What You Need to Know About Motor Breakdown Cover

A breakdown can happen to any vehicle, often at the worst possible moment. Motor breakdown cover means you have someone to call, whether you're on the motorway, on a country lane or outside your own front door. But what does it actually include, and which level of cover do you need? This guide explains howmotor breakdown coverworks, what it does and doesn't cover, and how to choose the right policy.

What Is Motor Breakdown Cover?

Motor breakdown cover sends a recovery operator to help when your vehicle breaks down. They'll try to fix the problem at the roadside. If they can't, they'll recover your vehicle, you and your passengers to a garage or, on higher levels of cover, to a destination of your choice.

It's important to know what breakdown cover isn't. It isn't a repair plan. The recovery operator will spend up to an hour trying to get you going at the roadside, but the cost of parts, and of any garage repairs after that, is yours to pay. It also isn't the same as car insurance, which covers accidents, theft and damage.

The Different Levels of Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover is usually sold in levels, so you can choose how much help you need. Smart Cover offers four levels, each building on the one before:

You may see these features called different names elsewhere. Roadside assistance is the basic call-out. National recovery takes you anywhere in the UK. Home start or home assist covers breakdowns on your driveway. European cover protects you abroad.

What Else Is Included

If your vehicle can't be fixed the same working day and you've broken down more than 20 miles from home, UK cover can also help with:

• Alternative travel: up to £250 to continue your journey, plus up to £150 for one person to collect the repaired vehicle
• Overnight accommodation: up to £150 for a lone traveller, or £75 per person, up to £500 per incident

These benefits must be authorised by the rescue co-ordinator first, and you'll need to keep your receipts.

Other benefits include:

• Caravans and trailers: recovered along with your vehicle, as long as they fit a standard 50mm tow ball and are no longer than 7 metres (23 feet). A breakdown of the caravan or trailer itself isn't covered.
• Lost, broken or locked-in keys: the call-out and mileage are covered
• Driver illness: help with an alternative driver if the driver becomes ill or injured
• Messages: two urgent messages passed on to family, friends or work for you

European Cover adds help abroad, including roadside assistance, getting your vehicle home if it can't be fixed in time, alternative transport and accommodation, and Pre-Departure Cover if your vehicle breaks down in the 7 days before a pre-booked trip.

Limits to Be Aware Of

• No claims in the first 24 hours after you buy the policy
• Up to 6 call-outs per vehicle in each policy period
• No repeat call-outs for the same or a related fault within 28 days, unless it has been properly repaired
• Recovery happens at the time of the first call-out, to one address only
• Home Assist is only included in Full UK Cover and European Cover

What Isn't Covered

Common exclusions include:

• The cost of parts, and repairs that take more than an hour at the roadside
• Breakdowns that happened before the policy started
• Breakdowns caused by not maintaining or servicing your vehicle
• Theft, fire and vandalism, which are car insurance matters
• A missing or unusable spare wheel, jack or locking wheel nut key (cars and vans)
• Specialist equipment, or recovery over 10 miles, if the vehicle is stuck in snow, mud, sand, water or floodwater
• Draining contaminated fuel
• Overloaded vehicles
• Vehicles without a valid MOT, tax or insurance, or that aren't roadworthy
• Any costs you arrange yourself without authorisation

This isn't the full list. Always read the policy wording before you buy.

Where You're Covered

UK cover applies in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, and in Jersey and Guernsey for residents. Your vehicle must be registered and kept in the UK, you must be a permanent UK resident, and the vehicle must be in the UK when you buy the policy. European Cover applies to trips of up to 90 days.

Breakdown Cover With Car Insurance or Standalone?

Some car insurers offer breakdown cover as an add-on. It can be convenient, but check what level of cover you're getting, as add-ons are sometimes basic roadside assistance only. Standalone breakdown cover lets you choose your level of cover separately and keep it if you change car insurer.

You may also already have some cover. New cars sometimes come with roadside assistance from the manufacturer, and some bank accounts include breakdown cover as a benefit. Check these before you buy, so you don't pay twice. For more detail, readis it better to get breakdown cover with car insurance or separately?

Is Breakdown Cover Worth It?

Breakdown cover is often worth considering if:

• Your vehicle is older, or has had problems before
• You drive long distances or on motorways regularly
• You rely on your vehicle for work, school runs or caring for others
• You'd struggle to pay for a recovery truck at short notice
• You often drive alone or at night

It may be less useful if your vehicle is new and already comes with roadside assistance, or if you already have cover through a bank account or another policy.

Cover for Other Vehicles

Breakdown cover isn't just for cars. Smart Cover also offers cover forvans, motorbikes, motorhomes, classic cars, minibuses and taxis. Each has its own page explaining what's included.

What to Do If You Break Down

1. Get to safety. Pull over as far left as you can, switch on your hazard lights and, if it's safe, get everyone out of the vehicle on the side away from traffic. On a motorway, wait behind the barrier. See our guide on what to do if you break down on the motorway.
2. Call the 24-hour Control Centre on 03333 449 247. Have your registration number, your location and a description of the problem ready.
3. Wait for the recovery operator. Don't arrange your own recovery or repairs without authorisation, as those costs won't be covered.
4. Keep your receipts for any travel or accommodation the rescue co-ordinator authorises.

If you're in immediate danger, call 999 first.

How to Avoid a Breakdown

Breakdowns caused by poor maintenance aren't covered, so regular checks help in two ways:

• Check your tyre pressure and tread regularly, including the spare
• Top up your oil, coolant and screenwash
• Keep an eye on your battery, especially in cold weather
• Don't ignore dashboard warning lights
• Get your vehicle serviced in line with the manufacturer's schedule
• Keep a working spare wheel, jack and locking wheel nut key in the car, as their absence isn't covered
• Carry a torch, a phone charger and warm clothing for longer journeys

For more tips, read our guides tothe most common causes of car breakdowns and how to prepare your car for winter.

Final Thoughts

Motor breakdown cover gives you someone to call when your vehicle lets you down, and a way home if it can't be fixed. The right level depends on how and where you drive: Local Cover for short trips, National for longer journeys, Full UK if you want help at home too, and European Cover if you drive abroad.

Check the call-out limits, the exclusions and what's already covered by your car insurance or bank account, then choose the level that suits you. You canget a breakdown cover quotein a few minutes.

Disclaimer

This blog is for information only and should not be taken as advice. Cover is subject to eligibility, exclusions, call-out limits and claim limits. Please read the full policy terms and conditions and IPID before purchasing. Motor Breakdown Cover is underwritten by DAS Legal Expenses Insurance Company Limited and administered by Call Assist Ltd. Smart-Cover is a trading name of Smart-Cover Direct Limited (FRN 600428), which is an Appointed Representative of City and Commercial Limited (FRN 314346), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.