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What does AA breakdown cover include?

How our cover works

Find out how our different types of breakdown cover work and get answers to frequently asked questions.

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Three yellow AA patrol vans drive down a remote country road

Looking to buy? Top questions about our UK breakdown cover

Am I covered in any vehicle?

If you buy personal cover for you, for two or for a family, everyone on the policy will be covered in any vehicle. Vehicle cover, on the other hand, will cover one specific vehicle, no matter who’s driving it.

Is my caravan covered?

Yes – we cover we cover caravans, campervans and trailers as well as cars, motorbikes and vans. That's as long as the vehicle is less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and 8ft 3in (2.55 metres) wide.

How many call-outs do I get with The AA?

You'll get unlimited call-outs included with your cover as standard (But it can't be a repeat call-out for the same fault within 28 days).

More about our cover

Already with us? Top questions about breakdown cover

How soon can I use my cover?

You choose the start date for your cover, up to 60 days from when you buy. If you’ve selected ‘today’ or ‘tomorrow’, your cover will start 24 hours after purchase. Your cover won’t apply to any pre-existing faults or new faults that occur in the 24-hour wait period. If you add further options to your cover, like Parts and Garage Cover and Key Cover, these will have a 14-day exclusion before you can use them.

Can I add a family member?

Yes – it's easy to add a family member like a child or partner to your membership. Just call us on 0343 316 4444 and we'll help.

Am I covered in Europe?

Your policy gives you equivalent cover in Ireland with AA Ireland. But you'll need European breakdown cover outside the UK and Ireland.

What types of vehicles do you cover?

We'll come to your rescue if you're in one of these vehicles:

  • Petrol/diesel/electric/hydrogen cars of any age (including classic cars)
  • Motorbikes (including quads and trikes)
  • Vans
  • Motorhomes
  • Minibuses

We also cover caravans and trailers on tow at the time of breakdown – so long as your vehicle is roadworthy, taxed and has an up-to-date MOT.

Your vehicle must weigh less than 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg) and it can’t be wider than 8 foot 3 inches (2.55m), excluding mirrors. This also applies to any caravans and trailers you're towing, to make sure that we'll be able to recover your vehicle if we need to.

Our breakdown cover excludes vehicles that are:

  • On trade plates
  • Used to carry items or people for money
  • Non-motorised

Vehicles that can’t lawfully be used on a public highway are also excluded.

If you want cover for a business fleet of cars, vans, trucks and other vehicles, you'll need business breakdown cover.

What does The AA’s breakdown cover include?

Our breakdown cover gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to get help if you break down.

The AA's breakdown cover policies always include:

  • 24/7 Roadside Assistance for breakdowns over 1/4 mile from home
  • A recovery tow to a nearby garage if we can't fix your vehicle at the roadside
  • Unlimited call-outs*
  • If you have an accident, we'll be there to support you with Accident Assist

You can also customise your cover to build a policy that suits you. Read our breakdown cover guide to find out how breakdown cover can help you.

You won’t be covered for the following:

  • Roadside Assistance after a breakdown or accident that involves the emergency services
  • Routine maintenance and running repairs
  • Repeat call-outs for the same fault, or for faults that occurred before your breakdown cover start date (including the 24-hour wait period after signing up)
  • Please read our terms and conditions for full details on inclusions and exclusions.

Can I customise my breakdown cover?

If you want more cover, you can always upgrade with our breakdown cover options and add-ons. Adding these to your Roadside Assistance will change the price of your quote. Different providers might give their additional options slightly different names, but ours include:

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.

What's The AA's call-out time?

Our patrols typically reach you in under an hour and have you back on the road within about 30 minutes of their arrival. This is supported by our data on AA patrol response times and verified by an independent reliability survey from What Car?.1

Additionally, the AA App lets you report a breakdown with just a tap. Our patrols can accurately locate you, and you can track their arrival in real-time right up until they get to you. With our fast call-out times, you’ll get peace of mind knowing help is on the way when you need it.

Three patrols

What issues can The AA fix at the roadside?

Our skilled patrols can usually fix a range of issues at the roadside, saving you the hassle of needing a recovery tow to a garage.

Common issues they can repair at the roadside include:

  • Flat or faulty batteries
  • Flat tyre changes (if you have a spare wheel with you)
  • Minor electrical problems (e.g. those that prevent a car from starting)
  • Minor engine problems
  • Overheating (topping up coolant levels or dealing with minor cooling system problems)

    • Issues that may require further repairs at a garage:

    Flat tyre changes when no spare wheel is available – in this case, we’ll usually fit you with a temporary spare tyre and follow you to a garage or tyre centre for a permanent replacement tyre.

    What happens if The AA can’t fix my car?

    If we can’t fix your car at the roadside, we’ll tow you to a nearby garage where you can get a full repair. If you’ve customised your AA breakdown cover policy to include options like Onward Travel, then we’ll help arrange for you to get a hire car so you can complete your journey with minimal hassle.

    How far will The AA tow me?

    With our standard Roadside Assistance, our recovery tows will take you to a nearby garage capable of carrying out the repairs you need.

