Personal Breakdown Cover
GEM Motoring Assist specialises in personal breakdown cover that covers you as an individual driver or passenger, rather than a specific vehicle
So what is personal breakdown cover?
With personal breakdown cover, you are covered if you break down in any eligible vehicle* that you are driving or travelling in as a passenger. This means you take your breakdown cover, and peace of mind, with you wherever you go.
Because personal car breakdown cover can be used with multiple vehicles of any age, it is a very popular option with those who own more than one vehicle and need personal breakdown cover for multiple cars, motorcycles, small vans, motorhomes and caravans.
If you're interested in personal breakdown cover for car and motorcycle, or to include a small van or caravan, read on for more information on multi-vehicle breakdown cover and how it compares to vehicle-only policies.
How is vehicle cover different?
Unlike personal breakdown cover that covers the driver, vehicle cover simply covers the vehicle itself. The breakdown policy is only for one particular vehicle, no matter who is driving when it breaks down.
Whilst this means that the vehicle is covered no matter who is driving it, it also means that the driver will no longer be covered if they drive another of their vehicles, or indeed if they are travelling as a passenger in another vehicle that suffers a break down.
Vehicle cover may not be the preferred option for households looking for breakdown cover for multiple cars, classic cars, motorcycles, small vans, motorhomes or caravans, as it can work out costly to have to cover each vehicle separately.
Breakdown cover - personal or vehicle?
The right kind of cover for you depends on your needs, for example how many vehicles you drive, how often you travel as a passenger with other people, and how many people in your household you want to have cover if they break down whilst driving.
When weighing up the type of breakdown cover that is best for you, you might be wondering what is personal breakdown cover and what are the pros and cons versus vehicle cover? What is 'any car breakdown cover' versus 'vehicle cover breakdown cover'?
Here are the pros and cons of personal breakdown cover for car and motorcycle:
The pros of vehicle cover
Anyone can drive the vehicle
Anyone who drives the covered vehicle is covered by the breakdown policy.
It can be cheaper than personal cover
It can be cheaper than personal cover as there is less risk involved with only one vehicle to consider.
The cons of vehicle cover
Only one vehicle is covered
If you're looking for breakdown cover for 2 cars, covering them individually, or in a multi-car breakdown cover policy, can quickly become expensive.
You're not covered in another vehicle
If you travel as a passenger in another vehicle that doesn’t have its own cover, then you will not be covered.
The pros of personal cover
Cover in more than one vehicle
Personal cover is perfect breakdown cover for multi-car drivers!
If you're looking for multiple car breakdown cover, in other words you own and drive more than one vehicle, you only need to take out one policy as it will cover you for all of your eligible vehicles*, including classic cars, motorcycles, small vans, motorhomes and caravans.
Personal cover can work out cheaper for owners of multiple vehicles. So if you need breakdown cover for two cars, or indeed more, personal breakdown cover is a good option for you.
Cover as a passenger
Furthermore, if you are a passenger in one of your vehicles but someone else is driving it, you will still be covered under your policy. In fact, you could be a passenger in someone else's vehicle and you would still be covered!
Cover when you share cars
Personal cover is also good for multi-person breakdown cover, as you can sometimes cover more than one person on the same policy, great if you share cars with your partner or grown-up children who still live at home, or are temporarily at university.
The cons of personal cover
You may need to add others to your policy
If more than one person is a driver of your vehicle (or vehicles) then you will need to make sure that you add the other drivers to your policy, as your policy does not cover the vehicle regardless of who is driving. You can add more than one person to a personal cover policy, as long as they live in the same household as the main policyholder.
How much does personal breakdown cover cost?
The cost of personal breakdown cover can vary from provider to provider. Here at GEM, we offer two fully-comprehensive options of personal cover, with no hidden fees or extras, making us cheaper than other personal policy providers. Compare our cover with the AA and the RAC.
Find GEM breakdown cover prices here
What if I need to cover more than one person?
If you're looking to reduce the cost of your breakdown cover, consider multi-person breakdown cover. With GEM personal breakdown cover, you can cover up to four drivers from the same household in one policy, which works out significantly cheaper than four individual policies.
If you want to cover more than one driver, then you can easily add additional drivers to your personal cover policy (up to four members in one household), as long as they live in the same household as the main policyholder, giving them the same fully-comprehensive benefits that you enjoy.
