The Best Electric Car Breakdown Cover November 2023

Electric car breakdown cover is now offered by many UK breakdown cover providers as standard.

As the UK EV market continues to grow and evolve, the need for specialised breakdown cover for electric cars has never been more essential.

So what is EV breakdown cover and who offers the best EV breakdown cover in the UK? This guide helps you understand electric car breakdown cover, how to deal with EV recovery, who offers the best breakdown cover for electric cars and the what are the key features to look out for when choosing an EV specific policy.

Editor’s EV Breakdown Picks

3 Months Free Cover

RAC Breakdown Cover

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•  3 Months Free Cover
  until 11 December 2023
  
  
• EV Boost: Provides a 10-mile boost to get you to the nearest charge point
  
  
• Rapid EV recovery: RAC vans can lift all four wheels off the ground and tow EVs without waiting for a recovery truck
  
  
• Products with EV cover: RAC Roadside, RAC Recovery, RAC At Home & RAC Onward Travel

40% OFF Breakdown Cover

AA Breakdown Cover

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• 40% OFF Selected Breakdown Cover
  until 6 December 2023
  
  
• All AA Patrols are EV-trained: More electric-trained expert patrols than anyone else
  
  
• Specialist towing: AA Patrols can tow EVs to the closest charging point
  
  
• Products with EV cover: AA Roadside, AA At Home, AA National Recovery, AA Onward Travel

Cheapest EV Cover

Cover My Breakdown

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• Personal policy: From £32.17
  per year
  
  

• Vehicle policy: From £15.97
  per year
  
  
• 5-star rating by Defaqto: For National and Home product
  
  
• Products with EV cover: Cover My Breakdown National & Home Cover

What is breakdown cover for electric cars?

Electric car breakdown cover is a breakdown policy that covers electric vehicles. Much like traditional breakdown cover, it provides roadside assistance and EV recovery services in the event of a breakdown. However, given the unique needs of electric vehicles, this cover often includes additional features or services that are tailored to EVs.

Such services might include, things like assistance if your EV runs out of charge in an area with no nearby charging points. Some providers will also offer transport to the nearest charging point or a home charging point if necessary.

Electric Car Breakdown Cover is not necessarily a separate, unique breakdown cover policy, as providers have started to include them as part of their regular policies. Many leading providers have trained their patrol teams in High Voltage Awareness. This training equips the patrols with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle and fix electric and hybrid vehicles safely.

The Best Electric Car Breakdown Cover Providers 2023

Electric Car Guides’ best electric vehicle breakdown cover providers have been selected because they offer comprehensive services that are perfect for the needs of EV drivers, such as charging assistance, specialised recovery vehicles and mechanics trained in high-voltage EVs.

Here’s an in-depth look at the best breakdown providers for EVs and why we like them:

RAC EV breakdown

• Best for: Best Overall EV Cover
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £7.95 a month (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £5.95 a month (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: RAC Roadside, RAC Recovery, RAC At Home & RAC Onward Travel
• Trustpilot Score: 3.9 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited (*except RAC Roadside: 5 callouts).

What we like about RAC electric car breakdown cover:

The RAC claim to have more rescue vans equipped with 3.5kw+ Electric car charging capability than both AA and Greenflag (as of February 2023).

One of the standout features of RAC’s breakdown cover is the EV Boost. If you run out of charge, their award-winning EV Boost vans can provide a 10-mile boost to get you to the nearest charging point.

RAC also offers a rapid recovery service, specifically designed with electric vehicles in mind. Unlike traditional recovery services that require a recovery truck, RAC’s innovative high-tech vans can lift all four wheels off the ground. This not only protects your vehicle but also significantly reduces waiting time.

Their High Voltage Awareness trained patrols have expert knowledge on dealing with EV-specific electrical issues, providing a seamless service to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

AA EV breakdown

• Best for: Most trained EV operatives
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £107.50 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £85 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: AA Roadside, AA At Home, AA National Recovery, AA Onward Travel
• Trustpilot Score: 4.2 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about AA electric car breakdown cover:

AA’s breakdown cover for electric and hybrid vehicles offers comprehensive protection, with no additional premium required.

