Motorhome breakdown cover is a specialist policy that gets you help when your motorhome breaks down, whether you’re in the UK or travelling in Europe. It goes beyond standard vehicle breakdown cover, with features built around the specific needs of motorhome owners — including accommodation if you can’t continue your trip and specialist recovery for larger vehicles. Here’s what it includes and what to look for when choosing a policy.
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What does motorhome breakdown cover include?
Cover varies between providers, but most motorhome breakdown policies include the following:
- Roadside assistance — If your motorhome breaks down, a mechanic will be sent to your location to assess the problem and carry out repairs at the roadside where possible. The aim is to get you moving again as quickly as possible without needing to tow the vehicle.
- Recovery — If the vehicle can’t be fixed at the roadside, recovery services will tow your motorhome to a repair garage. This covers more serious mechanical issues that need professional attention in a workshop.
- Replacement vehicle — Many policies offer access to a hire vehicle if your motorhome is going to be off the road for a period. This lets you continue your trip or get home without waiting for repairs to be completed.
- Accommodation — If your motorhome can’t be repaired quickly and you’re away from home, some policies cover the cost of accommodation for a set number of nights. This is one of the features that separates specialist motorhome cover from standard breakdown policies.
- Replacement driver — If the main driver becomes unwell or is otherwise unable to drive, some policies provide a replacement driver to take over. Useful on longer trips or when travelling as a group.
- Rail fares — Some policies cover the cost of rail travel to help you reach your destination or get back home if your motorhome is out of action.
- Freight costs — If parts need to be transported to a repair location, some policies cover the freight costs involved in getting them there.
- Misfuelling — If you accidentally fill your motorhome with the wrong fuel, some policies cover the cost of draining the tank and getting the vehicle to a garage for further work.
Is motorhome breakdown cover different from standard breakdown cover?
Yes, in a few important ways. Standard breakdown cover is designed around cars and isn’t always suitable for motorhomes, which are significantly larger and heavier. Recovery vehicles need to be equipped to handle them, and repair garages need the right facilities.
Motorhome breakdown cover is built around these requirements. It also tends to include features like accommodation and replacement vehicles that aren’t standard on basic car breakdown policies, reflecting the fact that a motorhome is both a vehicle and a home on wheels.
How to choose the right policy
A few things are worth checking before you commit to a policy.
UK, European, or both — If you travel in Europe, make sure the policy covers you there. European breakdown cover is available on many motorhome policies but isn’t always included as standard — check before you go.
Recovery distance — Some policies only cover recovery to your nearest garage. Others will recover you to a garage of your choice or even back home. This matters more on longer trips.
Vehicle size and weight — Check that the policy covers your motorhome’s specific size and weight. Some standard policies have limits that exclude larger motorhomes or coachbuilts.
Accommodation limits — If accommodation is included. Check how many nights are covered and whether there’s a nightly limit on what the policy will pay.
Add-on or standalone — Motorhome breakdown cover is available either as an add-on to your motorhome insurance policy or as a standalone product. Adding it to your insurance is often the simpler arrangement. With one renewal date and one point of contact for everything.
Before you set off
A motorhome breakdown away from home is disruptive at the best of times. Having the right breakdown cover in place means you’re not facing repair costs, accommodation bills, or the stress of finding a recovery vehicle that can handle your motorhome at the roadside.
Breakdown cover is available as an add-on to your motorhome insurance through insurd. Get a motorhome insurance quote today and ask about adding breakdown cover when you get your quote.