Adding an additional driver to your policy is cheaper than taking out two individual policies. Our personal car breakdown cover policies cover up to four people from one household on one policy.
A policy and service for YOU
GEM breakdown cover is personal. This means you are covered as a driver or passenger in any eligible vehicle* you are travelling in.
We're also on call if you're driving a hired or borrowed vehicle. We can even help if you fall ill at the wheel. We look after you.
We can cover up to four drivers in your household so you can all be covered, whatever you drive. We provide the best breakdown cover available on a budget. When you compare our policies with similar ones, you'll find we're cheaper.
Get Breakdown Cover
Fully Comprehensive Cover from just £91.00
Roadside Assistance
Nationwide Recovery
Home Assistance
Onward Travel
*Eligible vehicle: Private cars or motorcycles, Vans with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 3500 kgs, Motorhomes/campervans with a GVW up to 3500 kgs which do not exceed 7 metres/23 feet in length or 2.3 metres/7 feet 7 inches in width (including any extra fitments). If in doubt, check the terms and conditions.
FAQs
How much is breakdown cover?
The cost of breakdown varies between providers and levels of cover. Not all breakdown cover policies are like-for-like so it’s important to bear this in mind when comparing prices. At GEM, we only offer all-inclusive policies that automatically include home and roadside assistance, nationwide recovery and onward travel.
Find GEM breakdown cover prices here
Take a look at our breakdown cover price comparison - you might find we are cheaper than other breakdown cover providers.
How can I get a breakdown cover quote?
With some breakdown cover providers, you have to pick and choose the cover you want.
Getting covered with GEM is easy in a few simple steps, since we only provide all-inclusive cover that automatically includes everything.
Can I combine car insurance with breakdown cover?
GEM breakdown cover is a standalone policy that covers you for breakdown recovery only. Some car insurance policies will provide breakdown cover as an added benefit, however it’s important to check the level of cover this includes.
Is roadside assistance the same as breakdown cover?
Roadside assistance is the basic level of breakdown cover. Having this kind of cover in place means your breakdown company will send out someone to help you if you break down on the side of the road. A full breakdown cover policy, like those provided by GEM, will also cover you if your car won’t start or has a flat tyre at home.
Can you transfer breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is either personal or vehicle cover. If you have personal cover, in other words YOU are covered and not the car itself, you won’t need to transfer your cover if you get a new vehicle. In fact, at GEM you won’t even need to tell us about the change of vehicle and you are also covered if you are a passenger in a vehicle that breaks down, so there is no need to transfer your cover.
Does using breakdown cover affect no claims?
No. Your breakdown cover and your car insurance are completely separate, even if they are provided through the same company.
Is breakdown covered by insurance?
Breakdown cover is different to a motor insurance policy. Breakdown cover isn’t usually included with standard car insurance, but it’s worth checking with your provider. Sometimes breakdown cover is offered as a bundle for a discounted price.
How long has GEM Motoring Assist been in existence?
Established in 1932, we’ve been looking after our members for over 90 years.
We have a long-standing heritage, and our founding road safety mission remains at the heart of everything we do and we still pride ourselves on going the extra mile to look after our members and keep them safe on the roads. Find out more about The GEM Story.
We introduced our own independent and comprehensive breakdown recovery service over 40 years ago. GEM has been named a Which? Recommended Provider for our Breakdown Services, September 2024.
Read more about our car breakdown cover and The GEM Story.
Do you cover the member or the vehicle?
Our cover is personal, which means we cover you as a driver or passenger in any eligible vehicle you're travelling in.
Handy if you're looking for the best car breakdown cover that also includes more than one vehicle, whether that’s a car or small van, or perhaps something you enjoy less often like a motorbike, motorhome, towed caravan or trailer or an old classic.
So if you're researching the best breakdown cover UK wide, for multiple vehicles, GEM's personal breakdown cover is a great multi-car breakdown cover option for you.
If you are looking for a car breakdown policy for a specific vehicle, then vehicle cover could be another option for you.
Am I covered as a passenger?
Yes! We cover you as a passenger in any eligible vehicle* you are travelling in that is covered under our terms and conditions. Please also see eligible vehicle information below.
Will personal breakdown cover also cover my family?
