If you have home start breakdown cover, then you can get a mechanic to come take a look at your car if it breaks down or fails to start in your driveway or just outside your home.
This type of breakdown cover can be taken out as a standalone policy, or as part of a more comprehensive breakdown cover policy that can also include things like roadside assistance, national recovery and onward travel.
Avoiding a call-out fee is the most important reason for getting homestart breakdown cover, so it’s essential to know what the distance threshold is. Most UK providers like The AA, offer home start breakdown cover up to 1/4 of a mile from your home, although there are some lesser-known providers like MotorEasy and AutoAid which offer cover up to 1 mile.
This will vary by provider, for example The AA will take your vehicle to a “local garage”, which differs from RAC and Green Flag’s policies which offer to tow your vehicle up to 10 and 20 miles resepctively, rather than just to a garage nearby. The table below breaks down what each providers home start breakdown cover includes:
| Provider (Cover) | Threshold | Recovery Limit | National Recovery | Unique Perk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The AA (“At Home”) | Within 0.25 miles of home | To a “local garage” | Not typically included for home calls | Scheduled Arrival: Choose a specific hour for them to visit |
| RAC (“At Home”) | Within 0.25 miles of home | Usually 10 miles | Often limited to 10 miles for home calls | Battery Focus: Heavy focus on “4 out of 5” on-the-spot fix rate |
| Green Flag (“Home Breakdown”) | Within 0.25 miles of home | Up to 20 miles | Limited to 20 miles for home calls | Value: Usually the cheapest add-on; uses a local garage network |
Typically, home start breakdown cover will have the following options:
Always check the details of your policy and make sure you know exactly what’s included to avoid being left out of pocket.
Note that certain elements, like how many times in the year you can call someone out to help you and what type of repairs you’re covered for can also vary by provider and level of cover you take out.
Home start breakdown cover is mostly useful in case you get in your car to go somewhere and find that it won’t start, especially if you drive to work.
That said, breakdown policies that include cover away from home and the option to have your car towed to a garage (whether local or further afield) can be extremely helpful under any circumstances, as even new and well maintained cars might sometimes break down at the side of the road. This can be frustrating, costly and even dangerous, so having the option to call a professional for help is a relief.
Depending on the provider and policy level you choose, your cover might not include the following:
If you break down without insurance, one option you have is to call Green Flag, which offers a breakdown service, on 0800 400 600. Another option is to call the AA, which offers instant cover, on 0800 88 77 66. Note that these options will likely involve paying an emergency call-out fee.
If you have a local garage you often use, one of its mechanics might be able to come over to your property and look at the issue. They might charge more for this than regular repairs when the car is brought to them, but it can be a cheaper option than paying emergency call-out fees.
Wondering what you would need to do if your car breaks down? Our guide explains everything you need to know.
Find out what electric breakdown cover is, what’s included in the policy, and which providers offer it.
Discover what you can expect with AA breakdown cover and the cover options available to you.
Here’s what you need to know about Green Flag breakdown cover.
Find out if you can take out immediate breakdown cover after you’ve broken down, what it includes and what other options you have.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best breakdown cover providers in the UK and some top tips on how to get the best deal on your policy.
Learn all about roadside assistance cover, like what’s included, do you need it and what to do if your car breaks down on the roadside.
Protect your family when they’re out on the road. Compare family breakdown cover deals here.
Got a few cars on the driveway? Find out if a multi-car breakdown policy could save you money. Compare your options here.
Looking for breakdown cover from RAC? Review and compare policy options and make sure you’re getting the right roadside assistance for you.