We're answering some commonly asked questions to help you work out what the best vehicle breakdown cover is for you.
What is breakdown cover?
There are lots of options out there and it's easy to get confused about what you're actually covered for when you breakdown.
Unless you've broken down yourself, you’ve probably never had to consider it.
Generally, a breakdown is a fault which stops your car from being able to move.
The most common faults are with batteries and tyres, so it's a good idea to make sure you keep up to date with replacing them as they wear down.
However, there are lots of other things which can go wrong on the road, and we thought we’d try to answer some common questions for you.
If I run out of fuel can I call my breakdown provider?
With all of our breakdown cover options, there's no need to hike to the nearest petrol station if you run out of fuel.
We can recover you to the nearest filling station so you can be on your way as quickly as possible.
It’s important to note the nearest petrol station may not be in the same direction you were originally going.
Can I call my breakdown provider if I put the wrong fuel in my car?
If you’re an Admiral Breakdown customer and mis-fuel your car (that's putting petrol in your diesel, or vice-versa), your breakdown cover will take care of everything.
Simply call our 24-hour Breakdown assistance team who'll arrange for a specialist to perform a 'drain and flush procedure'.
It’s important you make sure you call us before you start your car. Otherwise, we may not be able to help.
Can I call my breakdown provider if my EV runs out of charge?
Yes, you can. If you have comprehensive electric car insurance with us, out of charge recovery is a standard benefit.
You don’t need to add breakdown cover to get this benefit – but it’s important to remember you won’t be covered for any other type of breakdown (only if you run out of charge).
If we need to get you to the nearest charging point, we can’t guarantee the closest will be rapid charging.
This doesn’t apply to hybrid vehicles.
Can I use Admiral Breakdown Cover to move my car if I have an accident?
Assistance after an accident isn’t a feature of our breakdown cover.
If you have an accident and your car needs to be moved, our Claims team will help you arrange this.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, this will be covered when you make a claim.
What happens if I breakdown near to home?
Not all breakdowns happen away from home. In fact, it’s common for breakdowns to take place close to, or at home, so it’s wise to have cover for such a scenario.
Our National cover and European cover include this feature and can help make sure you aren't stranded on a frosty morning if your car won't start on your driveway.
Our Roadside Assistance level of cover will only help once you’re more than 1/4 mile from your home address. So if you need cover at home, you may want to consider upgrading to National or European cover.
Are only mechanical faults considered a breakdown?
As cars become more sophisticated, there are more electrics on board that can go wrong, and Admiral Breakdown Cover will help you if that happens.
However, it’s not just mechanical - you're also covered if you get a flat tyre or lose/break your keys.
Our top breakdown tips
- Make sure you choose the right level of cover for you. We offer three levels of cover with different benefits, including Roadside Assistance cover, National cover and European cover. Existing customers can find their level of cover in MyAccount, and if you want to change it you can call our Customer Services team.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car - this might include a coat, torch, portable phone charger, and some snacks and drinks to keep you as comfortable as possible while you’re waiting for assistance.
- It’s always safer to get out of your car, but also remember you don’t need to stay directly by it. If there's somewhere dry and warm nearby where you can wait and is safe to get to, let the Breakdown assistance team know and you’ll get a call when the recovery operator is close.
- If you break down on a motorway, it’s easier to find you if you call from an emergency SOS phone. The Breakdown assistance team can call you back on your mobile with any updates.
- Contact us if you’ve broken down and need assistance.
