Frequently Asked Questions
Breakdown Cover FAQs Your Questions Answered
Everything you need to know about SimplyMotorCover breakdown cover, from what's included to how to make a claim.
General Questions
What is motor breakdown cover?
Motor breakdown cover is an insurance policy that gets you help if your vehicle stops working due to mechanical or electrical failure, a flat tyre, a flat battery, or misfuelling (UK only). Depending on the level you choose, it covers you at the roadside, at home, anywhere in the UK, or across Europe.
What levels of breakdown cover do you offer?
SimplyMotorCover offers five ways to build your cover:
- Roadside Assistance — help when you break down more than 1 mile from home, with a repair attempted at the roadside or recovery to a garage or destination within 25 miles.
- National Recovery & Onward Travel — everything in Roadside Assistance, plus recovery to your home or any UK destination if your vehicle can’t be fixed the same day, with onward travel support.
- Home Assistance — an optional extension covering breakdowns at or within 1 mile of your home.
- European Cover — an optional extension taking your National Cover to 30 European countries, for up to 90 days a year (maximum 30 days per trip).
- Single Trip Cover — breakdown cover in the UK and Europe for one journey of up to 31 days.
What types of vehicles are covered?
We cover privately owned cars, vans and motorcycles registered in the UK that are no more than 15 years old at the policy start date (10 years for European Cover). Vehicles must weigh no more than 3.5 tonnes, be no longer than 6 metres and no wider than 2.44 metres, with a current MOT (where applicable), valid insurance and road tax, and a service history in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Campervans, motorhomes and vehicles used commercially are not covered.
Can I get breakdown cover for a motorcycle or van?
Yes. Motorcycles and vans are covered on the same basis as cars, provided they’re privately owned, UK-registered, within the size and weight limits above, no more than 15 years old, and not used for business, hire or deliveries.
Do you cover classic or older cars?
Vehicles must be no more than 15 years old when your policy starts (10 years for European Cover), so most classic and vintage vehicles aren’t eligible for this policy. If your vehicle is modified, specialist repairs are only covered where agreed with us in advance — contact enquiries@simplymotorcover.com to check.
Is breakdown cover included in my car insurance?
Usually not. Standard car insurance covers accident damage and theft but doesn’t send help when your car won’t start or breaks down mid-journey. Breakdown cover is a separate policy, which is exactly what SimplyMotorCover provides.
Can I use my breakdown cover in someone else's car?
Yes, with Personal Cover, which covers the people named on your policy schedule in any eligible vehicle they’re travelling in, not just one car. Vehicle Cover works the other way: it covers one named vehicle, whoever is driving it.
Do you offer family or multi-driver cover?
Yes. Personal Cover protects up to 4 named people in any eligible vehicle, making it a good fit for families and households with several drivers. Alternatively, our multi-vehicle option covers up to 5 vehicles on a single policy.
Are there age restrictions for drivers?
No. The policy covers the policyholder and any authorised occupant of the insured vehicle, with no upper or lower driver age limits, as long as the vehicle itself meets the eligibility rules.
What's Covered
Does your cover include home start if my car won't start at home?
Yes, with our optional Home Assistance extension, which covers breakdowns at your home address or within 1 mile of it. A recovery operator will attempt a repair, and if that isn’t possible, your vehicle will be recovered in line with the level of cover you’ve chosen.
Are flat batteries covered?
Yes. Battery failure counts as a breakdown under this policy. A recovery operator will attempt a roadside fix, and if your vehicle can’t be restarted, you’ll be recovered in line with your cover level. If you drive an electric vehicle, running out of charge is also covered in the UK.
Are flat tyres and punctures covered?
Yes. A flat, blown or punctured tyre counts as a breakdown. A recovery operator will attend and attempt a repair, or recover you in line with your cover level. If your breakdown is tyre-related, you’ll need your locking wheel nut or key where your vehicle has one.
Does your policy cover misfuelling or running out of fuel?
Yes, in the UK. If you put the wrong fuel in, we’ll reimburse draining the tank up to £250 inc. VAT and up to 10 litres or £20 of the correct fuel, and if you’ve selected the £30 excess it’s waived for misfuel claims. Send your invoice to customerservices@call-assist.co.uk to claim. Running out of fuel or electrical charge is also covered as a breakdown in the UK. Misfuelling outside the UK isn’t covered.
