Breakdown Cover vs Pay-As-You-Go Recovery: Which Is Cheaper?
By Cheap Car Recoveries · Updated
Quick answer
If you rarely break down, paying for a one-off recovery when you need it is often cheaper than an annual breakdown cover policy, which you pay for every year whether you use it or not. If your car is older, you drive long distances or you break down more than once a year, breakdown cover can work out better value.
How the two compare
- Breakdown cover: a fixed yearly fee. Roadside help and recovery are included up to the policy's limits (some basic policies only cover breakdowns away from home, or only a short tow).
- Pay-as-you-go recovery: no membership — you pay for a recovery only when you need one, and you can use a local company whenever it suits you.
What a one-off recovery costs
With Cheap Car Recoveries, a recovery in the West Midlands starts from around £95. Typical prices for a standard car on a breakdown are about £125 for 5 miles, £140 for 10 miles and £160 for 20 miles — see our full price examples for more.
Breakdown cover might suit you if…
- Your car is older or has had reliability problems.
- You drive long distances or travel across the UK a lot.
- You want onward travel, a hire car or home start included.
Pay-as-you-go might suit you if…
- Your car is newer and you rarely break down.
- Most of your driving is local.
- You'd rather not pay every year for something you may not use.
- You need a recovery that isn't covered by your policy — e.g. moving a non-runner or an A-to-B transport.
