Does Temporary Car Insurance Cover Breakdown?

Covrly Editorial Team · September 26, 2026 · 8 min read

Temporary car insurance doesn't usually include breakdown cover. Insurance pays out for things like accidents, theft and fire, while breakdown cover is a separate product that sends help if the car stops working. If you're borrowing a car, check whether the owner's breakdown cover applies to you, or arrange your own before you set off.

It's an easy thing to mix up, so here's a clear look at what temporary insurance does and doesn't cover.

Does temporary car insurance cover breakdown?

Generally, no. Think of it this way:

• Car insurance deals with the financial fallout of something happening to or with the car: an accident, theft, fire or damage to someone else's property.
• Breakdown cover deals with the car not working: a flat battery, an engine fault, a puncture you can't sort yourself. It gets someone out to fix it or tow it.

Insurance won't send a patrol to the hard shoulder, and breakdown cover won't pay for a dented door. You need both for full peace of mind on a longer trip.

Does the owner's breakdown cover apply to me?

It might. Breakdown cover generally comes in two flavours:

• Vehicle-based cover is attached to the car. In many cases it applies whoever is driving, but check the terms, as some policies have conditions.
• Personal cover is attached to a person. It covers them in any car they're travelling in, as a driver or passenger, but it won't help you if the owner isn't with you.

Before a weekend away or a long drive in someone else's car, ask the owner which type they have and whether it covers other drivers. If it doesn't, some providers sell short-term breakdown cover. It's worth sorting before you leave, not at the side of the road.

What does temporary car insurance cover?

Covrly policies are fully comprehensive. In broad terms, comprehensive cover typically includes:

• Damage to the car you're driving, for example after an accident, even if it was your fault
• Damage to other people's vehicles and property
• Injury to other people, including passengers
• Fire and theft of the car

All of this is subject to the policy terms, conditions and excess, so the policy wording is always the final word.

Theft

Comprehensive cover normally includes theft of the car. But most policies have exclusions, and the big ones are leaving the keys in or on the car, leaving it unlocked or leaving it running unattended. Popping into a shop with the engine running on a cold morning is exactly the kind of situation that can lead to a claim being refused. Lock it, and keep the keys with you.

Windscreen and glass

Glass cover varies between policies. Some include windscreen repair and replacement, sometimes with a separate, lower excess. Others don't include it at all. If a stone chips the windscreen on the motorway, you'll want to know where you stand, so check your documents first.

Personal belongings

Some policies include a limited amount of cover for personal belongings in the car, often with a low limit and exclusions for things like cash, phones or laptops. Others don't include it. If you're carrying anything valuable, check your home insurance too, as some policies cover possessions away from home.

Driving abroad

Covrly cover is for driving in Great Britain unless your policy documents say otherwise. Don't assume a short-term policy will cover you in Europe or anywhere else, and read the policy wording before planning any trip outside Great Britain.

What isn't usually covered?

Every policy has exclusions. Common ones include:

• Mechanical or electrical breakdown, including a flat battery or a failed gearbox
• Wear and tear, such as worn tyres, brakes or clutches
• Keys left in or on the car, or the car left unlocked
• Using the car for something it isn't insured for, such as business use, deliveries or hire and reward
• Anyone else driving it. Only the person named on the policy is covered.
• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs
• Misfuelling, which some policies exclude or limit

The exact list depends on your policy, so check the wording rather than relying on general rules.

The excess explained

The excess is the part of any claim you pay yourself. It usually has two parts:

1. Compulsory excess, set by the insurer. You can't change it, and it may be higher for younger drivers, newer drivers or certain cars.
2. Voluntary excess, an extra amount some policies let you add, which can lower your premium.

Add them together and you get your total excess. Here's an illustrative example (not real prices): if your total excess were £500 and the repair cost £1,800, the insurer would pay £1,300 and you'd pay £500. If the repair cost £400, you'd pay the whole thing yourself, and there'd be no point claiming.

Some policies also have different excesses for different types of claim, such as glass or theft. Your policy schedule will show what applies.

Who pays the excess on a borrowed car?

Legally, it's part of your policy, so you're responsible for it. But it's worth agreeing with the owner up front what happens if there's a bump. A quick chat before the trip saves an awkward one afterwards.

What to do if a borrowed car breaks down

If the car stops working while you're out, safety comes first:

1. Get the car somewhere safe if you can, such as a lay-by, a car park or the hard shoulder.
2. Switch on your hazard lights, and use sidelights if it's dark or visibility is poor.
3. On a motorway, get out on the left-hand side and wait behind the safety barrier if it's safe to do so. Don't attempt repairs on the hard shoulder.
4. Call the breakdown provider if the car is covered, or the owner if you're not sure.
5. Let the owner know what's happened, even if it's sorted quickly.

What to do if you have an accident

If there's a collision, you must stop. Exchange names, addresses and the car's registration with anyone involved, and take photos if it's safe. If anyone is injured, or you can't exchange details at the scene, report it to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Then contact your insurer using the details in your policy documents, and tell the owner.

Before you set off: a quick checklist

• Breakdown sorted. Check the owner's cover applies to you, or arrange your own.
• Know your excess. Look at your policy schedule so you know the number.
• Check the extras. Glass, belongings and anything else you might need.
• Save your documents. Covrly emails them instantly, so keep them handy on your phone.
• Note the claims number in case you need it.
• Check the car. Tyres, lights, oil, screenwash and fuel, especially before a long trip.

Planning a few days away? Our guide to borrowing a car for the weekend covers the rest, and holiday car insurance explains longer trips.

The bottom line

Temporary car insurance and breakdown cover do different jobs. Insurance protects you financially if the car is damaged, stolen or involved in an accident. Breakdown cover gets you moving again if the car simply stops working. For any longer journey in a borrowed car, it's worth having both.

To find out more about how our policies work, visit our temporary car insurance page, or get a quote in about 3 minutes.