodation. Just be sure to check the specifics of your cover, especially if you're driving in Europe.
Do I need breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover isn't a legal requirement, but it can help you avoid arranging and paying for roadside assistance yourself if your vehicle breaks down. Before buying, check whether you already have breakdown assistance through your car insurance policy, a packaged bank account, or a vehicle warranty or manufacturer's assistance scheme
If you're already covered, look the protection you already get and any restrictions on your policy before taking out more cover.
Can I buy breakdown cover after I've broken down?
Yes, several providers offer instant breakdown cover that you can buy at the roadside after your vehicle has already broken down. Your new provider should then send someone to assess your vehicle and arrange assistance.
You can find providers offering instant cover through our website, but you will need to call them directly to arrange it, as instant cover cannot be bought online.
How much does breakdown cover cost?
The price of breakdown cover depends on your vehicle, where you need assistance and the protection you choose - basic local recovery is generally cheaper than policies with nationwide recovery and additional benefits. The main factors that can affect your quote include:
Where you're covered: UK-only and European policies may have different prices, while single-trip and annual European cover can also cost different amounts.
Type of cover: Personal and vehicle cover have different pricing, particularly if you want to protect more than one person or vehicle.
Recovery and extras: Nationwide recovery, home start and onward travel may increase your premium.
The cost of adding breakdown cover to car insurance policies that didn't included it as standard was £30[3], according to policies sold through MoneySuperMarket between June and August 2026;
Cost of adding breakdown cover to car insurance
£30[3]
The median cost of adding breakdown cover to a car insurance policy where it wasn't included as standard
How do I compare breakdown cover quotes?
You can compare breakdown cover through MoneySuperMarket to find affordable policies in minutes - here's what you need to do.
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Choose your cover
Select the type of breakdown cover you need, whether it's UK or European, personal or vehicle, local or nationwide, and any extras
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Give us a few details
Tell us about yourself and your car - either search by its registration or enter your vehicle details manually
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Compare quotes
Compare quotes by your annual price, excess, number of callouts, and extras like misfuelling and out-of-fuel cover
Our expert says…
When choosing breakdown cover, think about where you drive and how far you'd need your vehicle recovered if it couldn't be repaired. Local recovery may be enough for shorter journeys, but nationwide cover could be more useful if you regularly travel further from home. It's also worth checking whether you need home start or onward travel before paying for additional benefits.
Sara Newell Motor & Home Insurance Expert
Why should I compare breakdown cover with MoneySuperMarket?
Comparing quotes from different insurers allows you to find the best deal out there.
We can do this work for you.
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We're trusted
We've been around since 1993 and are the UK's most recommended price comparison website[1].
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Save time
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Save money
Our mission is to save you money. We save our customers £1 bn+ on their bills every year[4]
Can I cancel my breakdown cover policy?
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.
What should I do first if I break down?
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.
What is not usually covered by breakdown insurance?
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.
Am I covered if I break down abroad?
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.
Can a family member use my breakdown cover?
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.
Can a vehicle be too old for breakdown cover?
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.
Can I claim straight away after buying a policy?
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.
Should I pay for breakdown cover monthly or annually?
Most providers offer the choice. Paying annually can sometimes work out cheaper overall, so it is worth comparing both options before you commit.
Does breakdown cover include a towed caravan?
A standard policy is unlikely to cover a towed caravan. Caravan cover is usually available as a paid add-on if you need it.
How can I reduce my chances of breaking down?
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.
What is the difference between personal and vehicle breakdown cover?
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.
Is breakdown cover included in my car insurance?
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.
Do I need breakdown cover?
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.
How does MoneySuperMarket make money?
We get paid by the companies we work with, but the payment we get doesn’t have any bearing on the information we provide. We get paid in different ways, depending on the type of product or service you buy through us. Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible, but we only show results from our partner providers.
Our comparison service is, and will always be, free to use.
Why should I use a price comparison website?
One of the best ways to get the lowest prices and best deals is to compare quotes from different companies. We do the work for you, comparing quotes side-by-side and giving you all the information you need so you can choose the right deal for your needs and your wallet.
We don’t give recommendations or financial advice, but we give you clear information so you can choose financial products that suit your circumstances.
Does MoneySuperMarket work with all the providers on the market?
No, not every company can be included in our service. This is because some companies don’t want their products included on comparison sites, and some decide that they would rather not pay a fee. There are also a few smaller providers who can struggle to cope with the volume of customers that can find their products if they appear on MoneySuperMarket.
Our goal is to search deals from as wide a range of companies as possible so that you can choose the deal that suits you.
Is breakdown insurance eligible for SuperSaveClub and rewards?
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 26 Oct 2026 by
Sources and supporting information
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[1]
YouGov Survey 1st July 2025 to 30th June 2026. 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=17,883, Compare the Market n=16,193, Go.Compare n=8,523, Confused.com n=7,918, Uswitch n=514)
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[2]
Accurate as of October 2026
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[3]
Based on car insurance policies sold through MoneySuperMarket between June 2026 and August 2026 where the user requested Breakdown Cover and it wasn't included as standard cover.
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[4]
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.
