Do I need onward travel breakdown cover?

Key takeaways

• Onward travel can help you continue your journey if your car can't be repaired after a breakdown

• Cover can include a hire car, public transport or overnight accommodation, depending on your policy

• It's worth considering if you regularly drive long distances or depend on your car for work and everyday commitments

What is onward travel breakdown cover?

Onward travel is a type of breakdown cover that helps you get home or continue your journey if your vehicle breaks down and can't be repaired promptly. Depending on your policy, your breakdown provider may arrange alternative transport, a replacement hire car or overnight accommodation.

It's usually included with more comprehensive breakdown policies or available as an optional extra. The assistance you receive and when you can use it usually depends on the provider and the cover it offers.

What does onward travel breakdown cover include?

Onward travel can offer different ways to continue your journey if your vehicle can't be repaired following a breakdown.

• Replacement hire car: Your provider may arrange a temporary hire car while your vehicle is being repaired, although the length of hire, type of vehicle and driver eligibility rules can vary

• Public transport: Some policies cover the cost of a train, bus or taxi to help you reach your destination or return home, but there may be spending limits, and you might need approval before booking

• Overnight accommodation: If you can't continue your journey that day, your provider may arrange a hotel stay for you and your passengers - check how many people are covered and whether spending limits apply

You may have to choose between these benefits, rather than receive all three.

What's the difference between onward travel and national recovery?

National recovery helps transport your broken-down vehicle, while onward travel helps you continue travelling without it.

For example, national recovery might get you and your broken-down car home, while onward travel could instead help you reach your destination by hire car or public transport while your vehicle is being repaired. The two benefits can complement each other as part of breakdown cover, but you'll need to check what's included in your policy.

What isn't covered by onward travel?

Onward travel policies have conditions and exclusions that vary between providers, and these can include:

• Hire car eligibility: You might have to meet certain age, driving licence and payment method requirements

• Spending and time limits: Hire cars, public transport and accommodation might only be covered up to a certain limit

• Passengers and pets: Your policy might restrict the number of passengers covered, while you might be excluded entirely from transporting animals

• Certain breakdowns: Problems caused by misfuelling, accidents or other excluded circumstances may not qualify for a claim

• Existing problems: You might not be covered for a breakdown that happened before your policy started

Some providers also restrict how often you can claim, so be sure to check the wording of your policy before buying.

Is onward travel breakdown cover worth it?

Onward travel may be worth paying extra for if being without your car would seriously disrupt your plans, and it might be particularly useful to consider in these situations:

• You commute by car: A replacement vehicle or alternative transport could help you get to work while yours is being repaired

• You travel long distances: A breakdown far from home could leave you facing expensive transport or accommodation arrangements

• You drive with family: Alternative transport or a hotel could make a breakdown more manageable when travelling with children or other passengers

• You depend on your vehicle: Onward travel could help if you have regular caring responsibilities, appointments or other commitments

You might not need it if you rarely use your car, have access to another vehicle or already receive similar benefits through another policy or membership.

How much does onward travel breakdown cover cost?

The cost of onward travel depends on your provider and the level of breakdown cover you choose - it can be included in a more comprehensive policy or offered as an optional extra for an additional charge. When you compare breakdown cover, look at whether the policy provides a hire car, alternative transport, accommodation or a choice between these options.

The cheapest option doesn't necessarily offer the best value if it doesn't provide the help you would need after a breakdown.

How do I get onward travel breakdown cover?

You can get onward travel as part of a breakdown cover policy, either as an included benefit or an optional extra. When you compare breakdown cover with MoneySuperMarket, you'll be given the option of adding onward travel to your quote as well as whether you want local or nationwide cover or personal or vehicle cover.

If you're planning to drive abroad, check whether you also need European breakdown cover, as UK onward travel benefits likely won't apply overseas unless stated in your policy.

Frequently asked questions