What is van breakdown cover?

Van breakdown cover is a type of protection that provides roadside assistance if your van breaks down or can’t be driven.  It’s designed to get you back on the road quickly, helping to minimise any disruption to your day or work.

Breakdown cover for vans typically includes roadside recovery, roadside repairs, and transport to a nearby garage if required. If your van can be fixed on the spot, you’ll be on your way again in no time. If not, it will be taken to a garage for further repair.

Do I need van breakdown cover?

Van breakdown cover can help reduce the hassle and stress if your van breaks down.

• Your van will be attended to at the roadside, and in many cases, repairs can be made on the spot. This can be especially useful if you rely on your van for work.
  
  
• If repairs can’t be completed at the roadside, your van will usually be taken to a garage for further assistance.
  
  
• Breakdown cover may also save you time compared to arranging recovery services yourself.

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Is breakdown cover for my van a legal requirement?

Van breakdown cover isn’t a legal requirement in the UK, but it can be useful.

If you rely on your van for everyday use or work, an unexpected breakdown could cause major disruption. Even minor faults, like engine or electrical issues, can bring your van to a stop. This can be particularly inconvenient if you’re out shopping or need to do the school run.

Personal vs vehicle breakdown cover

When taking out van breakdown cover, there is often a choice to cover either yourself or your van.

• Personal breakdown cover: This covers you as a named individual, whether you’re driving or travelling as a passenger in any eligible vehicle. This option might suit those who regularly drive more than one van.  Through Asda Money’s partner, you can add personal cover for an additional £28 a year with Roadside Cover, or £47 when added to UK or European Breakdown Cover.
  
  

• Vehicle breakdown cover: Covers a specific van, no matter who’s driving. This can be useful if the van is shared by family members or colleagues.

What are the different levels of van breakdown cover?

When choosing van breakdown cover in the UK, there are several levels of protection available. Most policies include roadside assistance as standard, with the option to add extra cover depending on your needs.

Roadside assistance

A recovery engineer is sent to your location to try and fix your van at the roadside. If a repair isn’t possible, your van is usually towed to a nearby garage or your home.

National coverage

If your van can’t be repaired roadside, it will be taken to your chosen destination anywhere in the UK, such as your home or garage. This can be useful for those driving longer distances.

European cover

Offers breakdown cover while driving in Europe. Some policies will exclude certain European countries, so it’s important to check which locations are included in your European cover before you travel.

Home start

Provides help if your van won't start at your home or close to it, often within a specified radius.

Onward travel cover

If roadside repair isn’t possible, onward travel cover helps you continue your journey. Support may include a courtesy vehicle, public transport costs, or overnight accommodation, depending on the policy.  

Parts and garage cover

Helps with the cost of repairs and replacement parts at a garage after a breakdown.

Misfuelling cover

Assistance if the wrong type of fuel is added to the van, whether by you or another driver.

Key cover

Provides locksmith assistance if your keys are lost, stolen, or locked inside a van.

How can I get cheaper breakdown cover for my van?

There are a few ways you might be able to reduce the cost of van breakdown cover:

• Choose vehicle cover: This type of cover typically costs less than personal cover, as the insurer is only covering one specific van.
  
  

• Compare cover levels: More comprehensive policies often come with a higher price, so it can help to compare cover levels to see which best suits you.

What information do I need to provide for a quote?

To get an online quote for van breakdown cover, you’ll usually need to provide:

• Your personal details – such as your name and age
  
  
• Information about your van – including the make, model, and registration number
  
  
• The level of cover you want – from basic roadside assistance to more comprehensive options
  
  
• Your start date – when you’d like the breakdown cover to begin
  
  

Get a breakdown insurance quote for your van

What’s included and not included within van breakdown cover?

When you buy breakdown cover for your van through Asda Money’s partner Britannia Rescue, you can choose from three levels of cover: Roadside Cover, UK Breakdown Cover, and European Breakdown Cover.

The table below shows what is and isn’t included in each level of cover, as provided by our partner, Britannia Rescue.

Please note: breakdown cover is not available for vans that exceed any of the following limits:

• Over 7 metres in length
• Over 2.3 metres in width
• Over 3 metres in height
• Over 3.5 tonnes in weight

This cover also does not apply if your van is used for hire and reward purposes. This includes using your vehicle to transport goods or passengers in exchange for payment, such as courier services, food delivery, or operating as a taxi.