Last Updated on May, 2024
Vehicle breakdowns can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere, precisely when you least expect it.
A standard breakdown cover will help you get out of trouble.
But what about your family?
Investing and managing multiple separate policies can turn out to be expensive.
This is where Family Breakdown Cover is introduced!
This guide explains what this breakdown cover is, how it works, exclusions, and how it differs from personal breakdown cover, etc.
Quick Summary
- Family breakdown cover is a policy that provides roadside assistance and protection for multiple people living at the same address if a vehicle breaks down.
- Family breakdown cover can cover up to three to five people under one policy, saving money on premiums compared to managing separate policies.
- Family breakdown cover is different from multi-car breakdown cover, which covers multiple vehicles at the same address. It is also not a legal requirement, but can provide peace of mind and save costs in case of a breakdown.
Contents
What is a Family Breakdown Cover?
Family breakdown cover is a policy that provides roadside assistance and protection for multiple people living at the same address if your vehicle breaks down.
Depending on the provider, you may be able to cover up to three to five people under ONE MEMBERSHIP OR POLICY, saving you plenty of pounds on premiums.
Who are these several people covered? Spouse, partner, housemates, children, or any other family member, as long as everyone resides at the same address.
Do your children live away from you? Nothing to worry about! Whether your children live at home or away, they’ll be covered as drivers or passengers in any vehicle they travel in, including cars, motorbikes, and vans.
For instance, if your child is a passenger in a colleague’s or friend’s car that breaks down, you can get breakdown assistance immediately, even if the car owner isn’t covered. This applies not only to your child but to everyone named on the family policy.
How Does Family Breakdown Cover Work?
Curious about how family breakdown cover works when you’re out on the road? Let’s break it down for you! In case of a vehicle breakdown or emergency, immediately contact your breakdown service provider for assistance. You can use their app or call their 24/7 helpline.
They’ll send trained technicians and mechanics to your exact location to fix the vehicle immediately.
Suppose the vehicle cannot be fixed on the spot. In that case, the breakdown company will tow the car to the nearest local garage and arrange alternative transportation options such as a replacement vehicle, reimbursement for public transport tickets, etc.
So, no more interruptions on your urgent travels. You can continue your journey with peace of mind.
What Does the Family Breakdown Cover Include?
The inclusive services for a family breakdown cover policy can vary depending on the level of cover you select and the policy provider.
Some of the common services are as follows:
- Local Roadside Assistance:
If your vehicle or the vehicle you are travelling breaks down, you’ll receive immediate roadside assistance. A few roadside services include battery jumpstart service, towing, flat tyre service, battery, and fuel delivery service. Some providers offer 24/7 service availability to reach you at any time of day.
- Home Breakdown:
If the vehicle breakdown occurs at home or within a certain distance from home, you’ll get repair breakdown assistance as soon as possible.
- Onward Travel:
If your vehicle cannot be fixed immediately and you must travel urgently, this service has you covered. You’ll be given a replacement vehicle to continue your journey while your vehicle will be taken to the nearest garage for repairs.
Depending on the provider, you may sometimes get overnight or hotel accommodation and reimbursement for public transport costs. However, checking the policy terms and conditions for the exact coverage details is essential.
Except for the above, you can also include other additional cover services, such as wrong fuel cover, car keys replacement cover, special vehicle cover, etc. (Note: extra charges may apply).
Are There Any Exclusions to the Family Breakdown Cover?
As with every policy cover, the family breakdown personal cover also has exclusions in place to carry out the services they offer smoothly.
Here are some of the key exclusions to be aware of:
- Vehicle Breakdown on Private Property:
If your vehicle breaks down on private land, the breakdown provider may not cover it. The cover is generally designed for breakdowns on public roads or highways.
However, if the property owner has given permission to enter the land and the vehicle is easy to spot or access, then assistance may be provided.
- Travelling with Animals or Livestock:
The family breakdown cover does not include animals or livestock in the policy. Suppose you break down while travelling with animals. In that case, your provider may refuse to transport them and not cover the costs associated with travelling.
It’s important to consider alternate insurance options like pet travel insurance while transporting animals or livestock.
- Vehicle Not Properly Maintained
Suppose it is found that the vehicle broke down due to a lack of maintenance. In that case, the provider will not cover the costs associated with the breakdown.
It’s essential to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive, perform regular maintenance cheques like battery cheques and cheque oil and tyres before the journey.
Family Breakdown Cover vs. Multi-Car Breakdown Cover
Family breakdown cover and multi-car breakdown cover are not the same policy. Unlike the family breakdown policy, which offers personal cover for a set of people under the same address.
As the name suggests, a multi-car breakdown policy allows you to COVER MULTIPLE VEHICLES owned under the same residing address (they don’t have to be registered to the same person). The vehicle limit is generally four or five, but it can vary between providers.
For example, if you and your partner have cars registered at the same address with multi-car breakdown cover, you can insure both vehicles under one policy.
This means that both cars will receive immediate assistance in case of a breakdown, saving you time, hassle, and money rather than managing multiple policies.
Note: The multi-car cover also includes services or levels of cover similar to the family cover, like roadside assistance, recovery vehicle, onward travel, home start, lost key cover, etc. For exact details about the services, contact your insurer or provider.
What’s the Difference Between a Family Cover and a Multi-Car Cover?
Let’s dive into the differences between the two covers to help you determine which option best suits your requirements.
| Type | Family Breakdown Cover | Multi-Car Breakdown Cover |
| Best For | If you and other family members of your household regularly travel with different vehicles as driver or passenger | Beneficial for families or housemates with multiple vehicles at the same address |
| Cost | Cheaper than buying individual policies for each person. | Lower cost per vehicle compared to separate policies. |
| Coverage | Covers up to 3 to 5 individuals as personal cover (varies based on provider) | Covers up to 2 to 5 vehicles under one policy (varies based on provider) |
| Focus | Covers the individuals in the policy irrespective of the vehicle | Covers the vehicles in the policy regardless of the driver or passenger |
Is Multi-Car or Family Breakdown Cover Cheaper Than Separate Policies?
When it comes to cheap breakdown cover, it is cost-effective to get a multi-car or family policy instead of separate individual policies.
In addition, some policies may offer both types of coverage, allowing you to protect both your vehicles and the people who drive them, saving significant costs on premiums.
For instance, many service providers charge about £100 to £120 annually to cover only one person in any vehicle as a driver or passenger.
However, opting for family coverage (for you and up to three other people) will only cost about £200 to £250 per year. The annual cover fee is further low for a family of two or three. As a result, you’ll save more than £50 a month compared to buying individual policies.
However, compare breakdown cover prices and coverage from different breakdown providers is essential to find the best value. Some providers offer discounts or price reductions for adding a person or vehicle to a policy, while others charge extra for a certain level of cover and inclusions.
Bottom Line
Family breakdown cover provides a cost-effective solution for immediate roadside assistance when whole family or multiple people from the same household drive or travel as passengers.
The policy can cover up to 5 individuals. In contrast, the multi-car breakdown policy offers breakdown benefits for households with multiple vehicles.
While not legally mandatory, investing in this policy can provide peace of mind against unexpected vehicle emergencies and cut costs compared to individual policies.
