Curious about what our members say? Read their genuine reviews of our breakdown cover service.
There are 4 types of breakdown cover policy, allowing you to select the best type of cover for your specific driving needs. We cover any non-commercial vehicle, including cars, vans, motorbikes and electric vehicles (EVs).
Personal breakdown cover for you as a driver or passenger in any vehicle.
Breakdown cover for you and someone you live with, as drivers or passengers in any vehicle.
Breakdown cover for you and up to 3 other people you live with, as drivers or passengers in any vehicle.
Breakdown cover for one vehicle, whoever's behind the wheel.
If your vehicle won't start or breaks down within 1/4 mile of your home, you'll get breakdown recovery to a nearby garage. This extends our Roadside Assistance coverage straight to your door.
If you break down and we can't fix your vehicle at the roadside. We'll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination.
If you break down and need repairs that stop your journey. We'll help with alternative transport or an overnight hotel stay.
If you need repairs or work done at a garage after calling us out for a breakdown. We'll cover costs up to £535.
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These breakdown cover packages all cover 1 vehicle, whoever's driving it. Compare what’s included in each package and choose the one that best suits your needs. 10% of AA customers paid these prices. Source: survey of new business sales from theAA.com, 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024.
Monthly cover from
Unlimited call-outs Call us out as many times as you need to, as long as it's not a recurring problem with your vehicle. Roadside Assistance24/7 cover for breakdowns over 1/4 mile from home. If we can't complete repairs at the roadside we'll take you and your vehicle to a nearby garage.
Brings cover to your doorstep and within 1/4 mile from home.Monthly cover from
Unlimited call-outs Call us out as many times as you need to, as long as it's not a recurring problem with your vehicle. Roadside Assistance24/7 cover for breakdowns over 1/4 mile from home. If we can't complete repairs at the roadside we'll take you and your vehicle to a nearby garage.
Brings cover to your doorstep and within 1/4 mile from home. National RecoveryWe'll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination if your vehicle can't be fixed.
Monthly cover from
Unlimited call-outs Call us out as many times as you need to, as long as it's not a recurring problem with your vehicle. Roadside Assistance24/7 cover for breakdowns over 1/4 mile from home. If we can't complete repairs at the roadside we'll take you and your vehicle to a nearby garage.
Brings cover to your doorstep and within 1/4 mile from home. National RecoveryWe'll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination if your vehicle can't be fixed.
Onward TravelCar hire, overnight accommodation or costs towards public transport if we can't get your vehicle going again straight away.
The prices shown are only for new customers and include an introductory discount – prices are likely to rise at renewal.
Answer a few quick questions to find cover that suits you.
default view Image left/bottom--> default view Image left/top--> default view Image right/top-->When you buy a breakdown cover policy with us, you could save £100s every year with these member deals.
Find out how to get the most from your cover.
A breakdown cover policy covers you for roadside repairs if your car breaks down while you’re out and about.
Most car breakdown cover companies will offer roadside assistance as a minimum. This means a trained mechanic will come to fix your car if it breaks down on the road. If it can’t be fixed, our vehicle recovery service will tow it to a nearby garage.
Our breakdown cover also includes all other vehicles, as long as they’re less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) and no wider than 8 foot 3 inches (2.55 metres, excluding mirrors). That means we can help if you break down in a classic car, motorbike, van, motorhome or minibus.
Larger breakdown companies manage a fleet of vans and recovery trucks, with their own staff of expert mechanics. Smaller providers tend to use third-party garages and recovery operators to provide a breakdown service.
Some policies offer unlimited call-outs a year, while others might limit the number of times you can call for help at the roadside.
Find out more on what to do if you break down
Why do I need breakdown cover?Breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement, but it does offer you support and protection if your car breaks down on the roadside. It also means you don’t have to pay for costly repairs or a tow from a vehicle recovery service if you break down.
Find out more on what to do if you break down
What happens if I break down without breakdown cover?You can still call us to arrange instant breakdown cover and we'll come out to you – just call 0330 053 1100.
Our standard level of breakdown cover (Roadside Assistance) is available once you're more than ¼ mile away from home. We’ll help you any time of day or night in the UK, and if we can’t fix your vehicle by the roadside, we’ll tow you to a local garage for repair.
