Do I need onward travel breakdown cover?
Onward travel cover gives you more ways to finish your journey if your car breakdown provider has determined that your vehicle cannot be driven any further until repaired.
Key takeaways
Onward travel breakdown cover is included or offered as an add-on to car breakdown cover - it is not a separate policy
It might include alternative transport, accommodation, and continuation or return journey costs for you and your passengers
Onward travel cover can provide peace of mind for frequent travellers, or those driving long distances
When buying a car breakdown policy, check for exclusions based on vehicle type or condition, geographical restrictions, and negligence

What is onward travel breakdown cover?
Onward travel breakdown cover is a component of car breakdown cover. Basic car breakdown cover usually only includes roadside repairs or towing to a nearby garage. Some polices also offer ‘home start’, if you breakdown at your home address.
Onward travel cover will be included in more comprehensive car breakdown policies – these are usually the most expensive. If you break down during a long journey and your car can’t be repaired immediately, onward travel can help you and your passengers get to your intended destination. This might involve using a courtesy car, public transport, or overnight accommodation if needed.
This cover can be useful for drivers who often travel far from home. It ensures that a vehicle breakdown won't drastically alter your travel plans or leave you stranded.
What is included?
Onward travel breakdown cover offers several key features to help drivers when their vehicle breaks down away from home. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Alternative transport
Should your car become unusable due to a breakdown, this cover includes the cost of alternative transport. This might be a hire car or public transport.
Accommodation if stranded
If a breakdown leaves you stranded and it's not possible to continue your journey the same day, onward travel cover may pay for overnight accommodation for you and your passengers.
Cover for continuation or return journeys
This part of the cover helps you either to continue to your original destination or return home.
What is not included?
All car breakdown policies will have exclusions.
Some older cars may not be covered, or you may be limited to a maximum number of callouts per year.
Some policies have geographical restrictions, and may offer ‘local’ or ‘national’ coverage.
Some policies may not include transporting pets or livestock in the event of a breakdown.
Breakdowns due to negligence, like ignoring warning lights, might not be covered. Some policies include misfuelling cover (i.e. if you put petrol in a diesel car, or vice versa).
It’s important to note that your breakdown cover will be unlikely to recover your car after an accident – this will usually be the responsibility of your car insurance provider.
How to get onward travel breakdown cover
Onward travel breakdown cover will be included in car breakdown cover, or offered as an optional add-on. It is not available to buy as a separate policy.
If you know you want to include onward travel in your car breakdown policy, make sure you specify this when you compare policies and prices. If you plan to drive in Europe, check if your car breakdown policy will cover onward travel on the continent.
You can compare car breakdown policies with MoneySuperMarket.
You really only need onward travel cover if you regularly travel long distances or take your car on overnight trips. You probably don’t need it if most of your car journeys are local and end back at your home.