Compare Instant Breakdown Cover

This refers to breakdown cover policies that you can apply for online before receiving coverage almost immediately after completing the application process. These are not suitable for people who have already broken down, however, as there is usually an emergency call-out charge applied for those who do not already have breakdown cover but who are calling for roadside assistance.

Anyone who wants to be covered shortly after applying for breakdown cover may want instant breakdown cover. It may make you feel more secure as a driver if you know your cover starts straight away, especially if you had cover with another provider, for example, and are switching policies. Another scenario might be if a driver hasn’t previously felt the need for breakdown cover but is about to take a long journey and wants the peace of mind that comes with breakdown cover. If you are leaving for a holiday that same day, or the following day, instant cover might be preferable.

There are various levels of breakdown cover available to drivers. Most people consider their personal situation when deciding what level of cover to take out. For example, roadside assistance only might be appropriate for people who use their car infrequently or for journeys within a short distance of their home.

Home start is the term used in the breakdown cover industry to describe cover that allows you to call out a recovery engineer if your car won’t start at home, or within a very short distance of your home.

Drivers who often use their cars for long journeys may opt for a more comprehensive breakdown cover policy, such as national recovery. This level of cover usually allows you to call out roadside assistance when you break down and will include recovery of your vehicle, yourself and often your passengers to any UK destination. This could be handy if you’re on holiday with the family, or on a business trip away from home.

Anyone looking to take their car to Europe can opt for either single trip European cover or annual European breakdown cover. This level of cover will help you and your passengers, as well as your vehicle, get to where you need to go, or even get home, should you break down while in Europe.

No, the instant breakdown cover options detailed in our comparison tables will not be valid if you have already broken down and do not have existing cover. In this scenario you will have to contact a recovery company and pay an emergency callout fee that is often a substantial sum. You may also have to pay for annual breakdown cover and for parts and labour.

You can use our comparison tables to navigate to the various products and providers of instant breakdown cover. Applying for cover is usually simple and involves filling out an online form or making a phone call to the relevant customer service department.