You can cover just your vehicle, or you can choose to cover yourself and up to 3 other people in any vehicle you’re travelling in:
Vehicle cover – cover for one single vehicle in your household, no matter who’s driving it. Great if you’re sharing a car with friends or family.
Personal cover – cover for you as a passenger or driver in any vehicle. Perfect if you own, borrow or regularly travel in more than one vehicle. Personal cover is our name for multi-car breakdown cover.
If you live with others who also need cover as a driver or passenger in any car, you can opt for a policy the covers them too. Choose breakdown cover for 2 people (joint policy for you and one other person), or family cover (you and up to 3 other people in your household).
If you add the following optional extras to your breakdown cover, we’ll also
If you need help deciding on your level of cover, you can compare breakdown cover.
Why choose AA breakdown cover?As the UK's largest breakdown cover provider, we we have more expert Patrols than anyone else 2 .
We get to most of our customers in under an hour 1 – and we give priority to people in vulnerable situations.
We’ve got you covered if your car, motorbike or caravan breaks down and needs repairing by the roadside.
We’ll come to your rescue anywhere in the UK. Call us right away, or use our app to report your breakdown, pinpoint your location and track our arrival.
If your vehicle needs extra work done, they’ll tow it to a nearby garage, as standard.
Our Roadside Assistance, National Recovery, At Home and Onward Travel bundle has been awarded a Defaqto 5-star rating.
Can I pay monthly or annually for AA breakdown cover?If you purchase breakdown cover with us you can choose to pay annually by card or direct debit, or monthly by direct debit.
If you pay annually, you’ll pay up front for a fixed 12-month breakdown cover policy and the overall price for a year will be lower than 12 monthly payments. Please note that in some circumstances – such as promotions – annual payment may not be cheaper than 12 monthly payments. There’s no refund if you cancel after your 14-day cooling-off period. You can choose how your policy renews when you set up your cover and can opt out of autorenewal at any time if you change your mind.
We’ll use the payment details you provide to renew your cover automatically so that you’ll always be covered. Before the end of your first year, you’ll receive a renewal notice with the price of membership for your second year – so you’ll have plenty of time to change or cancel your cover
If you pay monthly, your account will be debited every month until your breakdown cover policy is cancelled. This gives you the convenience of paying per month, together with the flexibility of being able to cancel your cover at any time. After the 14-day cooling-off period, you'll just need to give us 30 days' notice.
Your payments may change at any point, but we’ll let you know at least 45 days in advance – giving you plenty of time to change or cancel your cover.
When will my breakdown cover start?Our breakdown cover will activate 24 hours after purchase. You can also choose to buy cover that starts up to 2 months later.
Just so you know, you can’t buy cover online if you’ve already broken down. If you need to buy instant breakdown cover at the roadside, call us on 03330 046 046.
Does AA breakdown cover include accidents?If you have breakdown cover with us, we can help you at the scene of a road traffic accident with our Accident Assist service.
Once we’ve had the all-clear from any emergency services, we’ll do our best to make repairs to your vehicle so it’s safe to drive away from the scene. If that’s not possible, we’ll recover your vehicle and tow it to a nearby garage.
Does AA breakdown cover include repairs?With Roadside Assistance, if we can’t get you going again, we’ll tow you to a nearby garage – where you'll need to cover the cost of any repair work.
If you add Parts and Garage Cover, we’ll help cover the costs of garage repairs, which might work out cheaper.
We can’t be called out for routine maintenance or running repairs.
What's AA membership?Along with cheap breakdown cover, membership gives you extra perks such as restaurant deals and offers on car hire, added incentives the longer you're with us, and discounts on our other services.
Are there any restrictions on the vehicles the AA cover?Our breakdown cover includes most:
Your vehicle must be under 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and 8ft 3in (2.55m) wide, excluding mirrors. The same maximum weight and width separately apply to any caravans or trailers you’re towing. Your vehicle must also be roadworthy, taxed and have an up-to-date MOT.
Please do not use breakdown cover for vehicles that are heavier than 3.5 tonnes or wider than 2.55 metres. Assistance cannot be provided for vehicles that have been vandalised or subject to malicious damage, as these are insured events usually covered by motor insurance.
If you have a vehicle-based policy, then the vehicle registered with the AA is covered for all drivers.
If you change your vehicle, please ensure that you update us promptly.
If you have a personal-based policy (single, joint, family) then a vehicle is covered only if the member is a driver or passenger in that vehicle when it breaks down. Assistance cannot be provided if drivers or passengers are abusive or uncooperative.
