Skip to main content [Accesskey 'S'] Go to home page [Accesskey '1'] Are you a business customer?

Personal breakdown cover

Personal breakdown cover with unlimited
call-outs*

Personal breakdown cover as a driver or passenger in any vehicle, plus coverage for up to 3 people that live with you.

  • Support and coverage no matter whose car you’re in
  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance from the UK’s best breakdown service provider†
  • Electric vehicles covered at no extra cost
Get a quote Existing members
Trustpilot
An AA patrol checks his device while attending a breakdown

Our personal breakdown cover

Our starting level of personal breakdown cover, Roadside Assistance, gives you 24/7 support and unlimited call-outs in any vehicle for breakdowns more than 1/4 mile away from your home.

Most trusted breakdown provider

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

More mobile mechanics

†More dedicated mobile mechanics than any other UK breakdown service2

Unlimited call-outs

*Get unlimited call-outs, as long as it's not for a recurring problem with your vehicle3

What is personal breakdown cover?

Personal breakdown cover covers you as an individual, rather than the vehicle. It gives you help from a trained mechanic at the roadside if any car, van or motorbike you're driving breaks down.

So, even if you're travelling as a passenger in a friend's car, you'll be able to get Roadside Assistance with personal breakdown cover. You're only eligible for Roadside Assistance if you're in the vehicle when it breaks down.


Here are the features of personal breakdown cover:

  • Roadside Assistance and recovery to the nearest garage if we can't repair your vehicle on the spot
  • The option to add more people to your policy with joint cover, which  can work out cheaper than buying multiple individual policies
  • You can call us out if you're in someone else's car as a passenger
  • Most vehicle types can be covered (including cars, motorbikes and vans) as long as they're only for personal or domestic use
  • The ability to customise your cover so it meets your needs and budget
Three AA Patrols stood in front of a yellow AA van
Get a quote

What types of personal breakdown cover are there?

There are three types of personal breakdown cover, which allow you to create the breakdown policy for your needs and vehicles you own – including cars, vans, motorbikes and electric vehicles (EVs). You can cover just yourself, opt for joint coverage, or include up to 3 other people you live with.

Single personal cover

Personal breakdown cover for you as a driver or passenger.

Joint personal cover

Personal breakdown cover for you and someone you live with, as drivers or passengers in any vehicle. A great choice for couples.

Family cover

Personal breakdown cover for you and up to 3 other people you live with, as drivers or passengers in any vehicle.

How does personal breakdown cover work?

Breakdowns can happen anywhere, whether you're running errands or on a road trip. Personal breakdown cover protects you as a driver in any car, motorbike or van used for private and domestic purposes. You can however be covered for commercial purposes if you buy Commercial Use with your standard breakdown cover.

Assistance when you need it

Breaking down in a vehicle as a passenger is stressful, but with our personal breakdown cover, you're always protected. No matter who's driving, our team will help you.

Help at the roadside

If you break down, our patrols will aim to fix the vehicle at the roadside.

Get recovery to a local garage

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

Always here for you

Call the AA or use our app 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.

How is personal cover different to vehicle cover?

Unlike vehicle breakdown cover, which covers the vehicle, personal breakdown cover applies to you and up to 3 other people you live with.

This means you're protected if you're driving your own vehicle or riding as a passenger in someone else's.


Here's how vehicle cover is different:


  • Vehicle breakdown cover applies to your vehicle, even if someone else is driving it and you're not with it at the time
  • If you own 1 vehicle and multiple people drive it, then vehicle breakdown cover might be the best choice

More on vehicle breakdown cover

Get a quote

How can I customise my AA personal breakdown cover policy?

You'll get Roadside Assistance as standard. Once you've selected personal breakdown cover, you can still customise your cover to further fit your needs – giving you more choices in the event of a breakdown. Whether it's a quick fix at the roadside or recovery to a garage, we've got you covered.

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.

Onward Travel

If you break down and need repairs that stop your journey, we'll help with alternative transport or an overnight hotel stay.

Parts and Garage Cover

If you break down and need parts at the roadside or repairs at a garage, we’ll help cover costs up to £535.

Commercial Use

If you have a vehicle being used to carry equipment, people or goods in return for payment, we’ll cover you.

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.

How do I select personal cover when buying breakdown cover?

If you're new to The AA, simply choose personal breakdown when you buy online. If you’re already with us, you can switch from vehicle to personal cover, by logging into your AA account or contact customer service to change this.

  • Hit the ‘Get a quote’ button
  • Enter your home postcode and date of birth, then choose what sort of cover you need
  • Choose between vehicle cover and personal breakdown cover
  • See your personalised quote, then select ‘Continue’ to go to the Options step
Get a quote

Already with us?

Find out how to get the most from your cover

Existing members

Policy documents

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


Key Cover

Key Cover terms and conditions – September 2024


Member Extras

Member Extras terms and conditions – November 2021

Good to know

About the price


10% of new AA customers paid £5.99 for monthly vehicle breakdown cover. Source: survey of new business sales from theAA.com, 1 February 2025 to 30 April 2025.


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.

Can I add extra people to my personal breakdown cover policy? 

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.

Which vehicles are covered with personal breakdown cover? 

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


  • 3.5 tonnes
  • 2.55 metres 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.

Would I be covered on a motorbike too?

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

Can you get personal breakdown cover for couples? 

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.

Can I get personal breakdown cover for a vehicle of any age?

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.

Is personal breakdown cover or vehicle breakdown cover cheaper? 

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.

Do I need 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.

Does personal breakdown cover apply to hire cars?

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.

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?

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).

Once you’ve updated us, you’ll be covered after 24 hours.

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

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).

3 Repeat call-outs for the same fault within 28 days will not be covered. Your call-out levels may affect future premiums.

Broken down now?

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

03330 046 046

Call now

Call now to buy breakdown cover

0330 053 1100

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

Call now

Call now to change or discuss your cover

0343 316 4444

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

Call now