Compare Onward Travel Breakdown Cover

What is onward travel?

Onward travel breakdown cover is one of the most comprehensive types of breakdown policy.

If your vehicle breaks down and needs taking to a garage for repairs, onward travel helps you to continue your journey while it’s being fixed. This can minimise the disruption caused by a breakdown, as you’re able to carry on with what you need to do rather than changing your plans and sorting out other arrangements yourself.

The exact details of onward travel cover will vary between policies and providers, but will often include cover for a hire car or reimbursement of public transport and overnight accommodation costs, if necessary.

Onward travel cover can offer peace of mind when driving, especially if you regularly travel long distances. It ensures you won’t be left to fend for yourself should your vehicle stop working, helping you to get back home or go to another destination until your vehicle is ready to drive again.

Bear in mind that providers may call this level of cover different names.

» MORE: What is breakdown cover?

What does onward travel breakdown cover include?

Like other breakdown policies, onward travel policies cover the cost of a mechanic coming out to try to fix your vehicle at the roadside if you break down. If they can’t fix it at the scene, they will take your vehicle to a garage for further repairs.

What happens after this will depend on individual onward travel policies. In general, the breakdown provider will arrange a hire car for you to use until your vehicle is fixed, or it may reimburse the costs of public transport for you to travel to your chosen destination. It may also cover the costs of accommodation if you need to stay overnight while your vehicle is out of action.

Alternative transport and accommodation costs will also be covered for up to a certain number of passengers.

What exclusions usually apply to onward travel breakdown cover?

Providers will set various limits on their onward travel cover. For example, you may only be able to use the hire car for a certain number of days, and there is likely to be a cap on the costs you can claim for public transport or overnight accommodation.

You generally won’t be covered for other related costs you incur while using the transport or while staying in the accommodation, such as fuel, toll charges or food.

These restrictions are in addition to the common exclusions you could find with other breakdown policies. For example, you may not be covered if:

• You make repeated claims for the same issue.
• Your vehicle breaks down at home, or within a certain distance of home (unless you choose home start cover).
• The fault with your vehicle doesn’t prevent you from driving to a garage to get it fixed, such as windscreen damage or a problem with your vehicle’s interior lights or entertainment system.
• Your vehicle is towing a trailer or caravan, which doesn’t meet the criteria set by the provider. Check the terms of a policy to see if you require specialist cover.
• You exceed the number of passengers covered by a policy.

Is onward travel worth it?

Taking out onward travel breakdown cover could be a good idea if you want the reassurance that, should you break down, you can continue your journey. Whether you’re on holiday, or driving for another reason, having onward travel breakdown cover can help you to carry on your journey.

It can remove the stress of making alternative arrangements yourself, as your provider will have replacement transport and accommodation covered while your vehicle is being fixed.

It may be worth taking out onward travel cover if:

• You drive long distances, whether for work or for leisure.
• Your vehicle is older and perhaps more susceptible to problems.
• You don’t want the stress of arranging and paying for alternative transport yourself, immediately after breaking down.

» MORE: Do I need breakdown cover?

What are the pros and cons of onward travel breakdown cover?

Onward travel breakdown cover has many benefits, but it may not be right for everyone. Some of its advantages include:

• You can get assistance if you break down on the road.
• You can get alternative transport if your vehicle needs repairs at a garage, minimising the disruption of breaking down.
• If you are far from home, you may be able to stay overnight in accommodation chosen by your provider while your vehicle is repaired.

However, onward travel cover has some disadvantages:

• It’s typically one of the more expensive breakdown policies.
• There are limits to the transport and accommodation costs you can claim for.
• It may not be necessary if you tend to drive locally.

How do I get onward travel breakdown cover?

Once you have chosen a provider, you will be asked to confirm whether you want personal or vehicle cover and the level of cover you want. You will normally get roadside assistance as standard, and then have the option to upgrade your cover to onward travel. You may also be able to add extra cover to your policy, such as home start.

Providers will need to know personal details including your name, address, date of birth and contact details. If you choose a vehicle-based policy, they may also need information about your vehicle.

You will also need to decide how you are paying for your cover. In many cases, you can choose between annual cover, paid upfront or cover on a monthly basis until you cancel the policy.

How to choose the best onward travel breakdown cover for me?

If you decide you need breakdown cover, it’s important to choose the policy that’s right for you. Some factors to think about while you compare policies are whether:

• You need personal or vehicle cover.
• You want to be covered if your vehicle breaks down at home.
• You prefer to pay for annual cover or pay on a monthly basis.
• You want to extend your cover with optional add-ons, such as parts and labour cover.
• The limits to cover offered by a policy, including call-out limits and the maximum amount you can claim for transport and accommodation costs, suit you.

You can use our comparison table above to compare policies and their prices to help you find the best cover for your requirements.

Breakdown cover – onward travel FAQ