Our breakdown cover excludes vehicles that are:
Learn more about our cover for different types of vehicles:
No – this cover provides assistance for vehicles used for private and domestic purposes only.
Please do not buy this cover for any vehicle used for any commercial purpose, such as:
• Carrying items/people for money
• Delivery or collection of goods
• Transporting passengers
• Carrying equipment, tools or materials
• Moving vehicles for trade purposes, vehicles used for sporting events, or any combination of private, domestic and commercial use
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that’s used for commercial purposes, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
For any commercial use, you'll need our Business Breakdown Cover.
Does breakdown cover include routine maintenance?No – this cover provides emergency assistance when a vehicle suffers a sudden or unexpected mechanical or electrical fault that prevents it from being driven or continuing a journey safely.
It does not cover cosmetic, non-emergency, self-induced faults or where we suspect third-party interference. Please do not try to use it as a replacement for routine servicing, maintenance, or repairs, or to cover faults caused by actions or omissions of the driver.
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that has not been serviced or maintained appropriately, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
Does my vehicle need to be roadworthy and road-legal?Yes – this cover provides assistance for vehicles that are roadworthy and road-legal. It does not cover vehicles that are unsafe, unroadworthy, unlawful, overladen or being used improperly.
Throughout the life of the policy, please ensure that vehicles are serviced annually (or following manufacturers’ guidelines), are maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines, are in good condition and safe to be driven on the road. Please also ensure that vehicles are taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate.
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that’s not roadworthy or road-legal, we will not be able to help you get back on the road.
Are repeat call-outs and pre-existing faults covered?No – assistance cannot be provided if we have attended your vehicle and you call us out for the same fault within 28 days, unless you can provide proof that a permanent repair has been completed by a garage. Please arrange for a permanent repair to be made following a temporary repair carried out by us.
Cover will not be provided for any known faults that existed before you purchased cover, so please do not try to claim for them. If you try to use this policy for a vehicle with a known fault or still has a temporary repair, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
Is my pet covered if my car breaks down?If we’re unable to fix your vehicle at the roadside and need to tow you and your passengers, we do our best to welcome pets wherever possible. If we can't take your pet, we'll do what we can to help get them home.
We recommend you use suitable travel carriers for your pet or restraints that you can use on any vehicle – so we can take your pet where they need to go safely.
Will family breakdown cover apply to students living away from home?Yes – if you have drivers in your household living away from home at university or a temporary address in the UK, they're still included in your family breakdown cover policy.
Do you offer business breakdown cover?Yes – if you use your vehicle for work, we can help. Whether you have one vehicle or a whole fleet, we've got you covered with business breakdown cover.
Our business breakdown cover includes cars, vans, minibuses, taxis and more specialist vehicles.
Follow these four steps if you break down:
1 – Make sure you’re in a safe place. Move your vehicle off the road if possible, or pull up onto the hard shoulder if you’re on the motorway.
2 – Stay well away from moving traffic – it’s usually safest to get out of your car (using the doors facing away from passing traffic) and wait behind a barrier.
3 – Put your hazard warning lights on and wear a reflective jacket, if you have one.
4 – Once you’re safe, give us a call on 03330 046 046. We’ll come and rescue you, even if you’re not a member yet.
If you’re already with us, you can also report a breakdown and pinpoint your location using our app. It's the fastest way to ask us for help and track our arrival.
What should I do if I buy a new vehicle?You only need to let us know if you have vehicle cover. Tell us as soon as you can, so we can update your membership details – and check your new vehicle is eligible (T&Cs apply). Once you've updated us, you’ll be covered in 24 hours.
Call our free helpline on 0330 053 0460 .
If you need information in large print, audio or Braille, just ask – you can email our customer services team at [email protected], or let us know when you call our helpline.
If you’ve broken down, you can text us on:
07860 027 999
To use the Next Generation Texting Service (NGTS – formerly known as Text Relay), just add 18001 at the start of any of our numbers.
I have a disability – what additional help and support does the AA provide?If you require any additional adjustments (e.g. documents in large print, audio or Braille) or you need us to tailor our service to your specific requirements in the event of a breakdown, call us on 0330 053 0460 .
Textphone users can prefix this number with 18001.
I’m experiencing money worries – what should I do?If your current situation is affecting how you manage your finances and you require additional help or support, call us on 0330 053 0460 .