    Wondering if The AA will tow your car home? If you choose to add National Recovery to your policy and we’re unable to repair your vehicle at the roadside, we’ll take you, your vehicle and up to 7 passengers to any single UK destination. That could be your home, your preferred garage for repairs, or anywhere most convenient for you.

    How long after joining The AA can I call you out?

    • If you choose today or tomorrow as your start date, you can use your cover 24 hours after purchase
    • You can only claim on Parts and Garage Cover for breakdowns that happen after the first 14 days of your cover. Our Key Cover also has a 14-day wait period if you pick today’s date when adding it to your policy

    You'll receive your membership documents via email, and you’ll be able to access your digital membership card in the app.

    Make a note of your membership number as soon as you buy cover, or keep your confirmation email saved, just in case you break down before you get your documents.

    Why choose The AA for breakdown cover?

    Our excellent breakdown service has been awarded 5 stars by independent research company Defaqto,2 and more than 95% of our reviews recommend us.3

    Most trusted breakdown cover provider

    More drivers choose The AA than any other major UK breakdown cover service.4

    Mobile mechanics

    We have more dedicated mobile mechanics than any other UK breakdown service.5

    Electric vehicles

    Electric and hybrid vehicles covered at no extra cost

    What deals do I get with The AA's breakdown cover?

    When you buy a breakdown cover policy with us, you could save £100s every year with these member deals. Get up to:

    • 36% off your MOT with Smart Care
    • 15% off airport parking with Holiday Extras
    • 15% off car hire across UK, Europe and North America
    • 10% off service or vehicle checks with Smart Care
    Explore Smart Benefits

    Ready to get breakdown cover?

    Head over to our breakdown cover page for more details about our different types of breakdown cover, or sign in if you’re already a member.

    Find out about breakdown cover Existing members

    Policy documents

    AA Breakdown Membership

    Breakdown Membership terms and conditions – September 2024


    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 November 2024 to 31 December 2024.


    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: 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.

    Why do I need breakdown cover?

    Breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement but it can make your life easier and take away stress when you're driving. If you break down, all you need to do is contact us. We’ll fix your vehicle by the roadside or tow you to a garage if it needs repairs.

     

    And it’s good to know that buying cover in advance normally works out cheaper than joining at the roadside after you've broken down.

     

    To help you decide, read about how to compare breakdown cover.

    Can I join the AA and use it right away?

    Our standard breakdown policies start 24 hours after you buy. That means you can't call us out within 24 hours of getting your cover.

     

    But if you've broken down now and want to join us to get help, you can buy instant breakdown cover. Call us on 03330 046 046 for immediate cover.

    Can I add another car to my AA membership?

    Vehicle cover provides cover for anyone driving 1 named vehicle. If you have this type of cover, you can't add another vehicle to your policy. But you can change which vehicle is covered by your policy. Just fill out this quick form to change your vehicle.

     

    If you drive more than 1 vehicle regularly, it might be better for you to take out personal cover, which covers you in any vehicle you drive or are a passenger in. It might be a good option if you're looking for multi-car breakdown cover.

    How much does AA breakdown cover cost?

    It's easy to buy cheap breakdown cover with us. A membership with us starts from just a few pounds a month for vehicle cover.

    What is AA family cover?

    Our family cover provides cover for you and up to 3 people you live with. You'll be covered as both drivers and passengers in any vehicle.

    You can add on your partner, family members, housemates and children – even if they're students temporarily living away from home.

     

    What about driving in Ireland or Europe?

    Our UK breakdown cover protects you across the entire UK, including Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

     

    Plus, we have a deal with AA Ireland which gives you the same level of cover if you breakdown in the Republic of Ireland (apart from Parts and Garage Cover, which won't apply).

     

    Europe isn’t included with our UK breakdown cover, but we offer separate European breakdown cover. This would also give you extra cover while driving in the Republic of Ireland.

     

    With our European breakdown cover you can choose from single-trip or annual multi-trip cover. Both give you access to over 60,000 quality-assured garages in 44 countries across Europe.

    Does The AA change tyres?

    Yes. In fact, flat tyres are one of the most common reasons why members call us out. We can remove your flat tyre and fit your spare there and then.

     

    If you don't have a spare, all our trained mechanics carry a special spare wheel which fits most cars. We'll fit it on for you and come with you to a garage to buy a new one.

     

    Even if you need a tow to a garage, most of our vans have towing equipment on board, so you won't have to wait for a truck.

    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?

    You only need to let us know if you have vehicle cover. Tell us as soon as you can, so we can update your membership details – and check your new vehicle is eligible (Ts&Cs apply). Once you've updated us, you’ll be covered in 24 hours.

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

    1 Source: What Car? independent reliability survey May 2024 (c. 3,200 respondents – required breakdown assistance). Verify at theAA.com/Best.

    2Source: Rated by the experts: Defaqto 5 Star rated 2024. Verify at theAA.com/Best.

    3Source: Trustpilot – correct as at 31 January 2025.

    4 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.

    5 Source: AA Annual Report & Accounts 2024 (c. 2,800 patrols) and RAC Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 (1,600 patrols).

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