FAQs
GEM is a Which? Recommended Provider for breakdown services 2024... find out more about our breakdown cover below.
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 Breakdown Services, September 2024.
Read more about our car breakdown cover and The GEM Story.
Do you cover the member or the vehicle?
Our roadside assistance 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 such as your caravan or motorhome, GEM's personal breakdown cover is a great 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.
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?
Yes, we provide caravan breakdown cover and trailer breakdown cover.
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?
What is the difference between Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM?
Getting the best breakdown cover for caravans or motorhome 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. Caravan and motorhome cover is included.
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, you'd like your vehicle to be seen by a favourite mechanic who knows the service history, or if you want to pay less up-front for your cover. Caravan and motorhome cover is included.
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.
