We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Breakdown Cover?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,689
Share

Also known as breakdown coverage or breakdown benefits, breakdown cover is a type of benefit or protection that provides motorists with access to services in the event that a covered vehicle suffers some type of malfunction or mechanical failure that leaves the driver stranded. Cover of this type normally includes benefits such as towing to a repair shop and assisting the driver in securing transportation home. Services of this type are sometimes provided through membership in motor associations, or may also be available as a benefit of the car insurance policy held on the vehicle.

The general concept behind breakdown cover is to aid motorists who become stranded when a covered vehicle experiences some sort of operational problem. For example, if the transmission in the car should fail while the motorist is on the way home from work, the cover will often provide towing services for free or at least at a discount. There are some forms of breakdown cover that will even provide on-the-spot repairs for minor issues, such as a tire blowout.

With most forms of breakdown cover, the covered party or vehicle has access to services that make it possible to deal with the unanticipated issue with the least amount of inconvenience. Along with towing, many will also provide the stranded driver with transportation to a hotel, or even help make arrangements for the driver to return home. Most plans of this type provide very specific details regarding what is included in the services offered, and what circumstances must apply in order to claim those different benefits.

The costs associated with breakdown cover will vary, often based on the scope of services provided. In some cases, cover that is provided within the terms of an insurance plan will be less than similar cover obtained from a motorist association. At other times, associations may offer plans that are competitive with the cost and scope of coverage offered by various insurance providers. It is not unusual for motorists to carry insurance that provides for at least a minimum of roadside assistance, then make use of membership in a motorist association to obtain access to additional benefits. This is a particularly helpful strategy for people who tend to frequently travel by car for business or recreation.

Not all forms of breakdown cover are the same. Since the roadside assistance provided by different plans may vary, consumers should evaluate the scope of coverage provided by membership in a given association or as part of the vehicle insurance plan. Doing so makes it easier to determine what type of events are or are not covered, and set reasonable expectations regarding how helpful the plan would be for a given motorist.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-breakdown-cover.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.