Roadside Assistance Cover
Get expert help at the roadside for less through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue.
- 24-hour roadside assistance available 365 days a year
- 8% of breakdown customers completed their journey after assistance. *
- Over 4,000 professionals ready to keep you moving
- From £27 a year
What is roadside assistance?
Roadside assistance is often included as part of vehicle breakdown cover and is designed to provide support if a vehicle stops working away from home.
If a breakdown happens while driving, or if the car won’t start somewhere other than your home address, roadside assistance can involve sending a mechanic to the vehicle’s location. They may be able to carry out a temporary repair by the roadside, depending on the issue. This could include situations like a flat tyre or a mechanical fault.
In cases where the problem can’t be fixed at the roadside, the vehicle may be recovered and taken to a nearby garage or another location, depending on the level of cover.
Having this type of cover in place means drivers may be able to access support when unexpected breakdowns occur, depending on the terms of the policy.
What does roadside assistance cover?
Roadside assistance breakdown cover through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue typically includes:
- 24-7 roadside assistance if you break down more than ¼ of a mile from home.
- Roadside repairs, like jump-starting your battery, replacing a flat tyre, or replacing faulty parts.
- Refuelling support if your vehicle has run out of fuel.
- Roadside electric vehicle (EV) charging if the battery is flat.
- Unlocking your vehicle if your keys have been lost, aren’t working, or are locked inside your car or van.
- Vehicle recovery, where the car or van may be towed to a nearby garage if it can’t be repaired at the roadside
- Optional personal cover, which can provide assistance to the policyholder in any eligible vehicle, rather than covering a specific car or van.
Additional services may be available by upgrading to a higher level of cover, such as UK Breakdown Cover or European Cover. These may include home start assistance, onward travel, or cover while driving in Europe.
What isn’t included in roadside assistance?
Some situations and services are not included in roadside assistance through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue. These typically include:
- Breakdowns at or near your home (within ¼ of a mile) of your home – home assistance is available with an upgrade to UK Breakdown Cover.
- Limited vehicle recovery distance – with the lowest level of cover, recovery is typically only provided to a destination within 10 miles. Higher levels of cover offer recovery to any location within the UK.
- Issues that don’t prevent the vehicle from being driven, such as a faulty headlight or worn tyre.
- Vehicles that aren’t roadworthy, including those without a valid MOT or road tax.
- Recovery requiring specialist equipment, such as vehicles stuck in mud, snow, or flood water.
- Vehicles used for hire and reward purposes, including transporting passengers or goods in exchange for payment.
- Provision of onward travel, such as hire cars, public transport, or overnight accommodation.
- Breakdowns outside of the UK, these are only covered with European Breakdown Cover.
Full terms, exclusions and limitations are outlined in the policy documents, so it’s a good idea to review those carefully before choosing the level of cover that suits your needs.
How much does roadside recovery cost?
Roadside Cover through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue starts from £27 a year. However, it’s important to know that the cost of your policy can be impacted by a number of factors, such as:
- The level of cover you choose - basic roadside assistance tends to be lower in cost than higher levels of cover, such as UK or European Breakdown Cover, which may include additional services like home assistance, onward travel, or long-distance recovery.
- The number of vehicles or people covered under the policy- covering multiple vehicles or choosing personal cover instead of vehicle cover may affect the overall price.
- Any optional extras or upgrades – adding features like home start, national recovery, or European cover can increase the total cost.
Roadside assistance provided through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue offers different levels of cover, allowing you to choose what works best for your circumstances and budget.
Compare roadside breakdown cover with Asda Money
How does roadside assistance cover work?
Setting up a roadside assistance policy works in a similar way to arranging motor insurance. You can choose the level of cover that suits your needs, along with any optional add-ons, and provide your details to the roadside assistance provider, Britannia Rescue. Once you’ve reviewed your quote and selected a policy, cover usually lasts for 12 months.
If your vehicle breaks down more than a quarter of a mile from your home, here’s what typically happens:
1. Contact the provider
Call the emergency number provided in your policy documents. This line is usually available 24/7.
2. Provide details of your breakdown
You’ll be asked to describe your location and what’s happened.
3. Wait for assistance
A roadside mechanic will be sent to your location. They’ll assess the situation and, if possible, attempt to carry out a repair by the roadside.
4. Vehicle recovery (if needed)
If the vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside, it may be recovered and taken to a nearby garage, depending on your level of cover.
What are the benefits of roadside assistance breakdown cover?
