# Breakdown Cover Comparison

_CompareFairly · en/GB · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_

**Category:** finance › assurance › assurance auto › assistance depannage

**Our pick**: RAC (90/100) · **Cheapest**: Green Flag · **Best value**: RAC

## Comparison table

| Criterion | RAC | The AA | Green Flag | Aviva Breakdown Cover | John Lewis Breakdown Cover | Direct Line Breakdown Cover |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Price / year (GBP) | 115 | 120 | 105 | 125 | 135 | 110 |
| Geographical Cover | Roadside, Home, Onward Travel & European | Roadside, Home, Onward Travel & European | Roadside, Home, Onward Travel | Roadside, Home & Onward Travel | Roadside, Home & Onward Travel | Roadside & Home |
| Home Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Onward Travel Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - |
| European Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | - |
| Towing Limit (miles) | 100 | 100 | 50 | 60 | 60 | 50 |
| Specialist Technical Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tyre Replacement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery Replacement | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fuel Delivery | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lost Keys Cover | ✓ | ✓ | - | - | - | - |
| Average Response Time (minutes) | 35 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 38 | 45 |
| 24/7 Assistance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |

## 1. RAC

The RAC is a breakdown service provider.

**Cons:**
- Worst-scoring company overall for speed of arrival
- Highest proportion of customers (32%) waiting for more than two hours

_Source (estimate): [https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215](https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215)_

## 2. The AA

The AA provides breakdown cover and aims to get cars going again.

**Best for:** Drivers who prioritize getting back on the road quickly, even if it's a temporary fix.

**Pros:**
- High proportion of temporary fixes (28%) allowing drivers to continue journeys

**Cons:**
- Smaller percentage of cars permanently fixed (36%)

_Source (verified): [https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215](https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215)_

## 3. Green Flag

Green Flag is a breakdown service provider.

_Source (verified): [https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215](https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/which-is-the-best-breakdown-service/n1215)_

## 4. Aviva Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover including roadside assistance, home start, and onward travel options.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.aviva.co.uk/](https://www.aviva.co.uk/)_

## 5. John Lewis Breakdown Cover

Offers breakdown cover with roadside assistance, home start, and onward travel options.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.johnlewis.com/](https://www.johnlewis.com/)_

## 6. Direct Line Breakdown Cover

Offers breakdown cover with roadside assistance, home start, and optional European cover.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.directline.com/](https://www.directline.com/)_

## 7. Sheilas' Wheels Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover with roadside assistance and home start, designed for women.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.sheilaswheels.com/](https://www.sheilaswheels.com/)_

## 8. Saga Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover tailored for over 50s, offering roadside assistance and home start.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.saga.co.uk/](https://www.saga.co.uk/)_

## In short

This comparison covers 8 assistance depannage across 13 criteria: Price / year, Geographical Cover, Home Assistance, Onward Travel Assistance, European Assistance, Towing Limit. RAC comes first with 90/100, driven by Lost Keys Cover (100/100) and European Assistance (100/100). The AA follows at 88/100 and beats it on Average Response Time. The cheapest option is Green Flag. Sourced data: 2/8 options; the remaining values are estimates, flagged as such.

## Frequently asked questions

**What is the best breakdown cover in 2026?**

Based on our comprehensive 2026 analysis, RAC ranks highest with a score of 90/100, followed closely by The AA. Our rankings are determined by objective data and are not influenced by commercial partnerships.

**How much does breakdown cover cost per year?**

The annual cost of breakdown cover varies significantly between providers. Our comparison details the exact 'Price / year' for each option, allowing you to find the most budget-friendly solution.

**Which breakdown cover offers the best geographical and European assistance?**

We evaluate 'Geographical Cover' and 'European Assistance' to show which providers offer the most extensive coverage, whether you're breaking down at home or abroad.

**What are the key features to look for in breakdown cover?**

Key features include 'Home Assistance', 'Onward Travel Assistance', and 'Towing Limit'. Our comparison breaks down these essential services to help you choose the cover that best suits your needs.


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_Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._


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_CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/GB/breakdown-cover-comparison — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._
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