As an EV or hybrid car owner, you’ll find peace of mind knowing that AA’s expertly trained mechanics are always ready to assist you at the roadside in the event of a breakdown, regardless of whether you drive a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a battery electric vehicle.

If your EV runs out of charge, you don’t need to worry. AA will tow you to the nearest charging point or your chosen destination, depending on which is closer. Their mechanics are all High Voltage Awareness trained, ensuring your vehicle is in capable and knowledgeable hands.

Apart from battery issues, AA covers all other standard faults, providing a thorough breakdown service for all eventualities.

To further assist EV drivers, AA offers a handy app that helps you locate the nearest charging point. You can choose from over 500 hook-ups, and filter by connection type to find the most suitable one for your vehicle. With AA, your EV’s breakdown cover is not just about roadside assistance, but also about making your electric driving experience more convenient.

In July 2023 The AA announced the introduction of twelve electric breakdown vans to its existing fleet. The vans are equipped with onboard EV chargers to rescue cars that have run out of charge with a 25-mile range boost.

Cover My Breakdown EV breakdown

• Best for: Personal & Vehicle EV policy price
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £32.17 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £15.97 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: Cover My Breakdown National & Home Cover
• Trustpilot Score: 2.2 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about Cover My Breakdown electric car breakdown cover:

With over 20 years of experience, Cover My Breakdown understands the increasing need for affordable simple cover.

Cover My Breakdown offers an affordable EV breakdown cover solution, their cheap prices ensure that you and your vehicle are protected without breaking the bank.

One of the standout benefits of Cover My Breakdown is the absence of hidden costs. They do not charge any call-out fees, providing peace of mind in knowing that help is readily available without additional cost.

Cover My Breakdown’s commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their 5-star rating by Defaqto for their National and Home product.

Cover My Breakdown covers electric vehicles as standard including if your battery should run out of charge.

GEM Motoring Assist EV breakdown

• Best for: GEM club membership
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £78.50 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: N/A
• Products that cover EVs: GEM Recovery RECLAIM, GEM Recovery EXTRA
• Trustpilot Score: 4.4 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about GEM electric car breakdown cover:

Established in 1932, GEM has been serving motorists for an impressive 90 years. GEM has an extensive network of approved local independent recovery operators, so help is usually within reach quickly.

GEM’s breakdown cover includes unlimited call-outs, ensuring that no matter how many times you encounter trouble on the road, EV drivers can get assistance without additional cost.

GEM’s coverage extends to a wide range of electric vehicles, ensuring that you’re protected regardless of what you drive. Electric Cars, Electric motorbikes, motorhomes, towed caravans, and trailers are all eligible for coverage, making GEM a versatile option for electric drivers.

Start Rescue EV breakdown

• Best For: Best range of cover options
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £55.36 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £19.75 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: Start Rescue 1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star, 4 Star & 5 Star
• Trustpilot Score: 4.4 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star & 4 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about Start Rescue electric car breakdown cover:

Start Rescue have an extensive network of seasoned breakdown recovery operators who are well-versed in handling electric vehicles. Drawing from over two decades of experience in breakdown assistance for petrol, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles, Start Rescue understand the unique needs of electric car drivers.

Choosing Start Rescue means you’re entitled to a host of benefits, regardless of the level of coverage you opt for. This includes:

• Unlimited Callouts
  You can call for assistance as many times as needed without worrying about hitting a limit
  
• Accident Recovery
  If you’re involved in an accident, Start Rescue will provide recovery services to get you and your vehicle to safety
  
• Key Assist
  If you lose your keys or they’re stolen, Start Rescue will assist in getting a replacement or gaining access to your vehicle
  
• Running Out Of Charge
  If your EV runs out of battery, they will help you reach the nearest charging point
  

These benefits, coupled with Start Rescue’s robust experience and knowledge of electric vehicles, make their EV breakdown cover a solid option for EV drivers.

