Volkswagen (VW) roadside assistance

Whether you drive a fresh Volkswagen (VW) or a used one, having trustworthy roadside assistance can be pivotal. Familiarising yourself with your options for basic roadside aid can ensure you’re equipped for any scenario.

What is breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover is a service designed to assist you if your vehicle breaks down. This coverage can include towing, emergency repairs, and other services to help get your car back on the road.

What is roadside assistance?

Roadside assistance offers support when your car becomes inoperable while driving. It includes services like jump-starting a dead battery, changing a flat tire, delivering fuel, and towing the vehicle to a repair shop if needed.

Where can I get breakdown cover for my Volkswagen?

You can obtain breakdown cover for your VW from Volkswagen’s own roadside assistance program, various insurance companies, and specialised breakdown service providers. Shopping around can help you find the best coverage at a competitive price.

What will roadside assistance cover for my Volkswagen?

Volkswagen roadside assistance typically covers a comprehensive range of services designed to assist you when faced with vehicle issues. These services often include:

• Roadside repair services to fix minor mechanical or electrical problems.
• Towing services to transport your vehicle to a nearby repair facility if it cannot be fixed on-site.
• Battery jump-starts to help you restart your vehicle if the battery fails.
• Flat tire changes to replace a punctured or damaged tire with your spare.
• Lock-out assistance if you accidentally lock your keys inside your vehicle.
• Fuel delivery if you run out of fuel while on the road.

How much does Volkswagen breakdown cover cost?

The cost of Volkswagen breakdown cover can vary based on several factors beyond the usual considerations such as age and driving history. Additional factors influencing the cost include:

• Age and condition. As older vehicles may require more extensive assistance.
• Breakdown history. Including any past incidents that may affect risk assessments.
• Duration. Whether you opt for short-term or annual coverage.
• Level of cover. Including any optional extras such as European coverage or enhanced roadside assistance services.

What does Volkswagen breakdown cover include in the UK?

In the UK, Volkswagen breakdown cover typically offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure you receive assistance wherever and whenever you need it. Key features of Volkswagen breakdown cover often include:

• Roadside assistance and repair to resolve minor issues and get you back on the road quickly.
• Vehicle recovery services to transport your vehicle to a Volkswagen-approved repair facility if it cannot be repaired at the roadside.
• Home start services, providing assistance if your vehicle fails to start at your home address.
• Onward travel options such as car hire or accommodation if your vehicle cannot be repaired promptly, ensuring you can continue your journey or return home.

These comprehensive coverage options ensure that Volkswagen drivers in the UK are well-supported in various breakdown scenarios, offering peace of mind and reliable assistance when needed.

What isn’t covered with Volkswagen breakdown cover?

VW breakdown cover usually does not include:

• The car is not properly maintained. General maintenance of cars, such as oil checks and tyre checks, are important to ensure a vehicle is safe to drive.
• The car breaks down on private land. The recovery vehicle may not be able to access the land you’re stranded on.
• The car breaks down after a collision. At the very least, recovery may be delayed while emergency services tend to the scene of an accident. Some policies may also completely exclude breakdown recovery following a collision.

It’s important to review the terms and conditions of your policy to understand any exclusions.

Is short-term or annual cover better value for my Volkswagen?

Finder insurance expert Danny Butler answers

Deciding between annual and short-term breakdown cover hinges on your specific driving habits and needs.

If you drive regularly—whether your own car or others’—and prefer the security of breakdown assistance whenever necessary, an annual policy generally offers better value. Short-term cover tends to be more expensive per day and could exceed the cost of an annual plan.

However, if your driving is sporadic — borrowing or renting a vehicle for occasional short journeys — temporary breakdown cover may prove economical, especially when bundled with temporary car insurance. This could also apply if you primarily use your car for local trips but occasionally travel longer distances.

Alternatively, if you frequently drive both your own car and borrowed or rental vehicles, consider annual vehicle breakdown cover for your car and short-term cover for others. Alternatively, explore annual personal breakdown cover, which covers you in any vehicle. Although more expensive than single-vehicle policies, it could be more cost-effective than multiple short-term covers.

Pros and cons of Volkswagen breakdown cover

Bottom line

Volkswagens benefit from comprehensive roadside assistance, ensuring you’re backed up in breakdown situations. Opt for a plan that matches your driving needs and delivers essential protection.

Frequently asked questions

• What does Volkswagen roadside assistance typically cover?

  Volkswagen roadside assistance often includes services such as towing, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, lockout assistance, and fuel delivery. Coverage specifics can vary, so it’s advisable to review your policy for details.

• Can I purchase Volkswagen roadside assistance separately from my car insurance?

  Yes, Volkswagen roadside assistance can typically be purchased as a standalone product directly from Volkswagen or through specialised breakdown service providers. This allows you to tailor your coverage to your specific needs.

• Is Volkswagen roadside assistance available for both new and used vehicles?

  Yes, Volkswagen roadside assistance is generally available for both new and used vehicles. Whether you drive a brand-new Volkswagen or a pre-owned model, you can typically obtain roadside assistance coverage tailored to your vehicle’s age and mileage.

• What should I consider when choosing a Volkswagen roadside assistance plan?

  When selecting a Volkswagen roadside assistance plan, consider factors such as the extent of coverage (e.g., towing distance limits), response times, availability of services in Europe or the UK, and any additional perks or benefits offered by the provider.

• If I travel frequently in Europe, will my Volkswagen roadside assistance cover me abroad?

  Yes, many Volkswagen roadside assistance plans include coverage throughout Europe. However, it’s essential to check your policy details to ensure that you have comprehensive coverage in all the countries you plan to visit.

Written by

Connor Steele

Senior associate publisher

Connor is a senior associate publisher at Finder, specialising in insurance and investing. He's been sourcing and analysing data in both subjects for around 4 years, supporting Finder's publishing team. Connor holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from the University of Sussex and when he's not at work, you can find him at his local gym keeping fit. See full bio