If you're looking for family breakdown cover, you can cover up to three other members of your household by your personal breakdown cover policy. Please note, this only means family members who are driving age, you don't need to let us know about other family members in your household, such as young children. We cover up to four drivers in one household at GEM.
Personal vehicle coverage does not automatically cover your family members, only those in the same household as the policyholder who are named on the policy. However, if you are driving your vehicle, your passengers will be covered under your policy.
What are eligible vehicles?
Eligible vehicles include private cars or motorcycles. Van breakdown cover applies to vans with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 3500kgs. We cover motorhomes/campervans with a GVW up to 3500 kgs that do not exceed 7 metres/23 feet in length or 2.3 metres/7 feet 7 inches in width (including any extra fitments). All other vehicles are not covered.
If in doubt, check the terms and conditions. If you're looking for van breakdown cover, please note we DO NOT cover vans with a GVW over 3500kgs.
Do you cover classic cars?
Yes! We cover vehicles of any age, including classics. Looking for classic car breakdown cover?
Will my caravan or trailer be covered?
Any caravan (up to 7 metres/23 feet long, not including the length of the a-frame or hitch) or trailer (up to 3.05 metres/10 feet long including any load, not including the length of the a-frame or hitch) attached to the broken down vehicle will be recovered with the vehicle.
In the event of a breakdown to the caravan or trailer being towed by the vehicle, we will recover it to any one place chosen within the territorial limits, which means nationwide recovery. Any caravan or trailer must be attached using a standard 50 millimetre (2 inch) towing coupling.
Looking for caravan or motorhome breakdown cover?
Does personal breakdown cover include rental vehicles?
Yes! If you break down while driving a rental vehicle then your GEM personal car cover will cover you because you are covered as a member, your cover is personal and you can take it with you in any car you are driving or travelling in.
Does breakdown cover include running out of fuel?
Some breakdown cover companies simply won’t come out if you run out of fuel, fill up with the wrong fuel, get a flat battery or lose your car keys. GEM Motoring Assist have limits in these scenarios but we know that these things happen, and we will help.
Are punctures and flat tyres included in breakdown cover?
Yes, a puncture or flat tyre can happen to anyone. We provide unlimited callouts so you can drive with peace of mind knowing you are covered for many eventualities, including flat tyres and punctures, flat batteries, misfuelling and running out of fuel or charge.
Do you provide breakdown recovery if I have a pet in the car?
The transportation of domestic animals will be at the discretion of the recovery operator. We will endeavour to help arrange alternative transport however you will need to pay for this service immediately by credit or debit card.
What is the difference between Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM?
Getting the best breakdown cover is easy with GEM. Simply choose from two options…
Recovery EXTRA – unlimited call-outs included in your car breakdown cover. Just call our recovery control centre and we take care of everything for you.
Recovery RECLAIM - comprehensive cover at the lowest possible cost, with our pay-and-reclaim option you can contact us for assistance or you can make your own arrangements for assistance and claim the appropriate costs from GEM.
A great option if you prefer to go to a specialist garage or if you want to pay less up-front for your cover.
When is the earliest I can be covered?
At GEM we don't offer instant breakdown cover, the earliest we can cover you from is 24 hours after purchase.
You can buy your breakdown cover up to three months in advance. So, if you're not going to be driving for a while, or you’re getting organised for an upcoming adventure, you can pay now and rest assured that your cover will start when you need it.
How quickly will I get assistance?
We pride ourselves on providing a speedy and efficient service throughout the whole of the UK. Response times can vary depending on the time of the incident, the day, the time of year and of course the weather.
We use a nationwide network of approved local independent recovery operators, which means wherever you break down, help is not far away.
Am I covered in the UK And overseas?
With GEM breakdown cover you have peace of mind in the UK. GEM members can access European breakdown cover at discounted rates through our provider.
Do you have any testimonials or awards?
GEM breakdown cover is award-winning and highly recommended by the experts…
Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Services 2024
Highly Commended in the Personal Finance Awards 2023
Defaqto 5 Star Rating, one of the most comprehensive policies in the market
And most importantly, by our members… we have an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars for our online reviews on Trust Pilot, Reviews.io, Review Centre and Google.
More about Breakdown Cover
FAQs page
Breakdown cover guide
Price comparison
Driving hints and tips
Guides and articles
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