Breakdown Cover

Breakdown Cover in the UK: AA, RAC, Green Flag Compared

Why Breakdown Cover Matters

A vehicle breakdown can happen to any driver at any time, regardless of the age or condition of the car. Without breakdown cover, the cost of roadside recovery and repairs can run to hundreds of pounds. Breakdown cover provides peace of mind that help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Three Main Providers

AA (Automobile Association)

The largest breakdown provider in the UK with over 15 million members. The AA offers roadside assistance, national recovery, home start (for breakdowns on your driveway or within a quarter mile of home), and onward travel. The AA has a strong reputation for response times and its app allows members to track the patrol's arrival. Membership starts at around 35 to 50 pounds per year for basic cover and rises to 100 plus pounds for comprehensive coverage.

RAC (Royal Automobile Club)

The RAC is the AA's main competitor and similarly well-regarded. It introduced the Advanced Diagnostics van which can diagnose and fix a wider range of problems roadside. The RAC also offers a breakdown app with live patrol tracking. Prices are broadly comparable to the AA, with regular promotions available online.

Green Flag

Green Flag operates differently - rather than employing its own patrols, it dispatches local recovery specialists. This means it does not have the same branded vans as the AA or RAC, but the network is extensive. Green Flag is typically cheaper than the AA or RAC and is now part of the Direct Line Group. It regularly wins awards for value for money.

What to Compare When Choosing

Home start cover - can you be rescued from your home address?
European cover - essential if you drive abroad
Onward travel - hire car or accommodation if the repair takes more than one day
Number of callouts per year - some policies cap callouts
Cover per vehicle vs per person - person-based policies cover you in any car you drive

Where to Buy

Compare prices on MoneySuperMarket, Confused.com, and GoCompare. Buying directly from providers during promotional periods can also offer significant savings. Car insurance policies sometimes include basic breakdown as a free add-on - check before buying separately.

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