LV EV breakdown

• Cheapest Personal policy: From £59 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £33 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: LV Roadside Assist, LV Home Assist, LV UK Recovery, LV European Assist
• Trustpilot Score: 4.5 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about LV electric car breakdown cover:

LV offers an electric breakdown cover specifically designed to cater to the needs of electric vehicle drivers.

Their team of specialist mechanics is trained to handle hybrid and electric cars. In addition to diagnosing and fixing issues, they are also equipped to recover your EV and get it to where it needs to go. As a policyholder, you gain access to over 4,000 breakdown professionals across the UK through LV= Britannia Rescue.

LV’s roadside assist service features mobile mechanics who are prepared to deal with your electric car at the roadside. If for any reason they can’t perform the necessary repairs on the spot, they’ll transport you to the nearest garage or even to your home.

Running out of charge is not an issue with LV’s breakdown cover. If your EV’s battery dies mid-journey, they’ll either charge it at the roadside or transport you to the nearest charging point, depending on your location. In partnership with AFF, the national roadside electric vehicle charging assistance company, LV has a fleet of vehicles that can recharge your EV, helping you to get back on the road quickly.

Rescue My Car EV breakdown

• Best for: Quick call outs
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £46.00 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £26.00 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: Rescuemycar National & Home
• Trustpilot Score: 4.6 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5 star & 4 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about Rescue My Car electric car breakdown cover:

Rescue My Car offer comprehensive breakdown cover for electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In the event of a breakdown, a fully qualified expert will aim to reach you, boasting average attendance times of less than 40 minutes. If your EV runs out of charge, they will provide a temporary rapid charge to get you moving, or they will recover your vehicle to the nearest charging point.

If your car needs transporting, they will send a recovery vehicle that lifts all four wheels off the ground, as electric vehicles can’t be towed on their rear wheels.

Green Flag EV breakdown

• Best for: Business fleets
• Cheapest Personal policy: From £55.40 (November 2023)
• Cheapest Vehicle policy: From £33.60 (November 2023)
• Products that cover EVs: Green Flag UK Breakdown cover, Green Flag European Breakdown cover, Green Flag Business Breakdown cover
• Trustpilot Score: 4.3 (November 2023)
• defaqto Rating: 5, 4 & 3 star
• Max Callouts: Unlimited

What we like about Green Flag electric car breakdown cover:

Green Flag offers an extensive breakdown cover for electric vehicles that keeps you secure on the road 24/7. Their expert network is prepared to help you with your EV at any time of the day, all year round.

One of the main concerns of EV drivers is running out of charge. With Green Flag’s cover, range anxiety is a thing of the past. If your vehicle runs out of juice, they’ll get you to the nearest charging point swiftly, allowing you to continue your journey with minimal disruption.

Green Flag also offers home assistance. If your EV faces issues while at home, you won’t have to worry about the common advice of ‘turning it off and on again’. Their experts will come to your location and provide the necessary help.

Moreover, Green Flag ensures that a breakdown doesn’t disrupt your travel plans. If you need alternative travel after a breakdown, they’ll get it sorted. Alternatively, they’ll arrange for accommodation, allowing you to rest and recharge.

With their national recovery service, if your EV can’t be fixed at the roadside, they’ll transport you, your passengers, and your vehicle to a destination of your choice in the UK.

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive of all the providers available in the market. There are other companies that offer EV breakdown cover, and we encourage EV owners to thoroughly research all options. Always consider factors such as cost, level of coverage and customer reviews.

Why might my electric car break down?

Electric cars don’t have the same amount of moving parts as petrol motors, so they are considered to be generally more reliable. That being said, they can still have issues that could cause the vehicle to break down and cause you to ring your EV breakdown cover provider. Here are some of the most common issues:

• Running out of battery
  Possibly one of the most common fears for EV drivers is the battery running out whilst on the road. If the worst should happen, drivers may find themselves stranded and in need of assistance from a breakdown service to help recharge their vehicle or transport it to a charging station.
  
