Breaking down at the side of the road is frustrating, but it can also be expensive if you don’t already have breakdown cover. Can you even get instant cover when you break down? The short answer is yes, but it can cost an extra £110 before anyone has even come out to look at your car. We’ve looked at your options and whether getting an annual policy is likely to be the better bet.
Most breakdown insurance policies start at least 24 hours after you first apply for cover, which means they cannot be used if you’ve already broken down.
Instant breakdown cover is a breakdown policy that takes effect as soon as you take it out, so that you can start using the cover immediately.
Instant breakdown cover can be useful if you’ve already broken down.
Calling a tow or someone to help you in an emergency can be expensive, so an instant breakdown policy can provide an alternative. However, note that these type of policies tend to cost more than a regular breakdown policy.
You might also take out an instant breakdown policy if you’re going on a last-minute long trip and want to make sure you are covered in case you break down (if you don’t already have breakdown cover in place).
The specs of the cover will depend on the provider, but options include:
Yes, but it will probably cost you. If you want cover to start immediately, you will likely have to pay an emergency call-out fee, which can be quite expensive.
Additionally, the cover you get may be limited. For example, you might only be allowed to make one more claim in the year.
Yes, immediate breakdown cover costs more than regular policies. Cost will vary by provider, but you may be charged a fee of up to £110 on top of the cost of signing up to a new policy.
This will vary by insurer and will depend on their workload at the time you break down.
Most providers aim to arrive within an hour, but some might get to you in 45 minutes. Ask what the average response time is before you buy a policy.
The first thing to do would be to get your car off the road if you can and get yourself and your passengers to safety.
Once you’ve done that, you can call for help. You can do this either by calling an insurance company and getting immediate breakdown cover, or by calling a local garage and asking them for help.
You can also use an emergency telephone if you have broken down on a motorway, but note that you may be charged £100 to have your vehicle towed to a garage.
You cannot get instant cover online. You have to call the provider you wish to purchase a policy from and explain your situation. You can find some potential insurers in our guide to the best breakdown cover.
| Response | Yorkshire and the Humber | West Midlands | Wales | South West | South East | Scotland | Northern Ireland | North West | North East | Greater London | East of England | East Midlands |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised numberplate | 14.12% | 18.26% | 12.12% | 17.39% | 13.25% | 21.05% | 12.5% | 20.66% | 9.52% | 21.3% | 16.09% | 19.32% |
A list of popular breakdown cover providers, from A to Z.
Find out how you can take out temporary breakdown cover for the UK and Europe, what’s included and how to find the right policy for you.
Find out what personal breakdown cover is, how it differs from vehicle breakdown cover and what’s included in the policy.
Find out what vehicle breakdown cover means, what’s included and whether it allows you to drive another person’s car.
Few things are as frustrating as not being able to start your car when you have places to be. Find out what’s included in home start breakdown cover.
Learn all about roadside assistance cover, like what’s included, do you need it and what to do if your car breaks down on the roadside.
Protect your family when they’re out on the road. Compare family breakdown cover deals here.
Got a few cars on the driveway? Find out if a multi-car breakdown policy could save you money. Compare your options here.
Road trip in Europe? We explain what breakdown cover you can get and whether it’s worth it.