Breaking down is never convenient. Whether you are commuting to work, heading home after a long day or setting off on a road trip, a vehicle problem can quickly turn into a stressful and expensive situation.

Breakdown cover gives you a safety net when things go wrong. But not every policy offers the same level of protection.

Before you choose a policy, it is worth looking beyond the price and checking exactly what is included. Here are seven things to consider when choosing breakdown cover in the UK.

1. Start with the level of cover you actually need

The cheapest breakdown policy is not necessarily the best option for you. Think about where and how you normally drive.

If most of your journeys are local, Local Breakdown Cover could provide the protection you need. CoverMy Local Cover starts from £13.87 a year and includes roadside assistance, local recovery, misfuelling and trailer and caravan cover. Home Cover is also available as an option.

If you regularly travel longer distances, National Breakdown Cover may be more suitable. CoverMy National Cover starts from £15.83 a year and includes national recovery, onward travel and emergency overnight accommodation.

And if you are planning to drive in Europe, European Breakdown Cover is available from £18.86 for a single trip.

The key is to choose cover based on your journeys, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

2. Check whether you are covered at home

A common assumption is that breakdown cover automatically means you are covered if your car will not start on your driveway. That is not always the case.

Some policies require you to be a certain distance from home before roadside assistance applies. With CoverMy, Home Cover can provide assistance if your vehicle breaks down at or near your home, depending on the cover level selected. National & Home and European Cover include Home Cover.

This can be particularly useful for problems such as a flat battery when your car refuses to start before work or an important journey.

3. Think about how far you travel

Local and national recovery provide different levels of protection.

Local recovery is designed to get your vehicle to a nearby garage or destination within the applicable distance.

With National Cover, CoverMy can recover you, your passengers and your vehicle to a destination anywhere in the UK, subject to the policy terms. This can be particularly useful if you regularly commute long distances, visit family in different parts of the country or take frequent road trips.

A small difference in the annual premium could make a big difference when you are stranded miles from home.

4. Look at what happens if your car cannot be fixed immediately

Getting your car recovered is only part of the problem. What happens if the vehicle cannot be repaired at the roadside?

This is where additional benefits such as onward travel and emergency overnight accommodation can make a difference.

CoverMy National and European Cover include onward travel if you cannot continue your journey, with options such as a hire car or public transport. Emergency overnight accommodation can also be available if your vehicle cannot be repaired the same day.

For example, if you break down several hours from home and your car needs to stay at a garage overnight, having these benefits could help you continue your journey rather than being left to arrange everything yourself.

5. Check the extras that could save you money

Breakdowns do not always happen because of a major mechanical fault. Sometimes it is something as simple as putting the wrong fuel in your car.

Misfuelling cover is included with CoverMy breakdown policies, helping with eligible misfuelling incidents in the UK. CoverMy’s policy provides reimbursement for draining the tank and a limited amount of the correct fuel, subject to the policy terms and limits.

CoverMy policies can also include trailer and caravan cover, while additional options such as Key Cover, Parts & Labour and Motor Legal Protection are available depending on your needs.

It is worth checking the details before buying so you know exactly what you are paying for.

6. Driving abroad? Check European cover before you leave

Planning a road trip through France, Spain, Italy or elsewhere in Europe?

Standard UK breakdown cover does not automatically mean you have European assistance.

CoverMy European Breakdown Cover provides roadside assistance and recovery across the UK and 31 European countries, including France, Spain and Italy. It also includes onward travel and emergency overnight accommodation.

CoverMy offers European cover from £18.86 for a single trip, making it worth checking before you set off.

Always check the policy wording and territorial limits before travelling.

7. Compare the cover, not just the price

When comparing breakdown policies, it can be tempting to focus on the cheapest annual premium.

But a policy that costs a few pounds less may offer significantly less protection. Before choosing your cover, ask:

• Am I covered at home?
• Is recovery local or national?
• Are onward travel and accommodation included?
• Is misfuelling covered?
• Do I need European cover?
• Are trailers or caravans covered?
• Is there an excess?
• Are extras such as Key Cover or Parts & Labour available?
• Does the cover suit the way I actually use my vehicle?

Checking these details now could save you from an unwelcome surprise when you need assistance.

Find the right breakdown cover for you

At CoverMy, we offer a choice of Local, National and European Breakdown Cover, so you can choose the level of protection that fits your journeys.

Local Cover from £13.87 a year
National Cover from £15.83 a year
European Cover from £18.86 for a single trip

Whether you are heading to work, travelling across the UK or planning a European road trip, having breakdown cover in place means you have support when your vehicle lets you down.

Get a quote and get back to enjoying the road.