  
• Charging Problems
  Sometimes, the issue might be with the charging equipment itself or a problem with the charging port on the vehicle. This could mean that the EV can’t be recharged, leaving you in need of roadside recovery!
  
  
• Electric Motor Faults
  While electric motors are typically reliable, they can still malfunction.
  

• Electrical System Failures
  EVs rely on really complex electrical systems, and failures within these systems can lead to a variety of problems, from issues with the lights to problems with the onboard computer systems.
  
  
• Tyre Issues
  Just like any other car, EVs can suffer from flat tyres or other tyre-related problems.

Remember, it’s important to keep your EV properly maintained and serviced to try and reduce the risk of breaking down.

What types of electric car breakdown cover are there?

There are two main types of EV cover that you can opt for in the UK, personal breakdown cover or vehicle breakdown cover. Let’s look at both in more detail:

Personal breakdown cover for electric vehicles

Personal breakdown cover is a type of policy where the named person is covered regardless of the vehicle they are in, as long as it meets the policy conditions. This means you’re protected whether you’re driving the EV or just a passenger. A key advantage of personal cover is its flexibility – it’s ideal if you frequently travel in different electric cars or if you have several EVs in your household. You can also extend this cover to other people living at the same address, usually up to a limit of four additional individuals.

However, there are some downsides to personal breakdown cover. It tends to be more expensive than vehicle breakdown cover due to the broad nature of the protection it offers. Also, it may not be the most cost-effective option if you primarily drive one electric vehicle.

Vehicle breakdown cover for electric vehicles

Vehicle breakdown cover, on the other hand, is linked to a specific EV, electric van, or electric bike. This means that anyone who is insured to drive the vehicle can be driving at the time of the breakdown and still be covered. This type of cover is useful if you only drive one EV or if there’s a family car shared by multiple household members.

One of the main advantages of vehicle cover is its cost-effectiveness compared to personal cover. Since it’s tied to a specific vehicle, it’s generally less expensive. 
However, the drawback of vehicle breakdown cover is its lack of flexibility compared to personal cover. If you drive or travel in different EVs regularly, vehicle cover may not provide the comprehensive protection you need.

Choosing between personal and vehicle breakdown cover for EVs depends on your personal needs. If you frequently use different electric cars, a personal cover could be the best fit. However, if you’re mainly driving one EV or share an electric family car, vehicle cover might offer enough protection at a more affordable cost.

Always consider your own needs and driving habits before deciding on the most suitable cover for your electric vehicle.

How to compare electric car breakdown cover

When comparing electric car breakdown cover in the UK there are 9 key points you should consider:

1. Level of Cover
   Breakdown cover policies can vary significantly in terms of what they offer. Basic policies often include roadside assistance and local recovery (for an EV to be recovered and towed you need to lift all 4 wheels off the ground, check this option is in place!)
   
   More comprehensive options might include home start (assistance if your car won’t start at home), onward travel (alternative transport or accommodation if your vehicle can’t be fixed quickly), and even European cover for when you travel abroad. Choose a level of cover that suits your driving habits and requirements.
   
   
2. Battery Specific Cover
   As an EV driver, you’ll want to check if the breakdown cover includes services specific to electric cars, such as flat battery assistance or charging point failure assistance. Some providers might offer to transport you to the nearest charging point if your EV runs out of charge.
   
   
3. Response Time
   Look at the average response time of the provider. If your car breaks down, you’ll want help to arrive as soon as possible.
   
   
4. Recovery Distance
   Check how far a provider will transport your vehicle if it can’t be fixed at the roadside. Some providers offer to take you anywhere in the UK, while others may have restrictions.
   
   
5. Personal vs Vehicle Cover
   Decide whether personal cover (where you’re covered in any vehicle) or vehicle cover (where a specific vehicle is covered, no matter who’s driving) best suits your needs.
   
