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.
Our Recovery EXTRA option starts at just £96.66 for a year, and our Recovery RECLAIM at £78.50. Both of our breakdown cover products are Defaqto 5-star rated.
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.
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Fully Comprehensive Cover from just £78.50
Roadside Assistance
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*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
What is personal breakdown cover?
Rather than covering one specific vehicle, you're covered in any eligible vehicle* you're travelling in with personal breakdown cover. So if you're considering whether you need breakdown cover - personal or vehicle - think about how many vehicles you need cover for, and how many people you need cover for, as you may be able to combine your breakdown cover policies into one.
Consider GEM Motoring Assist if you're looking for a personal cover breakdown policy that provides you with breakdown cover for a person, not a specific vehicle.
What is 'personal cover breakdown cover' versus 'vehicle cover breakdown cover'?
Personal cover is for YOU as a driver or passenger, whereas vehicle cover is for a specific vehicle only. Personal breakdown recovery service will apply to YOU rather than a specific vehicle.
What vehicles are covered with personal breakdown cover?
Personal breakdown cover does not mean you are restricted when it comes to the vehicle you are driving or travelling in as a passenger.
Eligible vehicles include: Private cars or personal car breakdown cover for car and 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).
We cover caravans which do not exceed 7 metres/23 feet in length (not including the length of the 'A' frame or hitch) and trailers which do not exceed 3 metres/10 feet in length (including any load but not including the length of the A frame or hitch).
Any caravan or trailer must be attached using a standard 50 millimetre/2 inch towing coupling. We DO NOT cover Vans with a GVW over 3500kgs. If in doubt, please check the terms and conditions.
Does personal breakdown cover apply to cars and motorcycles?
Yes, we provide personal breakdown cover for car and motorcycle owners.
All GEM's personal breakdown policies include motorcycle breakdown cover for you and your motorcycle, and any other eligible vehicle* you are travelling in, at no extra cost. GEM’s personal breakdown cover covers motorcycles, as well as vans, motorhomes, caravans and trailers*.
This means, if you have more than one vehicle (bikes or cars) your policy covers all of them at no additional cost. We provide motorcycle breakdown recovery of any engine size and any age.
Does personal breakdown cover include personal roadside cover?
Personal roadside cover will provide peace of mind if you break down more than a quarter of a mile from home. If you are a GEM member and request our assistance at the roadside, we will carry out emergency repairs to get you going, otherwise we will carry out a local recovery which means we will recover the vehicle to the nearest suitable garage which is able to undertake the repair the same working day. If neither are possible we will recover you to a UK destination of your choice.
And you’re not just covered as a driver, you’re covered as a passenger too! So if you find yourself stranded at the roadside with your friend who didn't renew their breakdown cover policy, you can still request assistance from GEM using your personal breakdown cover.
Does personal breakdown cover include home assistance?
With GEM, you are automatically covered for home assistance and more! If your vehicle will not start, or breaks down at or within a quarter of a mile of your home, we will either repair it there or if that is not possible take it to the nearest suitable local garage. With GEM, you are covered for breakdown assistance at home and away, simply take your cover with you for peace of mind.
Can you still get nationwide recovery with personal breakdown cover?
Yes, with GEM you are covered! If we are unable to arrange for a repair of your vehicle at or close to the breakdown scene we will recover you, the vehicle and passengers to any one UK destination of your choice.
You're covered for onward travel too. If you break down more than 25 miles from home and repairs can’t be carried out that day we can assist with onward travel or overnight accommodation up to the value of £200.
Is it cheaper to have personal or vehicle breakdown cover?
Whether it is cheaper to have personal or vehicle breakdown cover will largely depend on how many vehicles you have and whether you want to be covered as a passenger in one of your own vehicles too.
In general, personal breakdown cover is a little more expensive than vehicle cover, but when split across multiple vehicles, this cost becomes a lot cheaper.
Does personal breakdown cover include any age vehicle?
At GEM we don’t have a vehicle age limit and will provide personal breakdown cover for any age vehicle. The same can’t be said for other personal breakdown cover providers though, they may not provide personal breakdown cover for any age vehicle and may impose vehicle age limits, so do always check the terms and conditions of your policy.
Is personal breakdown for multiple cars?
Are you comparing multiple car breakdown covers? With GEM, whether you own two, three, four or even five vehicles, you will be covered in all of them with GEM’s personal breakdown cover. We cover multiple eligible vehicles* you may be driving or travelling in at the time of a breakdown. If you need breakdown cover for multi-car use, consider personal breakdown cover from GEM Motoring Assist.
I need breakdown cover for two cars, does GEM cover me for this?
Yes we do! If you are looking for breakdown cover for two cars, or more, then our personal breakdown cover will suit you as you can cover all your eligible* vehicles under one policy.
What about my caravan, do you provide caravan breakdown cover?
We cover caravans which do not exceed 7 metres/23 feet in length (not including the length of the 'A' frame or hitch) and trailers which do not exceed 3 metres/10 feet in length (including any load but not including the length of the A frame or hitch).
Any caravan or trailer must be attached using a standard 50 millimetre/2 inch towing coupling. We DO NOT cover Vans with a GVW over 3500kgs. If in doubt, please check the terms and conditions.
If your vehicle breaks down, the attached caravan or small trailer being used for private purposes will be entitled to the same service as the vehicle.
If your caravan or trailer breaks down whilst being towed by your vehicle, we will recover it to the nearest suitable garage or any one place chosen within the territorial limits, which means nationwide recovery.
Can I get breakdown cover in Europe?
Yes, you can buy European breakdown cover to cover any breakdowns in Europe.
GEM provides a specialist UK breakdown service and, whilst we don't offer our own European Breakdown Cover, if you're looking for breakdown cover including European travel, we can still help.
Especially for GEM members, we’ve teamed up with Travel Insurance Specialists P J Hayman to bring you Euro Plus: a discounted European Breakdown Cover. So if you need breakdown cover for UK and European adventures, you can get both through your GEM membership.
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.
What if I put in the wrong type 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.
We provide unlimited callouts too - so you can drive with peace of mind knowing you are covered for many eventualities, including driver illness, punctures, flat batteries, misfuelling and running out of fuel or charge.
Is it always better to get personal breakdown cover?
If you drive more than one vehicle and want the peace of mind that you have breakdown cover as a passenger in your vehicles too, then yes, it is usually better to get personal breakdown cover. Your personal circumstances will determine the best kind of breakdown cover for you, so read our pros and cons above to work out if you need personal or vehicle breakdown cover.
Will personal breakdown cover also cover my family?
If you want other members of your household to be covered by your personal breakdown cover policy when they are driving, then you will need to add each family member to your 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.
How long has GEM Motoring Assist been in existence?
Established in 1932, we’ve been looking after our members for over 90 years. Times have since changed, but our values remain untouched.
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. Read more about our car breakdown cover and The GEM Story.