Breakdown cover is for unexpected faults, not routine maintenance
This policy provides emergency assistance when a vehicle suffers a sudden or unexpected mechanical or electrical fault that prevents it from being driven or continuing a journey safely.
We do not cover cosmetic, non-emergency or self-induced faults, or where we suspect third-party interference has taken place. Please do not use the policy as a replacement for routine servicing, maintenance or repairs, or to cover faults caused by the actions or omissions of the driver.
If you use this policy for a vehicle that’s not been serviced or properly maintained, we may not be able to help. We may also have to charge a service fee.
Your vehicle must be roadworthy and road-legal
This policy only provides assistance to roadworthy and road-legal vehicles. It does not cover unsafe, unroadworthy, unlawful or overladen vehicles, or vehicles being used improperly.
Throughout the life of the policy, ensure vehicles are:
- Serviced annually (or following manufacturers’ guidelines)
- Maintained in line with manufacturer guidelines
- In good condition and safe to drive
- Taxed, insured and have a valid MOT certificate
If you use this policy for a vehicle that’s not roadworthy or road-legal, we will not be able to help you get back on the road.
Repeat call-outs and pre-existing faults are not covered
We cannot provide assistance if you call us out for a fault we’ve already attended within the last 28 days – unless you can provide proof that a permanent repair has been completed by a garage.
If we’ve made a temporary repair to your vehicle, please arrange for a permanent repair to be made soon after.
We do not provide cover for any known faults that existed before you bought breakdown cover, so please don’t try to claim for them. If you use this policy for a vehicle with a known fault or a temporary repair that hasn’t been made permanent, we may not be able to help. We may also have to charge a service fee.
Who and what this policy covers
Cover applies as long as the gross vehicle weight is less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and it's under 8 feet 3 inches (2.55m) wide.
Please do not use breakdown cover for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight heavier than 3.5 tonnes or are wider than 2.55 metres.
We can’t provide breakdown assistance if your vehicle can’t be driven because of vandalism or malicious damage. These are usually matters for motor insurance, although we may be able to arrange recovery at your cost.
If you have a vehicle-based policy, the vehicle you registered with The AA is covered for all drivers.
If you change your vehicle, please ensure that you update us as soon as you can.
If you have a personal-based policy (single, joint, family), a vehicle is covered only if the member is a driver or passenger in the vehicle when it breaks down. We cannot provide assistance if drivers or passengers are being abusive or uncooperative.
Commercial vehicles need Commercial Use cover
You’ll need to add Commercial Use if you want to cover up to two nominated vehicles used for:
- Carrying items/people for money
- Delivery or collection of goods
- Transporting passengers
- Carrying equipment, tools or materials
- A combination of private/domestic and commercial purposes
If you call us out for a commercial vehicle and only have standard breakdown cover, we may not be able to help or may have to charge a service fee.
If you want to cover a fleet (three or more vehicles) you’ll need our business breakdown cover.
BREAKDOWN COVER