   
6. Number of Call-outs
   Some policies limit the number of times you can call out for assistance in a year. Make sure this aligns with your expectations and requirements.
   
   
7. Cost
   The price is a crucial factor, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Cheaper policies might not offer the level of cover you need, while more expensive ones might provide services you don’t require.
   
   
8. Customer Reviews and Reputation
   Check customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of a provider’s reputation. Look for consistent positive feedback about customer service, response times, and the quality of repairs.
   
   
9. Exclusions
   Read the terms and conditions carefully for any exclusions that might otherwise go unnoticed until you break down and call your provider for the first time.

What does an electric car breakdown policy usually cover?

In the UK, an electric car breakdown policy can offer various levels of cover, including:

• Roadside Assistance
  If your electric car breaks down while you’re on the road, the breakdown service will dispatch a recovery vehicle to your location. They will attempt to fix the issue or tow your vehicle to the nearest repair facility.
  
  
• Home Start
  This feature covers breakdowns that occur at or near your home address. If your electric car fails to start or encounters a problem while parked at home, the breakdown service will send assistance to get you back on the road.
  
  
• National Recovery
  This level of cover allows you to be towed to any location within the UK, providing greater flexibility in choosing the repair facility.
  
  
• Onward Travel
  If your electric car cannot be repaired at the roadside or within a reasonable time, the breakdown policy may offer alternative transportation options. This could include a replacement vehicle, public transport tickets, or overnight accommodation, ensuring you can reach your destination or continue your journey.
  
  
• European Recovery
  If you’re travelling in Europe (EU) and require breakdown recovery, this coverage extends the assistance to your trip. It provides support for breakdowns that occur outside the UK while you’re on holiday, allowing you to continue your journey or arrange for necessary repairs.
  
  
• Battery Assistance
  As electric cars rely on batteries, specialised breakdown policies for electric vehicles may include specific coverage for battery-related issues. This could involve jump-starting the 12-Volt battery if this is required to support the charging of the main battery, providing a temporary charge to the main battery or arranging a tow to a charging point.

EV Recovery

EV Recovery can be challenging because traditional towing which worked perfectly for petrol or diesel cars does not work for EVs. If you need to recover an electric car you need to lift all 4 wheels off the ground.

RAC’s approach to EV recovery is a reason why they stand out as the best provider of breakdown cover for electric cars. Unlike the conventional towing process, where EVs might have to wait for a larger recovery truck, RAC’s state-of-the-art vans have the capability to lift all four wheels of your electric vehicle off the ground. This ensures faster EV recovery service and means you don’t have to wait around at the roadside!

The reason why electric vehicle recovery is so tricky is due to systems such as regenerative braking that can lead to drive train damage or strain on the braking system when towed traditionally. Electric Cars do not have a ‘neutral mode’ which complicates traditional towing when trying to recover the car. Consequently, lifting an EV entirely off the ground during the recovery process is often the safest and most efficient method to ensure it’s not damaged.

Does electric car breakdown cover me if I break down at my home?

Yep, this is referred to in the above list of coverage. Many electric car breakdown policies provide coverage if you experience a breakdown at your home or in close proximity. This feature is often referred to as “home start.” If your electric car fails to start while parked at or near your home address, typically within a specified distance (e.g. something like a quarter of a mile), the breakdown service will send assistance to your location to help diagnose and fix the issue.

Is there anything extra I can add to my electric car breakdown policy?

There are plenty of additional features and options that you can consider adding to your electric car breakdown policy to enhance your coverage. Some of these extras may include:

• Key replacement
  This coverage provides assistance and reimbursement for lost or stolen keys, including the cost of replacement and reprogramming.
  
  
• Parts and labour
  This option covers the cost of replacement parts and labour charges for repairs not covered by your electric vehicle’s warranty.
  
  
• Tyre replacement cover
  Provides coverage for repairing or replacing electric vehicle tyres in the event of punctures.
  
