When breakdown cover makes sense
- You drive a lot, including long distances from home.
- Your car is older and likely to break down more than once a year.
- You want home-start, onward travel or hotel cover included.
- You drive abroad: European cover is hard to arrange after the event.
When pay as you go makes sense
- You drive mostly locally and your car is reliable.
- Your car already has manufacturer assistance under warranty.
- You’ve broken down and don’t have cover. Most cover can’t be bought and used for a breakdown that has already happened.
- You need something cover doesn’t include: moving a non-runner, an auction car or a car you’ve just bought.
Check what you already have
Look at your insurance, your bank account perks and your warranty before buying. Some already include roadside help.
How we price
No membership. You call, tell us where the car is and where it needs to go, and hear the price before we set off. See the car recovery cost guide.
Waiting times
On busy days, especially in heatwaves and the first cold snaps of winter, the big breakdown services can have long waits. Some drivers with cover still call a local recovery service when they are quoted a wait of several hours, and claim back what their policy allows.
FAQ
Straight answers
Can I get breakdown cover after I’ve broken down?
Some providers allow it with an extra fee and a waiting period; many don’t. Pay-as-you-go recovery is for exactly that situation.
Is pay-as-you-go recovery more expensive than cover?
For one breakdown a year or less, often not. If you break down several times a year, cover may work out cheaper.