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  1. HomeHome/
  2. Breakdown cover

What does AA breakdown cover include?

How our cover works

Find out how our different types of breakdown cover work and get answers to frequently asked questions.

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An AA patrol stands in front of his van, holding a clipboard.

Why choose The AA for breakdown cover?

Roadside Assistance is included with AA breakdown cover. You’ll get 24/7 support and unlimited call-outs, subject to policy terms, for eligible breakdowns more than 1/4 mile from home – with options to customise your breakdown cover if you need it.

Car breakdown service icon

More personal members

More UK drivers choose The AA for personal breakdown cover than any other major breakdown provider1

More dedicated patrols

More dedicated patrols than any other major UK breakdown provider2
Accident Assist

Support after an accident

24/7 Accident Assist – we’ll sort everything, from vehicle recovery after an accident to helping you make a claim3

Electric vehicles

Electric and hybrid vehicles covered as standard, subject to vehicle eligibility and roadworthiness requirements

What does The AA’s breakdown cover include?

Cover includes Cover excludes
✓ Breakdowns over 1/4 mile from home ✕ Breakdowns or accidents involving emergency services
✓ Recovery to a nearby garage if we can't fix your vehicle ✕ Routine maintenance and running repairs
✓ Unlimited call-outs4 ✕ Call-outs for the same issue or any issue within 24 hours of purchase

Can I customise my breakdown cover?

If you want more cover, you can always upgrade with our breakdown cover options and add-ons. Adding these to your Roadside Assistance will change the price of your quote. Different providers might give their additional options slightly different names, but ours include:

At Home

If your vehicle won't start or breaks down within 1/4 mile of your home, you'll get a recovery tow to a nearby garage.

National Recovery

If you break down and we can't fix your vehicle at the roadside, we'll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination, subject to policy terms and vehicle eligibility. This is handy to have if you travel far away from home.

Onward Travel

If you break down and need repairs that stop your journey, we’ll help with alternative transport or overnight accommodation.

Parts and Garage Cover

If you call us out for a breakdown and need garage repairs, we’ll help cover eligible garage repair costs up to £535 per claim, with a £35 excess and annual claim limits, subject to the separate Parts and Garage Cover terms.
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Tyre Cover

If your tyres need to be repaired or replaced after a breakdown, we'll help cover eligible repair or replacement costs up to £160 per tyre, subject to the separate Tyre Cover terms.

Commercial Use

If you have an eligible vehicle being used to carry equipment, people or goods in return for payment, you can add Commercial Use. Fleets of 3 or more vehicles need business breakdown cover.

Key Cover

If your car keys or house keys are lost, stolen or broken, or you're locked out, we'll arrange a replacement key or locksmith, subject to the separate Key Cover terms.

How does The AA's breakdown cover work?

Get assistance when you need it

Breaking down can be a stressful experience, but with Roadside Assistance from The AA, you're protected 24/7.

Contact The AA

Use The AA App or give us a call to report your breakdown and get assistance. With the app, you'll get real-time updates, and you can track the arrival of the breakdown service.

An experienced patrol will try to fix the problem at the roadside

If anyone on your policy breaks down over 1/4 mile from home, our patrol will attempt to fix the vehicle at the roadside.

If we can’t get you going, we’ll tow you to a local garage

If we can’t fix the problem, we’ll take your vehicle to a local garage for further assistance.

What's The AA's call-out time?

Our patrols typically reach you in under an hour and have you back on the road within about 30 minutes of their arrival.

Additionally, the AA App lets you report a breakdown with just a tap. Our patrols can accurately locate you, and you can track their arrival in real-time right up until they get to you. With our fast call-out times, you’ll get peace of mind knowing help is on the way when you need it.

Three patrols

What issues can The AA fix at the roadside?

Our skilled patrols can fix most issues at the roadside, helping you get back on the road quickly and avoiding the need for a recovery tow.

 

Common roadside repairs include:

 

  • Flat or faulty batteries
  • Flat tyre changes if you have a spare wheel
  • Minor electrical problems that stop your car from starting
  • Minor engine problems
  • Engine overheating due to low coolant levels or minor cooling system issues

 

Some issue may require garage repairs. In such cases, your patrol will arrange recovery to get your there quickly. For example, if you have a flat tyre and no spare is available, we’ll fit you a temporary one and escort you to a garage or tyre centre for a permanent replacement.

What happens if The AA can’t fix my car?

If we can’t fix your car at the roadside, we’ll tow you to a nearby garage where you can get a full repair. If you’ve customised your AA breakdown cover policy to include options like Onward Travel, then we’ll help arrange for you to get a hire car so you can complete your journey with minimal hassle.

How far will The AA tow me?

With our standard Roadside Assistance, our recovery tows will take you to a nearby garage capable of carrying out the repairs you need.