What's included in your European breakdown cover?
European Cover extends your National Cover benefits to 30 European countries for up to 90 days per year, with individual trips of up to 30 days. If you break down in Europe you’ll get roadside assistance and recovery to the nearest suitable garage, with our 24-hour claims line available throughout. For one-off journeys, Single Trip Cover protects you for up to 31 days.
Does your cover include onward travel?
Yes, on National Recovery & Onward Travel and above. If your vehicle can’t be repaired the same day, onward travel support can provide alternative public transport, overnight accommodation (excluding food and drink) or a hire vehicle for a limited period. Request it at the time of your breakdown; benefits are reimbursed against receipts.
Is recovery to a garage included if my vehicle can't be fixed at the roadside?
Yes. Roadside Assistance recovers you, your vehicle and up to four passengers to the nearest suitable garage or a destination within 25 miles. With National Recovery, if same-day repair isn’t possible, you’ll be taken to your home or any UK destination of your choice.
Is there a limit on call-outs?
No, there’s no cap on the number of claims you can make in a policy year, provided each one meets the policy terms. The claim limit is £2,000 per breakdown. Note that repeat breakdowns for the same fault are only covered where the original fault has been properly repaired.
Do you cover breakdowns while towing a caravan or trailer?
If your vehicle breaks down while towing, your caravan or trailer (up to 3.5 tonnes, 7 metres long excluding drawbar and 2.44 metres wide) is recovered to the same place as your vehicle. A breakdown of the caravan or trailer itself isn’t covered.
Are keys locked in the car or lost keys covered?
No. Being unable to access or start your vehicle because keys are lost, damaged or locked inside isn’t a breakdown under this policy. Our optional Key Cover add-on can pay for a replacement key if yours is lost or stolen.
Eligibility and Buying
Who can buy SimplyMotorCover breakdown cover?
UK residents who own, or are responsible for, an eligible privately owned car, van or motorcycle registered in the UK. You don’t need to be the registered keeper.
Can I buy breakdown cover if I've already broken down?
No. A 24-hour inception period applies from your policy start date, during which no claims can be made, so cover bought at the roadside won’t help with that breakdown. Buying before you travel is the only way to be protected.
How soon after buying does my cover start?
Your policy starts on the inception date shown on your policy schedule, and you can claim once the first 24 hours have passed. If you change the insured vehicle mid-term, a fresh 24-hour period applies to the new vehicle.
Can I cover more than one vehicle?
Yes. Our multi-vehicle policy covers up to 5 eligible vehicles on a single policy. You can also change the insured vehicle on your policy up to 4 times during the policy term.
Can I buy breakdown cover as a gift?
Yes, by naming the recipient as the policyholder on the policy schedule. They’ll need to meet the normal eligibility rules, including being a UK resident with an eligible vehicle.
Is cover available for business or fleet vehicles?
No. Vehicles used for any commercial purpose, including taxis, private hire, couriers, deliveries and removals, are excluded. This policy is designed for privately owned vehicles.
Costs and Payments
How much does breakdown cover cost?
SimplyMotorCover starts from £19.50 a year, with the price depending on the level of cover you choose and your vehicle. You can get a quote in minutes on our website or compare us on MoneySuperMarket and GoCompare.
Is there an excess?
The excess is optional. Quotes are shown with a £30 excess per claim included, which lowers your premium, and you can remove it when you buy if you’d rather pay nothing at the point of claim. If you keep it, it’s waived for misfuel claims.
Are there any other fees I should know about?
Yes, in specific circumstances, and we’d rather you knew upfront. A fee of £125 (UK) or £225 (Europe) applies if you cancel a recovery after calling, you’re not with the vehicle when the operator arrives, the vehicle isn’t accessible when you said it was, no fault is found, or the operator can’t lawfully reach the vehicle. The cost of parts, components and materials used in repairs is yours, as is fuel beyond the misfuel benefit.
Do you offer monthly payments?
