Breakdown CoverAnnual breakdown cover makes sense if you drive long distances, have an older car, or want help sent without thinking about price on the day. Pay-as-you-go recovery can make sense if you drive a reliable car, mostly stay local, and rarely break down. The right choice depends on how often you are likely to need help and how far you would need to be towed.
What annual cover costs
Prices change often, so check the provider’s own site. In October 2026 they published:
| Provider | What they publish |
|---|---|
| RAC | Basic (roadside) from £5.29 a month or £63.48 a year; higher levels at £8.09 and £10.69 a month (RAC) |
| AA | No starting price shown; the AA says 10% of new customers paid £5.49 a month between July and September 2026 (AA) |
The basic level of cover usually means help at the roadside, or a tow to a local garage. Cover at home, and recovery to any UK address (National Recovery), cost extra with both providers.
What breaking down without cover costs
If you have no cover, you can still call the AA or RAC and pay on the call (see can you call the AA or RAC if you’re not a member?). The RAC’s own example is a non-member charge of £199 for the first 10 miles, and an average of £455 for a 51 to 64 mile tow (RAC).
A local recovery company prices each job separately, usually by the type of job and the distance. Always ask for the total price before the truck sets off.
Annual cover may suit you if
- you drive long distances, or often drive outside your local area, including the M25 (see what to do if you break down on the M25)
- your car is older or has had problems before
- you want home start, onward travel or a hire car included
- you have more than one driver or car in the household
Pay-as-you-go may suit you if
- your car is newer and reliable
- you mostly drive locally, so any tow would be short
- you would rather keep the annual fee and pay only if something goes wrong
- you already have roadside assistance from your manufacturer or lease company and only need a tow occasionally
Check what you already have
- Car insurance: usually an add-on. Which? found only 10 of 76 policies it analysed in 2025 included breakdown cover as standard (Which?).
- Packaged bank accounts: some include breakdown cover (MoneySavingExpert).
- Manufacturer or lease roadside assistance: check your documents.
Questions to ask any provider
- Is recovery included, or only roadside repair?
- Does it cover breakdowns at or near home?
- How far will you tow me, and where to?
- Is there a limit on callouts per year?
- Are there extra charges for existing faults, fuel or extra mileage?
Local pay-as-you-go recovery in Essex and East London
AXI Recovery has no membership. We cover Essex, East London and Dartford 24/7, take cars, vans and motorcycles to any garage or address you choose, and agree the price with you on the call. See car recovery, van recovery or all the areas we cover.
Need a price now? Call +44 7342 850180.
Related guides
- Can you call the AA or RAC if you’re not a member?
- What to do if you break down on the M25
- Breaking down on a smart motorway: what to do
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