Emergency instant breakdown cover

Car broken down now?

Get emergency roadside assistance, no matter where you are.

  • If you’re a member, report your breakdown online and we’ll get to you within the hour
  • Even if you're not an AA member, we can help – just give us a call
  • If we can’t fix your vehicle by the roadside, we’ll take you to a nearby garage

Our breakdown cover

Our instant breakdown cover is for non-AA members, and means you’ll get emergency Roadside Assistance from an AA patrol. Just call us on 03330 046 046 for help.

Bear in mind that when you call us for instant breakdown cover, you join us as a member and will need to pay a surcharge to use the service – making it more expensive than if you were already with us.


If you’re already a member, you can still get quick support for a breakdown – simply report your breakdown online.


Our patrols will always attempt to fix your vehicle on the spot with a temporary repair, and if they can’t, they’ll provide a breakdown recovery service and tow you to a nearby garage.


Our breakdown cover services are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We’re nationwide (including the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) with more mobile mechanics than anyone else – so an AA patrol is never too far from your location.

Three AA Patrols stood in front of a yellow AA van

Not broken down?

If you’re not currently broken down, but would still like to have breakdown cover, you can buy AA Roadside Assistance and recovery online.

Why choose emergency breakdown cover with The AA?

We’re available 24/7 to help with emergency breakdown cover. We do this across the UK – so wherever you are, there’s usually an AA patrol not too far away.

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Most trusted breakdown provider

More drivers choose The AA than any other major UK breakdown cover service1
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Mobile mechanics

More dedicated mobile mechanics than any other UK breakdown service2
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Electric vehicles

Electric and hybrid vehicles covered at no extra cost

What should you do if you’ve broken down?

If you’re currently broken down, we can help, but first you need to make sure that you’re safe.

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Make sure you’re in a safe place

Move your vehicle off the road if possible. If you’re on a conventional motorway, pull onto the hard shoulder, or try to get to the nearest Emergency Area (EA) if you’re on a smart motorway. See our full guidance on what to do if you break down.

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Report your breakdown online

If you’re already a member, you can report your breakdown online or via the app and we’ll send an expert patrol to you. If you don’t have any breakdown cover, just give us a call.

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If you’ve broken down at home

If you’re broken down on your own driveway and don’t have At Home cover, you can call us for assistance. If you do have At Home, report your breakdown online or via the app.

Policy documents

Please read the terms and conditions, which contain details of our service, before you buy.


Breakdown cover terms and conditions


Parts and Garage Cover terms and conditions


Key Cover terms and conditions

Good to know

About the price

 

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 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: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. 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.

Can I call The AA if I’m not a member?

Yes, you can call us on 03330 046 046, you’ll need to take out a membership with us and pay a surcharge for using the service instantly. We’ll then send out a patrol to help fix your broken-down vehicle. If they can’t fix it on the spot, they’ll tow you to a nearby garage for further repairs.

How much does a roadside call-out cost?

We don’t charge per call-out – our cover comes as either monthly or yearly plans. You can check how much our plans cost by getting a quote. Your cover can start as soon as 24 hours after you sign up with us.


Roadside Assistance more than 1/4 mile away from your home is included as standard in all our breakdown cover policies. Just so you know, you’ll have to pay a surcharge if we need to repair any pre-existing issues with your vehicle, as these won’t be covered.


Instant breakdown cover


If you’re not an AA member, you can still get instant breakdown assistance when you give us a call on 03330 046 046. We’ll send out a patrol to help you (instant cover comes with a surcharge).

Can I buy breakdown cover online with The AA and use it straight away?

No, if you’re broken down and need Roadside Assistance, you need to call us rather than buy breakdown cover online.


If you buy breakdown cover online, you can only use it 24 hours after purchase – and it can’t be used on pre-existing faults with your vehicle. If you do use your breakdown cover for an existing fault, you’ll have to pay a surcharge.

Can I buy breakdown cover online with The AA and use it straight away?

No, you can’t get breakdown cover for one day. Our breakdown cover policies are monthly or annual.

How do I join The AA if I’m not already broken down?

It’s easy to join online – head over to our UK breakdown cover page for more info.

I'm a Blue Badge holder – how can I register my needs and get more information?

Call our free helpline on 0330 053 0460


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


To use the Next Generation Texting Service (NGTS – formerly known as Text Relay), just add 18001 at the start of any of our numbers.

I’m experiencing money worries – what should I do?

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

I have a disability – what additional help and support does the AA provide?

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


Textphone users can prefix this number with 18001

What do I do if my car breaks down?

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 on 03330 046 046. 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

What should I do if I buy a new vehicle?

You only need to let us know if you have vehicle cover. Tell us as soon as you can, so we can update your membership details – and check your new vehicle is eligible (Ts&Cs apply). Once you've updated us, you’ll be covered in 24 hours.

1 Source: AA Limited Mid-Year Update July 2024 (3.3 million paid personal members) and RAC Bidco Limited Interim Report June 2024 (2.7 million consumer members). Verify at theAA.com/Best

2 Source: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2024 (c. 2,800 patrols) and RAC Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 (1,600 patrols). Verify at theAA.com/Best 

Broken down now?

Don't buy online – call us 24/7 for instant cover: 03330 046 046

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Call now to buy breakdown cover

0330 053 1100

We're open 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm, Saturday.

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Call now to change or discuss your cover

0343 316 4444

We're open 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm, Saturday.

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