Vehicle Breakdown Cover


What is vehicle breakdown cover? 

Vehicle breakdown cover is a type of cover that applies to a specific vehicle. If you have vehicle cover, your vehicle will be covered no matter who is driving it when it breaks down. This is different to personal cover, which applies to a person in any vehicle as a driver or passenger.

Vehicle-based breakdown cover usually costs less than personal cover. And it's ideal if you only ever drive one vehicle, or your family only runs one vehicle.

Comparing Vehicle Breakdown Cover

Before you decide on vehicle breakdown cover, it's important to think about the pros and cons. If it isn't right for you, you can always choose personal cover instead.

Pros of vehicle cover

  • Vehicle breakdown cover costs less than personal cover
  • It can be ideal if you only drive one vehicle, or you share a vehicle with someone else in your household
  • If you have a family vehicle, whoever is driving it will benefit from breakdown cover

Cons of vehicle breakdown cover

  • Vehicle breakdown cover may be cheaper, but personal cover is more extensive as it covers you as a person in any vehicle
  • Personal cover may be a better option if you regularly drive more than one vehicle
  • If you’re a driver or passenger in a vehicle that isn't covered and it breaks down, you won't be able to use your breakdown cover

Can I add additional vehicles to my policy? 

You can buy breakdown cover for more than one vehicle with a multi-car breakdown cover policy. With the RAC, you can cover up to 3 vehicles on the same policy.

It costs at least £3 a month to add an extra vehicle to your breakdown policy, depending on the level of cover you have. And each vehicle gets the same level of cover.

  • If you're already a member: Give us a call on 0333 2000 999 and let us know how many vehicles you'd like to add.
  • If you're buying online: Just select 'vehicle breakdown cover' and select the number of vehicles you'd like to cover. Buy breakdown cover here.

What types of vehicles are covered?

We cover cars of any age, including hybrids, electric vehicles and classic cars. We also cover motorbikes, campervans and vans. All we ask is that your vehicle is:

  • UK registered
  • a maximum of 3.5 tonnes, 6.4 m long (and 2.5 m wide - that's roughly the weight and size of a Ford Transit long wheelbase van)
  • over 49cc if it's a motorbike, scooter or moped (or over 121cc in Europe)

Other types of breakdown cover

If you don’t think vehicle breakdown cover is your best option, there are other types of breakdown policies available from the RAC. Breakdown cover levels include:

Personal Breakdown Cover
European Breakdown Cover
Family and Multi-car Breakdown Cover
Caravan Breakdown Cover
Instant Breakdown Cover - if you’re not a member and have just broken down

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does vehicle breakdown cover mean?

Vehicle breakdown cover means a particular, named vehicle is covered, whoever is driving it in the event it breaks down. It doesn’t matter who the driver is - as long it’s a valid, qualified driver of course - they can call for assistance.

Q. Can I pay for vehicle breakdown monthly?

Yes, RAC vehicle breakdown cover can be paid either as part of a fixed term plan or flexible monthly cover.

Q. Would I still be covered in another person's vehicle?

Not at all with vehicle breakdown cover, which only applies to the specific, named vehicle. Personal breakdown cover could cover you, in any vehicle.

Q. Can I also add my motorbike to this policy?

The RAC offers specific motorbike breakdown cover, which works in the same way as car breakdown cover. There’s more information about that type of breakdown cover here.