Breakdown cover providers
Who is behind each brand, how they deliver help, and who each one actually suits. Profiles are written independently and updated when products change.
| Provider | Cover basis | Network | Roadside | Recovery | Home start | Onward travel | European | Motorbike | EV | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The AA | Vehicle or personal | Own patrols | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Get a quote |
| RAC | Vehicle or personal | Own patrols | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Get a quote |
| Green Flag | Vehicle or personal | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Get a quote |
| GEM Motoring Assist | Personal | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Get a quote |
| Breakdown Direct | Vehicle | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | Get a quote |
| Asda Breakdown Cover | Vehicle or personal | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | Get a quote |
| More Than Breakdown | Vehicle | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | Get a quote |
| RescueMyCar.com | Vehicle | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Get a quote |
| Tesco Bank Breakdown Cover | Vehicle or personal | Contractor network | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | ✓ | Get a quote |
The AA
The UK's largest breakdown organisation, with its own fleet of patrols and the widest range of add-ons.
- Best for
- drivers who want a patrol rather than a contractor and are happy to pay for it
- Cover basis
- Vehicle or personal
- Network
- Own patrols
RAC
Founded 1897. Own patrols, strong EV capability and a long-running rivalry with the AA on price and extras.
- Best for
- EV owners and families wanting a well-equipped patrol network
- Cover basis
- Vehicle or personal
- Network
- Own patrols
Green Flag
Part of Direct Line Group. Uses a nationwide network of local recovery operators rather than its own vans, which keeps prices keen.
- Best for
- value-focused drivers who are not fussed about a branded van
- Cover basis
- Vehicle or personal
- Network
- Contractor network
GEM Motoring Assist
A road-safety organisation first, breakdown provider second. Personal cover that follows you into any car, with a pay-and-reclaim option.
- Best for
- households with more than one vehicle, and older drivers
- Cover basis
- Personal
- Network
- Contractor network
Breakdown Direct
Online-only budget brand. No-frills policies serviced through an insurer-backed contractor network.
- Best for
- price-first buyers happy to manage everything online
- Cover basis
- Vehicle
- Network
- Contractor network
Asda Breakdown Cover
Supermarket-branded cover with simple tiers and monthly payment options. Underwritten and serviced by a third-party assistance company.
- Best for
- budget buyers who want to pay monthly
- Cover basis
- Vehicle or personal
- Network
- Contractor network
More Than Breakdown
Insurer brand best known for car and home insurance; breakdown is usually bought as an add-on to a More Than motor policy.
- Best for
- existing More Than car insurance customers
- Cover basis
- Vehicle
- Network
- Contractor network
RescueMyCar.com
Low-premium online brand that historically charged a call-out excess instead of a higher annual fee. Covers cars, vans and bikes.
- Best for
- low-mileage drivers who rarely break down
- Cover basis
- Vehicle
- Network
- Contractor network
Tesco Bank Breakdown Cover
Supermarket-bank cover in simple tiers, serviced by a major breakdown partner, with Clubcard pricing when available.
- Best for
- Clubcard holders who want straightforward tiers
- Cover basis
- Vehicle or personal
- Network
- Contractor network
Three kinds of provider
Motoring organisations with their own patrols. The AA and RAC each run a fleet of branded vans staffed by employed mechanics, supplemented by contractors in busy periods and remote areas. They are the most expensive and the most likely to fix the car at the roadside.
Assistance companies using contractor networks. Green Flag, GEM and most online brands dispatch independent local recovery operators. The operator who attends may be the same garage that would attend for a rival brand. Prices are lower and service quality depends heavily on the local operator.
White-label and insurer brands. Supermarket, bank and insurer-branded breakdown cover is underwritten and serviced by one of a small number of assistance companies. The brand sets the price and the tiers; the service is delivered by the partner.