Roadside assistance cover can offer several benefits, especially when a vehicle breaks down away from home. Depending on the level of cover, these may include:
- Expert assistance: If a breakdown occurs, a roadside mechanic can be sent to the vehicle’s location to assess and attempt a temporary repair.
- Vehicle recovery: If your car or van can’t be repaired by the roadside, Britannia Rescue will arrange for it to be moved to a nearby garage, depending on the level of cover selected.
- Peace of mind: Many people find that having roadside assistance in place provides added reassurance when travelling, knowing that support may be available if something goes wrong.
- Convenient contact options: Assistance can be requested by phone or via an app in some cases.
- Minimised disruption: Having roadside assistance cover in place may help reduce the time spent dealing with unexpected breakdowns.
- Help reduce costs: Cover may help manage or reduce the expense of emergency repairs or towing, which could otherwise lead to out-of-pocket costs.
- Flexible cover options: Policies are available to cover either a specific vehicle or an individual driver, depending on what suits you best.
Can I get roadside assistance in the UK and Europe?
Roadside assistance cover provided through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue, includes support across the UK, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For those planning to drive abroad, there’s the option to upgrade to European Breakdown Cover, which offers a more comprehensive level of support when travelling in eligible European countries.
This can be useful for extended trips or holidays where having breakdown assistance outside the UK may be important.
Top roadside assistance & recovery FAQs
- What does roadside cover mean?
-
Roadside cover is a type of breakdown cover that provides help if your vehicle breaks down away from home. A mechanic is sent to try to fix the issue at the roadside. If the problem can’t be fixed there, recovery to a nearby garage may be arranged depending on your policy.
- Is roadside assistance the same as breakdown cover?
-
Roadside assistance is one part of breakdown cover. It involves sending help to your location if your vehicle breaks down. Most breakdown policies include roadside assistance as standard.
- What is the difference between roadside assistance and breakdown cover?
-
Roadside assistance is just one part of breakdown cover. It covers repairs at the roadside if your vehicle breaks down. Breakdown cover can also include vehicle recovery, onward travel, and home assistance, depending on your level of cover.
- What does roadside-only breakdown cover mean?
-
Roadside-only breakdown cover includes help if you break down away from home, with a mechanic sent to try and fix the issue at the roadside. It doesn’t include towing to a garage or any additional services. These would need to be paid for separately or covered by a higher level of cover.
- Do you need breakdown cover and roadside assistance?
-
It’s not a legal requirement, but many drivers choose to have breakdown cover with roadside assistance for added reassurance. It can offer support in case of a breakdown and may help with unexpected costs.
- Is roadside breakdown cover worth it?
-
Roadside cover can be a cost-effective way to access help if your vehicle breaks down. It may save time and reduce potential stress in unexpected situations. Many drivers find it helpful to have support available when needed.
- What do I need to do if I break down?
-
First, ensure you’re in a safe place and switch on your hazard lights. If you have roadside cover through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue, you’ll need to call the 24-hour roadside assistance helpline on 0330 678 7144. They’ll guide you through the next steps.
- Can I call someone to change my tyre?
-
Yes, roadside assistance can help if you have a puncture or wheel damage that prevents you from driving. If you have the tools and feel confident, changing it yourself may save using a callout.
- How long will I have to wait if I break down?
-
Britannia Rescue aims to attend most breakdowns within one hour. If there’s a delay, you’ll be kept informed so you know when to expect help.
- Is there a limit to the number of callouts per year with Roadside Cover?
-
Yes, Roadside Cover includes up to six callouts per year. Any additional callouts would not be covered and would need to be paid for. UK Breakdown Cover and European Cover have no callout limits.
- Can I use Roadside Cover if I’m driving another vehicle?
-
Standard Roadside Cover applies only to the vehicle listed on your policy. You can upgrade to personal cover, which covers you as a driver in any vehicle in the UK. This is available as an add-on for an additional cost.
About our trusted provider, Britannia Rescue
At Britannia Rescue, we’re there for our customers 24/7, 365 days a year. Our 4,000 breakdown professionals across the UK mean that you can trust us to be by your side on your next journey.
Underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company (LVIC).
Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Ltd and Asda Stores Ltd, acting as an introducer to Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited. Motor Breakdown Cover is provided and underwritten by Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited. Britannia Rescue is a trading name of Liverpool Victoria Insurance Company Limited which is a part of the Allianz Group, registered in England and Wales number 3232514. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority, register number 202965. Registered address: 57 Ladymead, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1DB.