Wondering if The AA will tow your car home? If you choose to add National Recovery to your policy and we’re unable to repair your vehicle at the roadside, we’ll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination. That could be your home, your preferred garage for repairs, or anywhere most convenient for you.

How long after joining The AA can I call you out?

  • If you choose today or tomorrow as your start date, you can use your cover 24 hours after purchase
  • You can only claim on Parts and Garage Cover for breakdowns that happen after the first 14 days of your cover. Our Key Cover also has a 14-day wait period if you pick today’s date when adding it to your policy

You'll receive your membership documents via email, and you’ll be able to access your digital membership card in the app.

Make a note of your membership number as soon as you buy cover, or keep your confirmation email saved, just in case you break down before you get your documents.

Already with us? Top questions about breakdown cover

Want to know more about how The AA’s breakdown cover works and what it includes? Here are the answers to our most common questions.

 

Am I covered in any vehicle?

Personal cover protects everyone on the policy in any vehicle, while vehicle cover protects the named vehicle, no matter who’s driving it.

 

Is my caravan covered?

Yes, we cover caravans, campervans and trailers as well as cars, motorbikes and vans. Cover applies as long as the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and is under 8 feet 3 inches (2.55 metres) wide.

 

How many call-outs do I get with The AA?

You’ll get unlimited call-outs included with your cover as standard, but repeat call-outs for the same fault within 28 days aren't covered1. If you need to claim repeatedly for the same fault, it may affect your future premiums.

 

Will The AA change a tyre?

We can change or temporarily fix a flat tyre at the roadside with AA breakdown cover, getting you back on the road quickly. If you have a spare, we’ll fit it on the spot. 

 

If that’s not possible, we’ll recover your vehicle to a garage. You’ll need to pay for the tyre repair or replacement yourself. We don’t provide new tyres or permanent tyre repairs at the roadside.

 

If you have Tyre Cover on your breakdown cover policy, we’ll reimburse you for up to £160 towards each tyre after your claim is approved.

 

Can I add a family member?

Yes, our family cover protects you and up to 3 people you live with. Everyone on the policy is covered as both drivers and passengers in any vehicle.

 

You can include your partner, family members, housemates and children – even students temporarily living away from home.

 

Can I add another car to my AA membership?

Vehicle cover only protects the named vehicle on your policy, but you can change the vehicle covered at any time.

 

If you regularly drive more than one vehicle, personal cover gives you multi-car breakdown cover for any vehicle you drive or travel in as a passenger.

 

Am I covered in Ireland and Europe?

Our UK breakdown cover protects you across the entire UK, including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

 

Plus, we have a deal with AA Ireland which gives you the same level of cover if you breakdown in the Republic of Ireland (apart from Parts and Garage Cover, which won’t apply).

 

European breakdown cover isn’t included with UK cover, but you can add it separately. This gives you cover while driving across Europe, including the Republic of Ireland.

 

With our European breakdown cover you can choose from single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. Both give you access to over 60,000 quality-assured garages in 44 countries across Europe.

 

What types of vehicles do you cover?

We’ll come to your rescue if you’re in one of these vehicles:

 

  • Petrol/diesel/electric/hydrogen cars of any age (including classic cars)
  • Motorbikes (including quads and trikes)
  • Vans
  • Motorhomes
  • Minibuses

 

We also cover caravans and trailers on tow at the time of breakdown – so long as your vehicle is roadworthy, taxed and has an up-to-date MOT.

Your vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and it can’t be wider than 8 feet 3 inches (2.55m), excluding mirrors. This also applies to any caravans and trailers you’re towing, to make sure that we’ll be able to recover your vehicle if we need to.

 

Our breakdown cover excludes vehicles that are:

 

  • On trade plates
  • Used to carry items or people for money
  • Non-motorised

 

Vehicles that can’t lawfully be used on a public highway are also excluded.

If you want cover for a business fleet of cars, vans, trucks and other vehicles, you’ll need business breakdown cover.

What deals do I get with The AA's breakdown cover?

When you buy a breakdown cover policy with us, you could save £100s every year with these member deals. Get up to:

  • 36% off your MOT with Smart Care
  • 15% off airport parking with Holiday Extras
  • 15% off car hire across UK, Europe and North America
  • 10% off service or vehicle checks with Smart Care

 

Explore Smart Benefits

 

Explore Smart Benefits

Ready to get breakdown cover?

Head over to our breakdown cover page for more details about our different types of breakdown cover, or sign in if you’re already a member.

