RAC breakdown cover - currently not available

Do I need breakdown cover?

RAC breakdown cover is not a legal requirement when driving in the UK, and you don’t need it to buy a temporary insurance policy. If you’re borrowing a car you don’t know, heading off on a long journey or driving an older vehicle, it could help put your mind at ease.

What vehicles are covered under breakdown cover?

You can purchase breakdown cover for private cars and light commercial vehicles only.

Please note the car or light commercial vehicle must be less than:

• 3.5 tonnes
• 2.55 metres wide

If the vehicle breaks down while towing a caravan or trailer and the RAC provides recovery, the caravan or trailer will be recovered with the vehicle (provided it falls within the above limits).

Where am I covered for breakdown cover in the UK?

“UK” means England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and for the purpose of this RAC Breakdown Cover, it includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Am I eligible for breakdown cover?

If you meet our eligibility criteria for a temporary insurance policy, you can add RAC breakdown cover to our standard car and van policies (1 hour to 28 days).

When getting a temporary insurance quote, you’ll be presented with the option to add RAC breakdown cover. You’ll see how much the breakdown cover costs and in one tap or click, you can add it to your policy.

Once you’ve purchased your policy, you’ll receive all the relevant information about your breakdown cover via email along with your policy documents.

How much does temporary car insurance breakdown cover cost?

The cost of breakdown cover depends on the duration of the temporary car insurance policy you buy. When getting a temporary policy, you’ll be presented with a clear price when you add breakdown cover.

What should I do if I break down?

If you’re on the motorway:

• Pull over to the hard shoulder if you can.
• Turn on your hazards and your sidelights, too, if it’s dark.
• Wear hi-vis jackets if you can.
• Leave your car through the left-hand door if it is safe and you are able to do so.
• Where possible, and it is safe for you to do so, stand behind any safety barriers to the rear of your vehicle.
• Call your RAC breakdown provider on the number provided, once it is safe to do so.

If you’re somewhere else:

• Pull over out of traffic, if you can.
• Turn on your hazards and your sidelights, too, if it’s dark.
• Wear hi-vis jackets if you can.
• Leave your car through the left-hand door if it is safe and you are able to do so.
• Get off the road if you can. If not, it’s normally safest to stand to the rear of your car away from passing traffic.
• Call your RAC breakdown provider on the number provided, once it is safe to do so.
• If you feel vulnerable or threatened waiting outside of your car, wait in the front passenger seat with the doors locked and your seatbelt on.
• If you feel in danger, call 999.

For more information on the claims process, visit our claims page.