Our breakdown cover policy documents give you the terms and conditions of the contracts that make up AA Breakdown Membership and AA Parts and Garage Cover (AA Breakdown Repair Cover).
They are split into two parts:
AA Breakdown Membership
AA Parts and Garage Cover (AA Breakdown Repair Cover)
Member Extras
Good to knowAbout the price
*10% of new AA customers paid £7 for monthly vehicle breakdown cover. Source: survey of new business sales from theAA.com, 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024.
Prices shown include insurance premiums payable to the insurer(s) and a fee payable under a separate contract between you and Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited (AAIS) for arranging and administering your cover. Please see the terms and conditions for more information.
AA Breakdown Cover is arranged by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check their register online. Registered office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Registered in England and Wales number 2414212.
Private and domestic use only
Please do not buy this cover for any vehicle used for any commercial purpose, such as:
• Carrying items/people for money
• Delivery or collection of goods
• Transporting passengers
• Carrying equipment, tools or materials
• Moving vehicles for trade purposes, vehicles used for sporting events, or any combination of private, domestic and commercial use
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that’s used for commercial purposes, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
For any commercial use, you'll need our Business Breakdown Cover.
Breakdown not routine maintenance
This cover provides emergency assistance when a vehicle suffers a sudden or unexpected mechanical or electrical fault that prevents it from being driven or continuing a journey safely.
It does not cover cosmetic, non-emergency, self-induced faults or where we suspect third-party interference. Please do not try to use it as a replacement for routine servicing, maintenance, or repairs, or to cover faults caused by actions or omissions of the driver.
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that has not been serviced or maintained appropriately, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
Roadworthy and road-legal vehicles only
This cover provides assistance for vehicles that are roadworthy and road-legal. It does not cover vehicles that are unsafe, unroadworthy, unlawful, overladen or being used improperly.
Throughout the life of the policy, please ensure that vehicles are serviced annually (or following manufacturers’ guidelines), are maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines, are in good condition and safe to be driven on the road. Please also ensure that vehicles are taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate.
If you try to use this policy for a vehicle that’s not roadworthy or road-legal, we will not be able to help you get back on the road.
Repeat call-outs and pre-existing conditions are not covered
Assistance cannot be provided if we have attended your vehicle and you call us out for the same fault within 28 days, unless you can provide proof that a permanent repair has been completed by a garage. Please arrange for a permanent repair to be made following a temporary repair carried out by us.
Cover will not be provided for any known faults that existed before you purchased cover, so please do not try to claim for them. If you try to use this policy for a vehicle with a known fault or still has a temporary repair, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
Covered vehicles and drivers
The policy covers vehicles that are up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500 kg) in weight and up to 8 foot 3 inches (2.55 metres) wide.
Please do not use breakdown cover for vehicles that are heavier than 3.5 tonnes or wider than 2.55 metres. Assistance cannot be provided for vehicles that have been vandalised or subject to malicious damage, as these are insured events usually covered by motor insurance.
If you have a vehicle-based policy, then the vehicle registered with the AA is covered for all drivers.
If you change your vehicle, please ensure that you update us promptly.
If you have a personal-based policy (single, joint, family) then a vehicle is covered only if the member is a driver or passenger in that vehicle when it breaks down. Assistance cannot be provided if drivers or passengers are abusive or uncooperative.
How do you use my data?
To find out how we use your data, please read our website privacy notice and our specific roadside product privacy notice.
For more information, there's also our cookie policy and website terms and conditions.
What does the Which? endorsement mean?
The AA is the only major breakdown service provider to be Which? Recommended in 2023 and for the last 6 years in a row. The Which? Recommended Provider endorsement is only awarded to companies that score highly in their category and based on Which?’s assessment benchmarks, plus customer scores and star ratings gathered through their regular surveys.
1 Source: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2024 (3.3 million paid personal members) and RAC Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 (2.7 million consumer members). Verify at theAA.com/Best
2 Source: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2024 (c. 2,800 patrols) and RAC Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 (1,600 patrols). Verify at theAA.com/Best
3 Repeat call-outs for the same fault within 28 days will not be covered. Your call-out levels may affect future renewals.
Don't buy online – call us 24/7 for instant cover: 03330 046 046
Don't buy online – call us 24/7 for instant cover: 03330 046 046
