How to compare breakdown cover
Having a breakdown cover policy gives you roadside assistance if your vehicle ever breaks down. If you can’t get your vehicle going, we’ll send out one of our expert patrols to help.
Before you buy breakdown cover, it’s always a good idea to compare cover from different providers. Remember, just choosing the cheapest option may not give you the cover you need. So, do your homework to make sure you have complete peace of mind®.
RAC vs AA vs Green Flag
A good place to start when comparing breakdown cover in the UK is to check what's included as standard. Some providers include more than others with their entry-level cover.
Here’s a rundown of what you get on all RAC Breakdown Cover levels, compared to our competitors.
RAC
AA
Green Flag
24/7 rescue
Hire car
Up to 7 days
Up to 3 days
Up to 48 hours
Electric vehicle rescue
Mobile EV charge
Business cover
European cover
Battery cover
Tyre and key cover
Legal expenses
Free accident care
Free car health check
Free legal helpline
Up to £35 off mobile servicing
Exclusive member savings
Levels of breakdown cover
Levels of breakdown cover vary from provider to provider. RAC Breakdown Cover, Green Flag and the AA all offer Roadside Assistance as standard. All providers also have the option of At Home cover (or ‘Home Start’), National Recovery, and Onward Travel. They also all offer scooter and moped breakdown cover, giving two‑wheel riders the same roadside help and recovery options as car drivers.
However, RAC Breakdown Cover includes £20 off mobile mechanics and a 10 mile EV boost, unlike other providers.
Basic
£5.29
/month*
Standard
£8.99
/month*
Extra
£9.49
/month*
Complete
£13.79
/month*
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle cover.
What optional extras do we offer
When you compare breakdown cover, it's worth looking at optional extras as well as standard policies. From home start to European cover, you can compare breakdown cover options to build the right level of protection for your journeys across the UK and beyond.
Onward Travel
Can’t do without your car? Get a hire car while yours is in the garage with Onward Travel.
European Rescue
With RAC European Rescue, you’re covered in 48 countries across Europe. So you can have complete peace of mind® when driving abroad.
Business Cover
Use your vehicle for your job? Get cover for work and leisure with Commercial Cover or Business Use.
Tyre Replace
Puncture? No problem – get Tyre Replace and you're covered for the cost of up to 5 new tyres a year.
Battery Replace
Get a new battery if we can't recharge yours – saving you £200 on average.
Key Replace
Lost your car keys? We'll pay for the replacement, and a locksmith if needed, saving you £315 on average.
Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
Personal vs vehicle cover
With most providers, breakdown cover can either apply to you or your vehicle. It’s up to you to decide which type of cover works best for you.
Vehicle breakdown cover comparison
Vehicle breakdown cover means your vehicle is covered no matter who is driving when it breaks down. With the AA’s Vehicle Breakdown Cover, you can only cover 1 vehicle.
Personal breakdown cover comparison
Personal breakdown cover means you’re covered in any eligible vehicle^^, as a driver or passenger. It usually costs more than vehicle cover, but can be cheaper if you regularly drive multiple cars. With the RAC, you can cover up to 5 people, compared to up to 4 with the AA and Green Flag.
Breakdown cover options
Answers to your questions
Depending on how you use your cars, you might want to consider personal cover or vehicle cover for multiple cars.
Personal cover means you’re covered as a driver or passenger in any eligible vehicle – and you can add up to 5 people living at the same address to your policy. It’s ideal if you or your family regularly drive more than one car.
With vehicle cover, each vehicle on your policy is covered no matter who’s driving. And you can get vehicle cover for up to 3 cars registered at the same address on one policy.
RAC Breakdown Cover (Roadside Assistance and At Home) begins on the day you buy it, as long as you haven’t broken down already. You can also choose to start your policy later if you prefer.
Extras like National Recovery and Onward Travel both start 24 hours afterwards. And Key Replace, Battery Replace and Tyre Replace start 7 days after your main breakdown cover begins.Both Green Flag and AA’s standard breakdown cover starts 24 hours after you purchase.
When you're choosing a breakdown cover policy, it’s important to think about what suits your lifestyle. This will help determine what type of cover you need.
Consider how many vehicles you drive and how far you usually travel. For example, if you regularly take long trips, you might want to add National Recovery to your cover.
Your vehicle type is another element to consider, you may need specific cover for vehicles such as caravans.
It’s also worth considering the reputation of your chosen provider. Look for companies with positive feedback. This includes fast response times and good service.
With the RAC, our patrols fix 4/5 vehicles on the spot and we get to most breakdowns within 60 minutes. Read more about our RAC Breakdown Cover reviews.
Many big breakdown cover providers offer a range of breakdown cover options, and which is best for you will depend on your needs.
It’s best to make sure to check what’s included before you buy.
Page reviewed by Andy Baker. Last updated 25/06/26