Real Breakdown Cover vs Fake Roadside Cover
Tell a genuine breakdown cover policy apart from a fake or worthless roadside assistance scheme.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Fake roadside cover policies collect premiums and then disappear or refuse every claim. Genuine breakdown insurers are regulated and verifiable. Knowing the difference before you break down is far better than discovering it afterwards.
Side-by-side comparison
| Real breakdown cover | Fake roadside cover | |
|---|---|---|
| Authorisation | Authorised by the FCA; verifiable on the FCA register | Not on the FCA register; claims to be exempt or self-insured |
| Documentation | Policy document with full terms, exclusions, and a cancellation period | Thin 'membership card' with no policy document or terms |
| Claims process | 24/7 helpline; can be tested before you need it | Helpline is unavailable or disconnected when tested |
| Price | Competitive market rate; available to compare on regulated platforms | Unusually cheap, often sold via social media or cold call |
| Sales channel | Regulated insurer or broker; no cold-call pressure | Unsolicited text, call, or social ad; pressure to pay immediately |
Common red flags
- Policy sold via an unsolicited text or social media ad at a very low price
- No policy document provided after payment
- Helpline number does not connect or goes to a generic voicemail
- Company cannot be found on the FCA register
- Pressure to pay by bank transfer rather than card
Verification steps
- Check the insurer on the FCA register before paying
- Test the claims helpline before you need it
- Request and read the full policy document including exclusions
- Compare on a regulated comparison site rather than buying from an unsolicited source
What not to do
- Don't buy breakdown cover from an unsolicited social media ad without verifying the insurer
- Don't assume a membership card means you have a genuine policy
- Don't pay by bank transfer for an insurance product
A safe response
Decline any unsolicited offer. Choose breakdown cover from a recognised provider listed on a regulated comparison site or directly from an FCA-authorised insurer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I quickly check if a breakdown insurer is legitimate?
Search the company name on the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk. If it does not appear, or appears with warnings, do not buy from it.