Just call 0330 159 8743 for instant breakdown cover. You’ll be charged a one-off fee for emergency recovery – ask about Klarna, to split it into 3 monthly payments*.
We offer instant breakdown cover for a wide range of problems
Common breakdown problems
We’ll always try to get your car going again. If there’s a fault with your car’s starter battery and we can’t recharge it, we’ll fit a new battery. If you've broken down at home, you'll need to have our 'At Home' cover for us to help. Available with Complete cover.
If you’re already an RAC member, you’re covered if you run out of fuel as part of your cover. We'll just charge you for any fuel you need.
If you break down due to a puncture, we’ll come out to replace your tyre. The cost of new tyres isn’t covered by RAC Breakdown Cover, unless you've added Tyre Replace to your cover. Tyre Replace means you’ll be covered for the cost of up to 5 new tyres a year. You can’t add Tyre Replace to your breakdown cover if you've already broken down.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are covered as standard with our breakdown cover. If your EV has broken down, simply report your breakdown online. If your electric car has run out of charge, our award-winning EV Boost Vans can also give you a 10-mile boost to get you to the nearest charging point.
Our FREE accident care is included as an RAC member benefit*. If you have an accident, whether it’s your fault or not, call us first and we'll help you get back on the road quickly. Call us on 0333 2000 999.
*The RAC will seek to recoup the cost of recovery from your insurer/3rd party insurer. You may be asked to pay if this isn’t possible. If your problem isn’t listed, call us on 0330 159 8743, and our team will do their best to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If there is nowhere secure for you and any passengers to wait, or you feel unsafe at all, then you should call the police to inform them that you have broken down.
Yes, the emergency services telephones positioned along motorways are free to call. They connect directly to the police, or the Highways Agency.
If you break down without cover, there is a fixed fee for the RAC to attend and support you.And we offer a range of cover types to meet your needs— most without a callout charge.
Some basic faults can be fixed. You may have changed a flat tyre before and, with a spare wheel on board, can do this again yourself. If you feel confident in fixing the problem then you can try – but you must be in a safe position first. If you're in any doubt or don’t feel safe, call the RAC for help.
We understand that breaking down can be stressful and so we aim to get to all members as quickly as possible. If a vulnerability is disclosed or suspected, our call centre team are trained to ease anxiety and prioritise the patrol attendance.
You can getbreakdown coverfrom lots of different places, including:
- directly from a breakdown provider, such as the RAC
- with a vehicle purchase
- with car insurance, travel insurance or bank account.
If you’re not sure whether you have breakdown cover, it’s worth checking your records before you buy. This includes your emails and hard-copy documents. You can also call a provider to see if you’re covered.
We can help you at the roadside if your vehicle breaks down in Europe, as long as you’ve bought RACEuropean Breakdown Coverbefore your trip. We can help you in up to 48 countries across mainland Europe. These countries are split into zones, so you can easily select the right cover for you and your trip.
Please call us on0330 159 8743and we’ll be happy talk you through your options. You’ll get access to immediate emergency breakdown and we’ll also help arrange an annual or monthly membership for the next 12 months if you would like ongoing cover.
If we can’t fix you on the spot, you can choose which garage you go to. Just keep in mind that if you don’t haveNational Recoveryas part of your cover, you’ll be limited to a 10-mile tow.
We'll take you to anRAC approved garagesor garage of your choice. Please talk to your patrol when they arrive.
Having breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement – you won’t be breaking the law if you don’t have it. But if you drive without breakdown cover and you break down far from home, it may be difficult (and expensive) to get help.
You can set your breakdown cover to start on the same day you buy it. This means if you buy cover and then break down out on the road later that day, we’ll come rescue you.But if you’ve already broken down, you can’t buy breakdown cover online. Instead, please call0330 159 8743
Some of the other extra features and add-ons won’t start until a while later. National Recovery and Onward Travel start 24 hours after your main cover starts, and Key Replace, Battery Replace and Tyre Replace start 7 days later.
Breakdown cover can be included when you buycar insurance, but it can differ depending on your provider. It’s always best to check your policy documents to see if it is included.
If you’re currently broken down without cover, call our team on0333 2000 999. Already a member? Report yourbreakdown online.
If you feel like you’re in immediate danger, you should contact the emergency services. Find out more information aroundwhat to do if your car has broken down.
If your car’s broken down at home with no breakdown cover, please call the RAC non-member number on 0330 159 8743. We’ll talk you through your options and help you find the right cover. If you already have cover with us, you can report your breakdown online.
Page reviewed by: Andy Baker
