What does my Road Rescue cover include?

Road Rescue is designed to help if your vehicle breaks down and can't be driven safely. Road Rescue cover provides practical support to get you moving again or to recover your vehicle to a safe place. It can be purchased as a standalone product or included within wider breakdown cover, sometimes referred to as car breakdown cover.

What is Road Rescue cover and what does it include?

Depending on the level of road rescue cover included with your policy, assistance may include:

• Roadside assistance to help get your vehicle moving again.
• Recovery to a nearby garage if your vehicle can't be repaired at the roadside.
• Help with onward travel arrangements, such as alternative transport or overnight accommodation where applicable.
• Home assistance cover (at or near your home address), depending on the level selected.
• Misfuelling assistance if the wrong fuel has been added to your vehicle.

These features are core elements of many forms of car breakdown cover, and your specific inclusions will depend on the policy you hold.

How does Road Rescue cover differ from breakdown cover?

Road Rescue cover typically refers to the immediate assistance provided when your vehicle is immobilised, such as roadside fixes, recovery, and onward travel. 

By contrast, breakdown cover is a broader term that can encompass multiple tiers and options, including national recovery, home start, European cover, and additional benefits.

In other words, Road Rescue cover is often a component within a wider breakdown cover package. When conducting a breakdown cover comparison, you may see Road Rescue cover listed as the base level of assistance, with higher-tier car breakdown cover adding extra services like longer-distance recovery or enhanced travel support.

Is Road Rescue cover worth the cost?

For many drivers, Road Rescue cover offers valuable peace of mind and can save significant time and expense during an unexpected breakdown.

The cost-benefit depends on your driving habits, vehicle reliability, and how far from home you typically travel.

If you rely on your car daily, drive long distances, or want support for incidents like misfuelling, home start, or onward travel, this type of cover can be worth the cost. Comparing options through a breakdown cover comparison can help you find road rescue cover and broader breakdown cover that match your needs and budget.

What incidents are typically covered by Road Rescue cover?

Typical incidents include mechanical or electrical failure that leaves your vehicle undriveable, flat batteries, punctures, fuel problems including misfuelling assistance, and some minor roadside repairs.

Depending on your level of Road Rescue cover, you may also be covered for breakdowns at or near your home address (home assistance), recovery to a nearby garage if a roadside fix isn’t possible, and help with onward travel arrangements.

These are common elements you will see across car breakdown cover, though exact coverage varies by provider and policy tier.

Can Road Rescue cover be used for hire cars or rental vehicles?

Road Rescue can apply to certain hire vehicles provided as part of a motor insurance claim, for example if a replacement vehicle has been supplied following an accident.

Cover for other hire cars or rental vehicles may not be included. If you're unsure whether a vehicle is covered, please check your policy documents or contact us for advice.

What happens if my vehicle breaks down?

If your vehicle breaks down, roadside assistance will be arranged. Where possible, an engineer will try to repair your vehicle at the roadside. If your vehicle can't be repaired, recovery options will be provided in line with your level of Road Rescue cover.

If you have car breakdown cover with higher-tier benefits, you may have additional options such as national recovery or enhanced onward travel. For the Road Rescue contact number, please see How do I contact Road Rescue?

Does Road Rescue cover breakdowns at home?

Some levels of Road Rescue cover include assistance if your vehicle breaks down at or near your home address, while others only provide assistance when you're away from home. The cover available depends on the level of breakdown cover included with your policy. 

Check your policy documents or log in to your Online Account to see the Road Rescue cover included with your policy.

Does Road Rescue cover misfuelling?

Misfuelling assistance may be included depending on the level of Road Rescue cover you have. This can help if the wrong fuel has been added to your vehicle.

Check your policy documents or log in to your Online Account to see the road rescue cover included with your policy.

Does Road Rescue cover caravans and trailers?

Road Rescue can cover certain caravans and trailers being towed by an insured vehicle, although eligibility criteria and restrictions apply.

Check your policy documents or log in to your Online Account to see the Road Rescue cover included with your policy and how it aligns with your broader breakdown cover.

How can I check my level of cover?

Check your policy documents or log in to your Online Account to see the Road Rescue cover included with your policy. If you’re considering upgrades, conducting a breakdown cover comparison can help identify whether enhanced car breakdown cover features - such as extended recovery or European assistance - are right for you.