No, payment is taken in full when you buy. With annual cover from £19.50, there are no instalments to manage and no direct debits to remember.
Can I get a refund if I cancel?
Yes. Cancel within 14 days of purchase and you’ll receive a full refund less a £10 administration fee, provided you haven’t claimed. After the cooling-off period, you may receive a pro-rata refund for any full remaining months of cover, again less the £10 fee. Email enquiries@simplymotorcover.com to cancel.
Claims and Assistance
How do I get help if I break down?
Call our 24-hour claims line on 01206 714853 (from Europe: +44 1206 714853).
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, please send a text message containing your full name, policy number, vehicle registration and policy postcode to: 07537 404890. Lines are answered by Call Assist our claims handler, every day of the year.
What information will I need when I call?
Have ready: your name and policy number, your vehicle’s make, model and registration, your exact location (road, junction, landmark or What3Words address), what you think the fault is, and the number you’re calling from. For tyre problems, you’ll need your locking wheel nut or key if your vehicle has one.
How long will help take to arrive?
Response times depend on your location, traffic and demand, so we don’t promise a fixed arrival time, but our claims line is answered 24/7 and a recovery operator is dispatched as quickly as possible. Sharing a What3Words location helps the operator find you faster.
What happens if my vehicle can't be fixed at the roadside?
Any roadside fix is a temporary repair, so you should take your vehicle to a garage for permanent repair as soon as possible afterwards. If no roadside repair is possible, you’ll be recovered in line with your cover level: to a garage or destination within 25 miles on Roadside Assistance, or to your home or any UK destination on National Recovery if same-day repair isn’t possible.
Will I pay extra at night or on bank holidays?
No. Cover operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at no additional charge.
What should I do if I break down on a motorway?
Get to safety first: move onto the hard shoulder or into an emergency area if you can, switch on your hazard lights, and exit through the left-hand door, waiting behind the barrier away from traffic. Then call us on 01206 714853. In Europe, use the motorway emergency telephones, as local authorities often control motorway recovery; once you’ve been moved to a safe location, call us on +44 1206 714853 and we’ll take it from there.
Do you cover breakdowns in remote areas?
Yes, anywhere in the UK (and Europe with European Cover), provided the vehicle can be reached safely and legally. A What3Words location is especially useful in remote spots. If the vehicle turns out to be inaccessible after you’ve told us otherwise, a £125 (UK) or £225 (Europe) fee can apply, and specialist recovery equipment needed because of an inaccessible location isn’t covered.
Exclusions and Limitations
What types of breakdown aren't covered?
The main exclusions are: incidents caused by accident, fire, flood, theft or vandalism (your motor insurer handles these); being unable to access or start the vehicle due to lost or damaged keys; component failures that don’t stop the vehicle working, like air conditioning; warning lights, unless the handbook says stop immediately; breakdowns from poor repairs, DIY attempts or known faults that haven’t been fixed; vehicles immersed in or damaged by mud, snow, sand or water; slipped chains on motorcycles; and any claim within the first 24 hours of cover. The full list is in the policy wording.
Are pre-existing faults excluded?
Yes. Breakdowns caused by a fault you knew about before the policy started aren’t covered, and repeat call-outs for a fault that hasn’t been properly repaired since the last attendance are only available on a paid basis.
Am I covered if I have an accident?
No. Accidents are excluded from breakdown cover, and recovery after an accident is a matter for your motor insurer. This policy covers mechanical and electrical failure, tyres, batteries and UK misfuelling.
Are weather-related breakdowns covered?
Mechanical failures that happen to occur in bad weather are covered as normal. What’s excluded is a vehicle immersed in mud, snow, sand or water, or a breakdown caused by contact with them, such as flood damage.
Is my modified vehicle covered, or one used for racing?
Vehicles used or modified for racing, track days, rallies, speed or endurance events are excluded. Other modified vehicles can be covered, but specialist repairs arising from the modification need our prior agreement — check with us before buying.
Contact
How do I contact SimplyMotorCover?
For general enquiries, email enquiries@simplymotorcover.com. For breakdowns, call the 24-hour claims line on 01206 714853 (or +44 1206 714853 from Europe).