FAQs - Frequently asked questions

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE BREAKDOWN DIRECT?

CAN I TRUST YOUR BREAKDOWN INSURANCE SERVICE?

IF I BREAKDOWN HOW QUICKLY WILL YOU GET TO ME?

WHY ARE YOUR PRICES SUCH GOOD VALUE?

WHAT LEVELS OF BREAKDOWN COVER DO YOU OFFER?

WHAT TYPE OF VEHICLES WILL YOU COVER?

WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE DRIVES MY VEHICLE?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE ALL THE DETAILS?

HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY BREAKDOWN COVER?

IS IT SAFE AND SECURE TO MAKE MY PAYMENT ONLINE?

HOW DO I GET MY BREAKDOWN COVER DOCUMENTS?

WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND?

WHAT IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT?

Why should I choose Breakdown Direct?

There is no need to pay the high prices charged by the UK's motoring clubs to obtain a good quality breakdown service. Just like the low cost airlines have challenged the UK's scheduled carriers by bringing low cost airfares to UK travellers, Breakdown Direct aims to do the same for UK motorists. That's why we guarantee to beat the prices charged by the AA, RAC and Green Flag for similar levels of cover, excluding any time limited special offers.

Can I trust your breakdown insurance services?

Our breakdown insurance products are provided by a specialist subsidiary of AXA, one of the world's largest insurance groups, with over 40 years of experience in providing breakdown recovery assistance to motorists. Our nationwide network of breakdown and recovery agents is comprehensive and already well established - in fact it's the same network of skilled agents that other UK motoring organisations use when they can't deploy their own patrols, ready and waiting 24 hours a day! - and they all belong to an approved trade association. And who else gives you a service promise like Breakdown Direct - cancellation and full refund of your breakdown policy if you are not happy with the service provided by our breakdown and breakdown recovery agents. (If this happens you will need to complete a service questionnaire)

If I breakdown how quickly will you get to me?

Our average national breakdown recovery response rate is under 39 minutes

Why are your prices such good value?

We don't have the fixed costs and overheads of our competitors - and being a web based business gives us further cost advantages, advantages that we can pass on to our customers, so you pay less. See our price comparison table to see how much you can save. We also give you a range of valuable additional benefits absolutely free!

What levels of breakdown cover do you offer?

We have designed our products to provide a sensible choice of options - so whatever your needs we believe we've got you covered. See our cover options for buying advice.

What type of vehicles will you cover?

Annual UK breakdown cover is available for cars, motorcycles, light vans providing they are under 16 years old at the time cover commences (under 11 years for for our 401 package, which includes annual European cover), registered in the UK and the maximum vehicle weight does not exceed 3,500kg, is not longer than 5.1m including any tow bar, does not exceed 2.1m in width and no higher than 2m. If your vehicle breaks down whilst towing a caravan or trailer we will recover it together with caravan or trailer providing they do not exceed the following dimensions: 8m in length, 3m in height and 2.25m in width. Slightly different vehicle requirements apply for our short trip European breakdown cover - see the European breakdown cover policy summary

What if someone else drives my vehicle?

Providing they are driving with your permission your car is covered whoever is driving it.

How long does it take to complete all the details?

It is our aim that it should take you less than three minutes to obtain cover on-line with Breakdown Direct.co.uk.

How can I pay for my breakdown cover?

You can pay by credit or debit card.

Is it safe and secure to make my payment online?

All details of your online application are encrypted using the latest and most powerful encryption technology available. Most commentators believe this is more secure than a payment transaction completed over the phone.

How do I get my breakdown cover documents?

Once your transaction has been completed we will send you an email confirming your purchase. Then shortly afterwards we will notify you via email when your permanent policy documents are available in your Breakdown Direct account, where you will be able to view and print off your documentation. If you have trouble printing your documents or if you don't want to receive them electronically, you have the option to request copies via normal mail for which a small charge will be made.

What if I change my mind?

Our policies contain a 'cooling off' period. If you find that the cover does not meet your needs, contact us within 14 days and we will cancel your policy. Your premium will be refunded in full providing you have not made a claim or used the service, and for short trip European breakdown cover, that your journey has not already started.

What if I have a complaint?

If you have a question or complaint, please contact us. We will endeavour to resolve the issue or refer it to our insurer. If you are not satisfied with the way an insurer has dealt with a complaint and you are a private individual, you may ask the Financial Ombudsman Service to review your case without affecting your legal rights. We would also like to hear from you if you have a compliment to make.