Personal breakdown cover

It depends on your driving habits and individual needs. If you drive multiple vehicles or frequently travel as a passenger, personal breakdown cover gives you peace of mind no matter what vehicle you’re in. If you only drive one specific vehicle, vehicle breakdown cover might be a better choice.

Personal Breakdown Cover from the AA covers you for any eligible vehicle you travel in, whether you’re the driver or a passenger. If you want to cover a specific vehicle only, vehicle breakdown cover might be a better choice.

It depends on your needs. Personal breakdown cover can be more expensive as it covers you in any vehicle, while vehicle breakdown cover is limited to a specific vehicle. To find the best option for you, compare the choices and consider your individual needs.

We cover motorcycles, cars, small or medium vans that are used for domestic purposes. This includes vehicles and trailers up to:

• 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) in gross vehicle weight
• 2.55 metres (8 feet 3 inches) wide
• 7 metres long

To cover a commercial vehicle, you'll need to add Commercial Use to your breakdown cover. With personal cover and Commercial Use, you can cover up to 3 vehicles for both private and commercial use, plus you'll be covered as a driver or passenger in any non-commercial vehicle.

Personal breakdown cover applies to any vehicle regardless of how old it is. If the vehicle is road safe and meets the specified size and weight restrictions, it will be covered.

Yes, electric and hybrid vehicles are covered as standard with AA Personal Breakdown Cover and AA Vehicle Cover.

Yes, motorbikes (including quads and trikes) are covered with personal breakdown cover, if they meet size and weight requirements.

You can still call us out for Roadside Assistance if you have personal breakdown cover, but you'll need to get permission from the hire car company first. This is because hire car companies often have their own breakdown cover arrangements for their vehicles.

Yes, you can add up to 3 people to your personal breakdown cover policy, but they must live at the same address as you. You can add family members, a partner, housemates and children. This includes children who are students that live away from home during school term time.

Yes, this is known as joint personal cover. It allows you to add one other person, typically a partner living at the same address, to your breakdown cover policy. Both individuals will then be covered in any vehicle they are driving or traveling in as a passenger.

Personal Breakdown Cover is available for customers in the UK, but if you break down while driving in the Republic of Ireland, you’ll still get help through our partnership with AA Ireland. The support is much the same, though Parts and Garage Cover and Tyre Cover isn’t available there.

If you’re planning to drive further afield – or you’d just like extra reassurance when travelling in the Republic of Ireland – we also offer European Breakdown Cover.

Our At Home product can be added to any Personal Breakdown Cover policy. This extends our Roadside Assistance coverage right up to your door. If your vehicle won't start or breaks down within 1/4 mile of your home, our patrols will fix the problem at the roadside if possible, or provide recovery to a nearby garage.

You can call us out as many times as you need us – our Personal Breakdown Cover includes unlimited call-outs, as long as it's not for a recurring problem with your vehicle.

The cost of your cover will depend on a few factors, including your vehicle, your location, and the specific cover features you choose.

Our family breakdown cover protects you and up to 3 other people you live with, when you’re driving or travelling as a passenger in an eligible vehicle. These can include family members, a partner and children – including students living elsewhere during term time.

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.