Breakdown Assistance and Other Useful Car Insurance Extras Explained

Nobody wants to find themselves in a situation where their car suddenly breaks down, but it’s vital to know what to do and how to get back on the road. 

The first thing to do is keep calm and follow these helpful tips to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. 

Now, let’s look at the different scenarios and services that you could encounter during such an emergency, including additional useful insurance extras worth considering, and what AIG breakdown assistance can offer you.

What is Breakdown Assistance?

The obvious explanation is ‘hopefully something you’ll never need’ but life doesn’t always run smoothly, and so, should you ever find yourself stuck on the side of a road, you’ll be glad you signed up for it.

Think of breakdown assistance as your safety net if confronted by this difficult problem - a purpose-built system designed to get you back in gear. 

There are different types available, and thus specific areas of cover are provided - we’ll go through them below, but first, some important clarity… 

Breakdown Assistance vs Roadside Assistance

There is a slight difference here - roadside assistance refers to a trained Recovery Agent coming to physically assist you at the side of the road (with some limitations), while breakdown assistance is a more comprehensive package that boasts a wide variety of areas and benefits - with roadside assistance usually being one of them. 

Essentially, breakdown assistance is the umbrella term for your overall breakdown insurance cover, while roadside assistance is one of the features contained within.

More Than Just a Tow - Services You Can Expect

With that comprehensive package in mind, let’s go through the benefits. 

Home Start Assistance

If your car has broken down at your home, we will send a Recovery Agent to assist you with up to one hour’s free labour. 

If the car can’t be repaired on-site, we will tow the car to your closest approved garage for repair.

Roadside Assistance

If your car has broken down away from your home, we will send a competent Recovery Agent to assist you. 

As noted, there are some limitations - you will be entitled to one hour’s free labour and if the car can’t be fixed roadside, we will cover the cost of towing the car to the nearest garage / recovery yard / home, whichever is closer.

You must be with your car when the Recovery Agent arrives. If not and we are unable to help, you will need to pay for any other help that you receive in the future.

Flat Tyres

A punctured or flat tyre can really ruin your day. This is why it’s always worth having a spare tyre onboard. 

That, and the fact that we will send out a competent repairperson to assist you in changing the wheel - again, you must provide your own spare! 

Petrol Shortages

Look, it happens. In the event of your car shutting down due to running out of petrol, we will transfer your vehicle to the nearest petrol station. 

If your car shuts down due to the wrong fuel being used, we’ll transfer it to the nearest garage to help you get the issue sorted as promptly as possible.

Lost or Stolen Keys 

Another seemingly minor inconvenience that actually causes major headaches - if your keys have gone missing or even accidentally locked inside your vehicle, we’ll take your car to the nearest secure location while you take care of replacing them. 

In the event of the keys being stolen from you, we’ll make sure the old pair are cancelled out by covering the replacement of your locks for a cost of up to €500.

Finishing the Journey in the 32 Counties of Ireland

Geography has its part to play in the event of an emergency - precisely where you’re located can make a crucial difference. 

If your car breaks down when you’re more than 30 kilometres from your home and repairs are unable to be carried out at the scene, we’ll pay for:

• Alternative transport for you and any passengers to your intended destination
• OR use of a replacement car for up to 48 hours and transport to collect your car when repairs have been completed
• OR bed and breakfast accommodation for you and your passengers while you’re waiting for the repairs to be finished - this cover extends to €150 in total

Finishing the Journey in England, Scotland, or Wales

If you find yourself across the water in England, Scotland, or Wales and you experience a breakdown where repairs cannot be carried out at the scene, we’ll provide a replacement car for up to 48 hours up to a limit of £100. 

Alternatively, if the car cannot be repaired before your departure date, we can tow it to your chosen port - up to a limit of £250. 

Theft of Your Car

If your car has been stolen  and isn’t found within 24 hours, we’ll provide you with a replacement vehicle for up to five days or until your car is recovered. 

You must report the theft of your vehicle to AIG and the Gardaí as soon as possible.

Reasons to Choose AIG

Why go with AIG? We’re confident that we can give you total peace of mind when it comes to the unfortunate possibility of a breakdown. 

24-hour breakdown assistance is provided as standard on all* motor policies.

*This cover is an optional extra on our BoxClever product.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breakdown Assistance

What is Included in Breakdown Assistance? 

• 24-Hour Assistance
• Home Start Assistance
• Roadside Assistance
• Flat Tyre Replacement Assistance 
• Petrol Shortage Assistance 
• Lost / Stolen Keys Replacement Assistance
• Alternative Transport / Replacement Car Options
• Onward Travel Assistance (Accommodation Payment Assistance, Towing, Etc)

What is NOT Included in Breakdown Assistance? 

• Physical Replacement Parts - Batteries, Tyres, Fuel, Etc 
• Accidental / Collision-Related Damage
• Repeated Use Related to Same Unresolved Fault

Does Breakdown Cover Count as a Claim?

No - you get to keep your No Claims Discount (NCD) if you use the breakdown assistance service.

Does Using Roadside Assistance Increase My Premium?

No – using roadside assistance will not increase your premium

Will I Be Charged for a Callout?

No - a qualified Recovery Agent will assist you free of charge for up to one hour. If the problem isn’t solved within that timeframe, they will arrange for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest garage.

Although there is no fee for a callout, you may face subsequent charges for replacement parts if they are deemed necessary, additional fuel if required, or any related damage that isn’t covered under your overall policy. 

How Often Can I Use Breakdown Assistance Per Year?

This benefit is subject to a maximum of three assists per annum.

Get an online car insurance quote in just minutes that includes all the above benefits and more. 

Alternatively, you can speak with an expert directly by calling our AIG car insurance phone number on 0818 244 244.

Drive with confidence with a policy from AIG.