New driver looking for car breakdown cover? Use this quick checklist to find out what features to look for…
Getting on the road for the first time can be exciting: you get to go wherever you want (within reason), whenever you want and may enjoy more job opportunities because you can reach certain locations in a timely manner.
But being a new driver can also come with a bit of stress. Getting lost, making a hash of parking, and breaking down are some of the main anxieties.
While navigation and parking only really improve with experience, the stressful prospect of breaking down can be minimised by taking out a breakdown cover policy from a reliable provider.
Here’s a straightforward checklist of what to look for before buying a policy.
Is there specific new driver breakdown cover?
In short, no. There is no specific ‘new driver breakdown cover’ for the UK market. Providers do not offer their products based on age or experience, rather they offer services based on features, as you’ll see below.
1. What kind of breakdown situations do you need covered?
Different policies cover different situations (or combinations of situations):
- Roadside Assistance - This feature is for if you break down more than ~¼ mile radius from your registered home address. In the UK most, if not all, policies include this.
- Home Start - This feature means you can get assistance if your car won’t start at home. Home Start is not usually included in basic breakdown policies but is commonly bundled with mid or higher-tier coverage.
- Recovery (National Recovery) - This means your car and passengers will be taken to your home or original destination, if a repair can’t be done in a timely manner by the roadside or at a nearby garage. Again, you’ll find national recovery included in mid and high-tier policies (not basic).
- Onward Travel - This means your provider will cover the cost of alternative transport (e.g. train), hotel stays, or hiring a car if repairs take time. This feature is found in higher-tier/comprehensive breakdown policies.
- European Cover - With this feature, if you break down on mainland Europe, you’ll be able to get help. Given the extra stress of unfamiliar roads and language barriers, this kind of feature can give real peace of mind while driving abroad. Found in higher-tier policies, or as an optional add-on.
2. Check the level of cover
Look carefully at the limits (since there will be limits even with the most comprehensive product):
- Number of callouts per year (for example, there are no callout limits* with co.uk)
- Distance included for recovery
- Maximum repair time at roadside - often 60 minutes
- Whether parts are included or extra (in the UK, most providers charge, or offer coverage for an additional fee)
*Excludes Business Breakdown Cover policies. Call outs should not be for the same recurring mechanical issue within 28 days (unless repaired)
3. Vehicle vs Personal Cover
Choose the breakdown cover type that fits how you drive:
- Vehicle cover - This only covers your vehicle
- Personal cover - This covers you in any car you’re travelling in (whether as a driver or passenger)
Personal cover is a good idea if you often travel in the cars of friends or family, or if you drive multiple cars.
4. Check response times
You want help to arrive in a timely manner, especially if you often drive at night, in rural locations, or on motorways. Look at average response times.
5. Look at extras that matter for you as a new driver
Helpful features you might want include:
- Battery replacement service
- Misfuel cover (putting petrol in a diesel car or vice versa)
- Key replacement
- Tyre assistance
These are the kind of issues new drivers often face.
7. Check age limits on vehicles
Many policies have restrictions like:
- Maximum vehicle age (often 15–20 years)**
- Vehicle size/weight limits
These can be important if you’re driving an older car.
** For example, with startrescue.co.uk, there are no limits of the age of a car (UK) and a 10 year limit on those being driven in covered European countries (depending on policy).
8. Compare prices
Typical UK annual costs in 2026:
- Basic roadside: £29- £70
- Roadside + home start: £70- £110
- Full cover with recovery: £100- £180+
Some people use comparison sites to help check deals. However, be aware there could be excess or call out fees if you buy a product through a comparison site. Some such sites group products together in rather general ways, making it difficult to compare breakdown cover in a like-for-like manner. Also, some add-ons are preselected, meaning you could buy extra cover without noticing.
Quick rule for new drivers:
Choosing Roadside + Home Start + National Recovery is a good way to balance protections and cost.
What about car insurance for new drivers?
Before you think about taking out breakdown cover, you will of course need to have a full licence (if driving unaccompanied), have your VED/road tax paid for and up to date, have a valid MOT (if required), and have the right car insurance for your needs.
Is my car insured?
Not sure if your vehicle is insured? You can check if you’re covered by using the Motor Insurers' Bureau search function. Terms and conditions apply.
Is there specific young driver insurance?
There is no special legal category for ‘young driver insurance’ but many providers create a policy that caters to younger motorists. Insurance for new drivers might include younger age limits, Pass Plus and telematics (black box) discounts, named driver options, and short-term coverage.