Find out about breakdown cover Existing members
Find out about breakdown cover Existing members

AA Breakdown Membership

Breakdown Membership terms and conditions – April 2025

Parts and Garage Cover (Breakdown Repair Cover)

Parts and Garage Cover terms and conditions – November 2021


Tyre Cover

Tyre Cover terms and conditions – October 2025


Key Cover

Key Cover terms and conditions – September 2025


Member Extras

Member Extras terms and conditions – November 2021

About the price


10% of new AA customers paid £5.49 for monthly vehicle breakdown cover, based on new business sales from theAA.com from 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026.


Prices shown include insurance premiums payable to the insurer(s) and a fee payable under a separate contract between you and Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited (AAIS) for arranging and administering your cover. Please see the breakdown cover terms and conditions for more information.


AA Breakdown Cover is arranged by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). You can check their register online. Registered office: The AA, Level 3, Plant, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, RG21 4HG. Registered in England and Wales number 2414212.


How do you use my data?


To find out how we use your data, please read our website privacy notice and our specific roadside product privacy notice.


For more information, there’s also our cookie policy and website terms and conditions.

Breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement but it can make your life easier and take away stress when you're driving. If you break down, all you need to do is contact us. We’ll fix your vehicle by the roadside or tow you to a garage if it needs repairs.

 

And it’s good to know that buying cover in advance normally works out cheaper than joining at the roadside after you've broken down.

 

To help you decide, read about how to compare breakdown cover.

It's easy to buy cheap breakdown cover with us. A membership with us starts from just a few pounds a month for vehicle cover.

Yes. In fact, flat tyres are one of the most common reasons why members call us out. We can remove your flat tyre and fit your spare there and then.

 

If you don't have a spare, all our trained mechanics carry a special spare wheel which fits most cars. We'll fit it on for you and come with you to a garage to buy a new one.

 

Even if you need a tow to a garage, most of our vans have towing equipment on board, so you won't have to wait for a truck.

Call our free helpline on 0330 053 0460 or chat to us between 7am and 8pm.


If you need information in large print, audio or Braille, just ask – you can email our customer services team at [email protected], or let us know when you call our helpline.


If you’ve broken down, you can text us on 07860 027 999.


Use the Relay UK app or dial 18001 before calling us to connect to a relay assistant if required.

If your current situation is affecting how you manage your finances and you require additional help or support, call us on 0330 053 0460

If you require any additional adjustments (e.g. documents in large print, audio or Braille) or you need us to tailor our service to your specific requirements in the event of a breakdown, call us on 0330 053 0460 or chat to us between 7am and 8pm


Use the Relay UK app or dial 18001 before calling us to connect to a relay assistant if required.

Follow these four steps if you break down:


1 – Make sure you’re in a safe place. Move your vehicle off the road if possible, or pull up onto the hard shoulder if you’re on the motorway.


2 – Stay well away from moving traffic – it’s usually safest to get out of your car (using the doors facing away from passing traffic) and wait behind a barrier.


3 – Put your hazard warning lights on and wear a reflective jacket, if you have one.


4 – Once you’re safe, give us a call. We’ll come and rescue you, even if you’re not a member yet.

 

If you’re already with us, you can also report a breakdown and pinpoint your location using our app. It's the fastest way to ask us for help and track our arrival.


Find out more on what to do if your car breaks down

If you’ve got vehicle cover, change your vehicle details as soon as you can.

With single, joint or family personal cover, you'll only need to change your vehicle details if you have Commercial Use or Parts and Garage Cover added to your policy.

It's simple to change your vehicle details online, and we’ll check that your new vehicle is eligible (terms and conditions apply).

We'll help with breakdowns that happen from 24 hours after you’ve updated us.

If you have Tyre Cover, you’ll only be able to claim for tyre repairs or replacements after the first 7 days. 

If you have Parts and Garage Cover, you’ll only be able to claim for new faults that occur after the first 14 days.

Sources

1. Based on personal breakdown memberships compared with other major UK breakdown providers. Sources: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2026 (3.3 million paid personal members) and RAC Group Holdings Limited Annual Report & Financial Statements 2025 (2.8 million consumer members). Does not refer to total breakdown customers or total market share. For more detail on the comparator set and Green Flag, see our breakdown claims.

2. Based solely on directly employed dedicated patrol numbers compared with other major UK breakdown providers. Source: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2026 (c.2,700 patrols) and RAC Group (Holdings) Limited Annual Report & Financial Statements 2025 (1,700 patrols). For more detail on the comparator set and Green Flag, see our breakdown claims.

3. Accident recovery is provided at no cost when we handle your claim. If you only request accident recovery, a fee is payable. Accident recovery is provided at no cost when we handle your claim. If you only request accident recovery, a fee is payable. For more information, see our terms and conditions

4. Repeat call-outs for the same fault within 28 days will not be covered, unless you can provide proof that a permanent repair has been completed by a garage. Your call-out levels may affect future premiums. Cover depends on the level purchased and policy terms apply.

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