Breakdown Cover

Helping you when you break down

With over 1,250 recovery specialists in the UK on hand 24 hours a day 365 days a year, you can be sure that we'll be there when you need us.

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Breakdown Cover

  • Fast Roadside assistance - we'll do all we can to repair your car at the side of the road.
  • Emergency accommodation or alternative travel up to the value of £100.
  • Free cover for caravans and trailers when used for private use.
  • Recovery to a destination of your choice if we can't get you on your way.
  • Messaging service to let your family and loved ones know you're ok.
  • Free UK based helpline for emergencies.
  • Emergency assistance is provided if you break down at home.
  • European cover includes repatriation of your vehicle.

Our prices

We offer simple and straightforward pricing options.

Cars less than 10 years old* - £53.00

Cars more than 10 years old* - £63.00

European cover for cars up to 15 years old* - £83.00

Our FAQs section will give everything you need to know about our Breakdown Cover. Or if you're happy that Breakdown Cover is right for you. Just read the key facts summary for Car Breakdown and Rescue and apply online.

*available to UK residents excluding Jersey and Guernsey

Police Mutual car insurance is arranged by Roland Smith Limited through Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (RSA) and is available for those normally resident in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland and UK offshore islands). If you are not eligible for the RSA product we also offer access to a panel of insurers. Breakdown cover provided by Equity Red Star Services Ltd and legal expenses provided by First Assist and underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) Ltd.

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question that is not answered below, or would just like to know more about our Breakdown Cover, give us a call on 0800 121 4456.

Am I eligible for breakdown cover

Any current or retired members of the Police Service can apply for breakdown cover.

And their family is welcome too. Partners and your wider family including parents, brothers and sisters, children and grandchildren.

Available to UK residents excluding Jersey and Guernsey.

How quickly will you reach me if I break down?

We aim to be with you within on average within 41 minutes from when you report your car break down so you won't have to wait too long for us to reach you.

Will you contact my friends or relatives?

So that they're aware of what's happened, we'll try to contact them to let them know your situation.

Am I covered if I run out of fuel, oil, or water?

You are covered if you run out of fuel. However, we do not cover circumstances where the lack of fuel is due to fuel company disputes.

Will you still help if I only have a flat tyre?

Yes - although you should always carry a spare tyre. If you're towing a caravan or trailer, remember to carry a spare tyre for that as well.

If I'm towing a caravan or trailer is that covered?

Yes. If your car is towing a trailer or caravan, that's covered too as long as its attached to the car by a standard 50 millimetre (2 inch) towing coupling. Caravans are restricted to a maximum length of 7 metres, height 3 metres and width 2.25 metres. Trailers are restricted to a length of 2.25 metres.

What happens if my car can't be repaired at the roadside?

If your car can't be fixed on the spot we will arrange and pay the reasonable cost of taking the car, you and up to 5 passengers to any one place you choose.

If you break down more than 25 miles from your home and your car can't be repaired at the roadside or at a garage during the same day, and is not recovered to your home or destination, we will refund the cost of onwards travel arrangements or necessary emergency overnight accommodation.

Am I covered immediately when I purchase cover?

The insurance cover will be valid from midnight on the day that the application is purchased.

Which countries are covered in Europe?

Cover is available in the following countries:

Austria, Andorra, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Norway and Switzerland.

What if someone else drives my car?

Providing they are driving with your permission your car is covered whoever is driving it. The insurance only applies to the car named in the schedule.

How can I pay for my breakdown cover?

You can pay for your breakdown cover by either debit or credit card.

What if I change my mind?

You may cancel this insurance by writing to us enclosing the insurance documents within the first 14 days of the policy or within 14 days of receiving the insurance documents. We will return any premium paid subject to a minimum of £15 (plus insurance premium tax) for the number of days for which we have provided cover.

After this period if you haven't made any claims in the current period of insurance we will allow a proportion of the premium to be taken off any future premium or we will pay you a refund based on our short period rates as shown below

Period not exceeding Percentage of annual premium retained
1 month 25%
2 months 30%
3 months 50%
4 months 60%
6 months 75%
8 months 90%
Over 8 months Full premium
What happens if I replace my car during the period of cover?

Please tell us as soon as possible either in writing, by phone or fax about any change of car including details of the registration number, registration date, make and model

Phone: 0844 418 0107 (Monday - Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm)

Or fax: on 0151 236 1908

Or email: info@rolandsmith.co.uk

Is this policy automatically renewed?

No, we will contact you nearer the time to advise you that the renewal is due.

How can I apply for Breakdown Cover?

Applying for our Breakdown Cover is easy.  If you want to discuss the different cover options, then you can call 0800 121 4456 ,or you can get a quote online by clicking here.

Who provides the Breakdown Cover?

Our Breakdown Cover is provided by Equity Red Star which is managed by Equity Syndicate Management.

What do I need to do if I breakdown?

Call us on the 24 hour Rescue Control centre on 0800 328 4469 or 01277 235 773. If you break down in Europe call our English speaking emergency services number  00 44 (0) 1277 235 999 or freefone number 00 800 999 00 999  We'll make sure you're ok and then we'll help you get back on the road.  If you've had an accident, please ring your insurance company first.

Do I pay for parts?

The policyholder is responsible for the cost of any parts or fuel etc, which should be paid to the recovery operator or repairer.

Am I covered if I’m driving another car?

Only the insured car is covered. So you can't use the breakdown service with any other vehicle.

Am I covered anywhere in the UK?

Yes, cover is provided throughout the UK (including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands). The Republic of Ireland is covered if European cover is taken out. We also work with a partner who provides the service across Europe for our European cover option.

Who do I speak to if I have a question about the Breakdown Cover?

You can call us on 0800 121 4456* for further information.

*Calls from landline phones are free, however mobile providers may charge

Important Information Breakdown Cover

It's important you understand all of the key facts summary for Breakdown cover.

We recommend you read the document below before you apply and keep it in a safe place.

PDF - key docs Uk-car-breakdown-rescue-policy

PDF - key docs Uk and European Breakdown Cover Policy Booklet