  
• Special vehicles
  If you’re towing a trailer or caravan, a specific policy may be needed. Always check with your provider before travelling.
  
  
• Family and Multi-Car breakdown cover
  This provides coverage for multiple drivers sharing the same address, allowing you to add multiple cars to the same policy.
  
  
• Enhanced European Cover
  If you frequently travel in Europe, you can opt for additional European breakdown cover that offers extended assistance, including repatriation, accommodation, and vehicle recovery back to the UK.

What happens if my electric car breaks down without breakdown cover?

If your electric car breaks down without having a breakdown cover, you’ll need to deal with the situation on your own. Without the assistance of a breakdown service, you’ll be responsible for arranging and paying for the recovery and repair of the car.

This means you’ll need to find a local recovery service or towing company to get the EV to a nearby garage. Additionally, you’ll have to pay for the expenses related to repairing your electric car, including parts, labour, diagnostics, and everything else that’s required to fix things!

How can I get a cheaper electric car breakdown cover?

To get cheaper EV breakdown cover, the most obvious first step is to compare prices from different breakdown cover providers. Take advantage of online comparison websites and remember that it’s not just about cost, look at the level of coverage and additional features included.

Consider bundling your electric car breakdown cover with other policies, such as EV insurance, through your existing provider. The best electric car insurance providers may even run their own Breakdown Cover service for free.

Opting for basic cover that provides essential roadside assistance and EV recovery services is another way to get cheaper breakdown cover. If you don’t need additional features like onward travel or European coverage, a basic EV breakdown policy can be a more affordable option.

The final word on the best electric car breakdown cover

We shortlisted our best electric car breakdown providers based on a number of factors. They have a proven track record of delivering reliable EV breakdown cover in the UK and they provide cover that is tailored to the specific needs of EV drivers. They offer features such as roadside assistance, at-home recovery, national and European recovery, onward travel options, and specialist EV support, and they have high defaqto and Trustpilot scores for their electric car breakdown cover:

• RAC
• AA
• Cover My Breakdown
• GEM
• Start Rescue
• LV
• Rescue My Car
• Green Flag

Ultimately, the best breakdown cover for EVs will depend on your own preference and needs. We recommend thoroughly reviewing the terms and conditions, EV coverage options, and pricing structures of these providers to work out what’s best for your circumstances. 

Remember, investing in quality electric car breakdown cover ensures that you are prepared for unexpected situations on the road, providing you with peace of mind and reliable assistance whenever you need it.

Our Best Breakdown Cover for Electric Cars methodology

At Electric Car Guide, we reviewed the whole of the UK EV Breakdown Cover market. The reviews were conducted with impartiality and an in-depth understanding of what electric car users value. Here’s how we formulated our evaluation:

1. Customer Feedback from Electric Car Guide: We surveyed users from our own website in our EV focus group. We learned about the genuine experiences and expectations of breakdown cover for electric cars, making our recommendations genuinely user-centric.
   
   
2. Trustpilot Reviews: We took into account both positive and negative reviews from Trustpilot. This provided a balanced perspective, allowing us to paint a comprehensive picture of the EV features of each breakdown cover provider, encompassing feedback from a broad spectrum of users.
   
   
3. Comparison with Competitors: We compared each provider’s features, pros, cons, and customer experience against their nearest competitors in the UK market. This enabled us to gauge each EV breakdown cover provider’s standing in the industry and select the overall best EV breakdown cover for electric cars.

Please note that we update the prices displayed on our Best Breakdown Cover table monthly. We recommend visiting the breakdown providers’ website to obtain the most current pricing information.

John Ellmore

John is the Editor and Spokesperson for Electric Car Guide.

With over 20 years of writing experience, he has written for titles such as City AM, FE News and NerdWallet.com, covering various automotive and personal finance topics.

John’s market commentary has been covered by the likes of The Express, The Independent, Yahoo Finance and The Evening Standard.