Understanding the Different Levels of Breakdown Cover

Understanding the Different Levels of Breakdown Cover

Choosing the right breakdown cover doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you drive every day, have more than one car in the household, or need cover for business or travel across Europe, there’s a level of cover to suit your needs. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which one’s best for you.

1. Roadside – Basic Help When You Need It Most

Best for: Drivers who mainly travel close to home.
This is the most basic level of cover, giving you roadside assistance if your car breaks down away from home. A patrol will aim to fix the problem on the spot. If that’s not possible, you’ll be towed to a nearby garage.

Key benefits:

  • If you break down more than 1/4 mile from home and your vehicle can’t be fixed roadside, we’ll arrange recovery for you and up to five passengers to a garage within 20 miles.
  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers you if your vehicle is rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • We provide a 50% discount on cover for a second car at the same address when purchased together.

 

2. Roadside & Recovery – Nationwide Assistance and Onward Travel

Best for: Drivers who often travel far from home.
This option builds on Roadside and adds nationwide recovery. If your car can’t be fixed at the roadside, it’ll be recovered to any location in the UK. Onward travel is also included, helping you and your passengers continue your journey.

Key benefits (everything in Roadside):

  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers you if your vehicle is rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • We provide a 50% discount on cover for a second car at the same address when purchased together.

Plus:

  • If your car can't be fixed roadside, we’ll recover it and up to five passengers, transporting them to any UK destination of your choice. If needed, we can arrange emergency accommodation close to the repair location.

 

3. Total UK – Full Protection Across the UK

Best for: Drivers who want maximum peace of mind at home and on the road.
This level of cover adds help at home (also known as home start). It includes all the benefits of Roadside & Recovery, plus extra support no matter where your car is.

Key benefits (everything in Roadside & Recovery):

  • If your car can't be fixed roadside, we’ll recover it and up to five passengers, transporting them to any UK destination of your choice. If needed, we can arrange emergency accommodation close to the repair location.
  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers your vehicle if it’s rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • We provide a 50% discount on cover for a second car at the same address when purchased together.

Plus:

  • If you break down at home, we’ll send a specialist to assist and, if needed, transport your vehicle to the nearest garage.

 

4. Total UK Including Business Use – Keep Your Company Vehicles on the Move

Best for: Drivers who use their vehicle for work, commuting or long-distance travel across the UK.
This level of cover includes everything Total UK, with added protection for business use. Whether you're driving to client meetings or between work sites, you're supported nationwide.

Key benefits (everything in Total UK):

  • If you break down at home, we’ll send a specialist to assist and, if needed, transport your vehicle to the nearest garage.
  • If your car can't be fixed roadside, we’ll recover it and up to five passengers, transporting them to any UK destination of your choice. If needed, we can arrange emergency accommodation close to the repair location.
  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers your vehicle if it’s rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • We provide a 50% discount on cover for a second car at the same address when purchased together.

Plus:

  • You’re fully covered for business use—ideal for driving between jobs, sites or client visits anywhere in the UK.

 

5. Total UK & Europe Annual Membership Including Business Use

Best for: Drivers who use their vehicle for work, commuting, or travelling across the UK and Europe.
This level of cover includes everything in Total UK Including Business Use, with added protection for business use and comprehensive European assistance. Whether you're visiting clients across the country or driving through the EU, you’ll have peace of mind wherever the road takes you.

Key benefits (everything in Total UK Including Business Use):

  • If you break down at home, we’ll send a specialist to assist and, if needed, transport your vehicle to the nearest garage.
  • If your car can't be fixed roadside, we’ll recover it and up to five passengers, transporting them to any UK destination of your choice. If needed, we can arrange emergency accommodation close to the repair location.
  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers your vehicle if it’s rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • We provide a 50% discount on cover for a second car at the same address when purchased together.
  • You’re fully covered for business use—ideal for driving between jobs, sites or client visits anywhere in the UK.

Plus:

  • European cover included—providing breakdown assistance across the EU so you can drive with confidence wherever your journey takes you.

 

6. Personal Cover – Ideal for Drivers with More Than One Vehicle

Best for: People who drive more than one car or share cars at home.
Rather than covering a specific car, this policy covers you. So, no matter which eligible vehicle you’re driving, you’re protected. Great for households with multiple vehicles or for anyone with a classic car or motorbike.

Key benefits:

  • If your car can't be fixed roadside, we’ll recover you and your vehicle to any UK destination of your choice. If needed, we can arrange emergency accommodation close to the repair location.
  • If you break down at home, we’ll send a specialist to assist and, if needed, transport your vehicle to the nearest garage.
  • If you lose or lock in your keys, we’ll either take your vehicle to the nearest repairer or take you to collect your spare keys—whichever is closer.
  • This policy also covers you if your vehicle is rendered immobile as a result of an accident, theft or vandalism.
  • We can relay an emergency message to a family member or colleague.
  • For an additional cost you can get:
  • Cover for Lost or Stolen Keys so if you lose or damage your keys, we’ll provide reimbursement for replacement keys, locksmith charges, new locks, and any necessary transport or accommodation.
  • Our standard membership will cover you in vehicles up to 15 years of age. This can be extended to vehicles of any age for an additional cost.

 

Whatever your needs, Autonational is here to keep you moving.