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Breakdown Cover

For the just in case cover for when you need it the most.

You can now have Breakdown cover from ALA when you buy Warranty with us. This is an add-on policy for now, standalone policy coming soon!

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Trustpilot

What is Breakdown Cover?

Car breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that provides assistance if your car breaks down unexpectedly. Whether it’s a flat tyre with no spare wheel, an engine failure, or battery issues, car breakdown cover ensures you receive roadside assistance from mobile mechanics, allowing you to continue your journey or have your car towed to the nearest repairer.

Car breakdown cover is an essential safeguard that provides practical help when your vehicle fails. With a variety of cover types available from ALA, you can find a Breakdown policy that fits your driving needs and gives you the peace of mind to hit the road with confidence. Whether it’s a minor issue like a flat tyre or a major car breakdown, having vehicle cover ensures you won’t be left stranded.

What is Breakdown Cover?

Features and Benefits of ALA Breakdown Cover

Four different levels of breakdown cover available

Four levels of vehicle cover to suit the driver and your unforeseen needs: Roadside Assistance, Roadside & Recovery, Total UK and Total UK & Europe. Full-coverage European breakdown cover provides the ultimate peace of mind for overseas trips.

Over 3,000 assistance vehicle network

Our breakdown experts offer national recovery all over the UK, including, the Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Scottish Islands (excluding Northern Ireland). For those who opt for Total UK and European breakdown cover; we have an extensive network of EU recovery experts too.

All are members of the Association of Vehicle Operators or Road Rescue and Recovery Association.

24/7 support from experts

24 hour, 7 days a week car breakdown team available to help pinpoint exactly where you are and get our roadside assistance experts with you as soon as we can.

 

Market leading underwriters

A market-leading insurance, underwritten by trusted underwriters.

Protected policies

All policies at ALA Insurance are fully insured, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, including our Breakdown Cover and Extended Warranty. So, you are always financially protected.

Excellent customer support

We are proud of our 4.9 stars score on Trustpilot, with over 18,000 five-star customer reviews. We are also rated number 1 on Trustpilot’s insurance company chart, above big names like Aviva or DirectLine. We’re the insurance broker that puts customer satisfaction first.

Highly rated breakdown service

Almost 100% of vehicle repair jobs are confirmed in minutes; meaning you’ll quickly know exactly how long you’ll need to wait for roadside assistance. Average wait times are under an hour so you can get back on the road in no time after a car breakdown.

Onward travel options

Vehicle breakdown cover includes onward travel options, such as a hire car, overnight accommodation, or alternative public transport, if your car can’t be fixed at the roadside or within the same day. This ensures minimal disruption to your journey, whether you’re on holiday or attending an important event.

We are partnered with the highly-rated car hire business Avis. Their large network means you will be able to continue business as usual, until you get your car back in working order.

Cost-saving breakdown cover

Without Breakdown Cover, calling for roadside recovery or roadside assistance can be expensive. A one-off vehicle recovery service can cost more than an annual Breakdown policy – UK breakdown cover is a no brainer if you don’t already have it in place from your car insurance provider. With car breakdown insurance, you can save significantly on these potential costs, especially if you’re unfortunate enough to experience multiple breakdowns.

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When is Breakdown Cover necessary?

Breakdown Cover is a vital safety net for when your vehicle experiences unexpected problems.

You would use breakdown cover whenever your vehicle unexpectedly fails, whether it’s on the UK roadside, on the hard shoulder, at home, or during long-distance travel across the European Union. From using the wrong fuel, a flat battery to major breakdowns, or a recurring problem. Breakdown Cover offers complete peace of mind, rapid roadside assistance, and protection against costly vehicle repairs or local recovery charges.

When is Breakdown Cover necessary?
Availability of vehicle Breakdown Cover

Availability of vehicle Breakdown Cover

ALA Insurance are currently offering Breakdown Cover as an optional extra with Extended Car Warranty – it’s not available as a standalone policy yet. The small extra cost is worth it for peace of mind that you’re journey can continue – even if you break down at your home address. 

We service all types of vehicles including hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles – if you’re eligible for Extended Warranty, you can benefit from one of the cheapest breakdown cover options available.

Policy documents

View Policy Wording and IPID for Breakdown Cover

Breakdown – Roadside IPID Breakdown – Roadside policy wording Breakdown – Roadside & Recovery IPID Breakdown – Roadside & Recovery policy wording Breakdown – Total UK IPID Breakdown – Total UK policy wording Breakdown – Total UK & Europe IPID Breakdown – Total UK & Europe policy wording

Breakdown Cover FAQs

How does breakdown cover work?

Vehicle breakdown cover is a worthwhile insurance policy which means you won’t be left stranded on the roadside if your car breaks down. Depending on the level of cover you choose, recovery experts will either fix your car at the roadside (roadside assistance) or take it to the nearest garage for repairs (recovery). We’ll also help keep you moving with alternative transport options.

Is breakdown cover worth it?

Roadside recovery costs far exceed the cost of an annual Breakdown Cover policy and with hundreds of breakdowns occurring each hour in the UK, it’s crucial that you have the cover in place if the worst happens on your journey.

What is Roadside Assistance, and do I need it?

Roadside assistance is offered as part of ALA’s basic cover. Mobile mechanics will come to you and aim to fix your car on the roadside or at your home address. Roadside & Recovery insurance also offers to take your car for repairs at a local garage if it can’t be fixed immediately.

What is covered by roadside assistance?

Mobile mechanics will try and fix your car at the roadside. If this is not possible, you may have to cover towing and repair costs. To avoid a significant towing cost, choose a more comprehensive Breakdown Cover policy.

Can I get break down cover after my cars broken down?

Unfortunately, Breakdown Cover, like most insurance products, can only benefit you if you purchase it in advance of your incident. For the most assurance against significant roadside assistance and recovery costs, make sure to purchase an affordable Breakdown Cover plan when you get a new car.

How does breakdown cover differ from car insurance?

Many car insurance providers offer breakdown cover as an optional extra. If you don’t have this option on your motor insurance policy, you can buy a standalone policy or add it to your Extended Warranty plan to cover the cost of vehicle repairs as well as roadside and recovery bills.

 

Can you get breakdown cover for any vehicle?

Don’t worry, all vehicle types can be covered by breakdown insurance. Whether you have a hybrid vehicle, EV or diesel car, you’ll be able to get back on the road in no time with roadside recovery.