Breakdown Insurance

A vehicle breakdown is the mechanical failure of a motor vehicle in such a way that the underlying problem prevents the vehicle from being operated at all, or impedes the vehicle`s operation so much, that it is very difficult, nearly impossible, or else dangerous to operate. Vehicle breakdowns can occur for a large number of reasons. Depending on the nature of the problem, the vehicle may or may not need to be towed to an automobile repair shop.

The term breakdown cover is most common in the United Kingdom; elsewhere, it may also be referred to as emergency roadside repair or roadside assistance. The service originated with the development of the first motoring organisations such as the Automobile Association and Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, many of which were founded as membership bodies for motorists; services to assist members were often introduced later, with the creation of a fleet of patrolmen. In the case of the AA, these were traditionally motorcycle-mounted prior to the introduction of vans.

When communication technology and availability made it practical, a network of emergency phone boxes, placed at intervals by the roadside, was introduced. In recent years, the widespread ownership of mobile phones has, to a large degree, supplanted the need for an emergency phone network. With many more vehicles on the road, breakdown cover is now offered by a greater number of companies, particularly car insurers.

Breakdown cover may include jump starting an automobile, towing a vehicle, helping to change a flat tire, providing a small amount of fuel when a vehicle runs out of it, pulling out a vehicle that is stuck in snow or helping people who are locked out of their cars.