What Happens If My Lease Vehicle Breaks Down?
By AlexOne of the advantages of leasing with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is that you can enjoy the many benefits of driving a brand new car, particularly those linked to reliability.
All of our new car lease deals include the full UK manufacturer’s warranty so you can rest easy that if something goes wrong with your vehicle within this period (excluding certain limitations) you shouldn’t have to pay a penny to fix any faults.
It is also handy to know that most car manufacturers include breakdown cover as part of their standard warranty so if you ever do come unstuck, you can call on their help.
But how long is the breakdown cover on your lease vehicle and who do you call in the event of a breakdown?
To help ease any worries or concerns you may have about a breakdown in your lease vehicle, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has put together a short guide to explain what you need to do if your lease vehicle breaks down, who you need to contact and the length of the breakdown cover included.
What is car breakdown cover?
Car breakdown cover is a type of insurance that provides assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown, such as if your car battery dies or you puncture a tyre.
There are many types of breakdown cover, but most policies offer roadside assistance. This is where your insurance provider will send out an engineer to fix your car on the spot or tow you to a garage if a repair at the roadside is not possible.
What is typically covered with car breakdown cover?
Flat or faulty batteries
If you have a flat or faulty car battery, your breakdown provider can give you a jump-start, charge or even replace your battery, depending on the nature of the issue.
Damaged tyres or wheels
If you have a flat or damaged tyre, you can call your breakdown provider for assistance. This includes if you're unable to safely change the wheel yourself.
Starter motor failure
If you cannot start your vehicle or hear a loud clicking noise when you turn the ignition, you may have a faulty starter motor and/or an electrical wiring fault. This will require inspection and diagnosis to repair.
Broken clutch cables
If the clutch cable snaps or breaks, or if you cannot shift into gear, you will need to call your breakdown provider to come and recover the vehicle for repair.
Adding the wrong fuel
If you add the wrong type of fuel into your car or run out of fuel at the side of the road, you can call your breakdown provider to recover the vehicle or assist with re-fuelling.
What is not usually covered with car breakdown cover?
Existing fault
Most breakdown providers will not offer cover on previous/existing faults that have not been rectified since the last call out. This is to prevent drivers from using the service but not completing the appropriate repairs as a result.
Breakdown on private property
Unless your breakdown policy stipulates you are covered for home start, most breakdown providers will not respond to call-outs that occurs on private property.
Non-breakdown faults
Most breakdown providers do not cover faults that do not directly result in the car breaking down, for example, if your air conditioning stops working.
Unroadworthy vehicles
Cars that are not mechanically sound or suitable for use on the road, such as those without a valid MOT, are typically not covered by a breakdown policy.
Parts or labour costs
Parts or labour costs are usually not covered unless you have added extra cover to your policy.
Replacement wheel
The cost of a spare or replacement wheel is not included in the breakdown policy if you do not carry one with the vehicle.
NB: As all contracts are different, we recommend you read the terms and conditions of your policy to be sure you know exactly what is and isn't covered.
Does my new lease car come with breakdown cover?
Most new car deals come with breakdown cover as part of the manufacturer's warranty. Breakdown cover typically varies from one to five years and may or may not include European cover.
“Most new lease cars come with breakdown cover as part of the manufacturer's warranty, but this may only be for the first 12 months. Once you've taken delivery of your new lease car, be sure to check how long you're covered for and the contact number you need to call in the event of an emergency.”
When does your car breakdown policy start?
Your breakdown cover starts from the vehicle registration date. This is the date your vehicle is first registered with the DVLA and is not always the delivery date of your car.
You can find out the registration date for your vehicle by checking the DVLA website.
I have a maintenance package, who do I call for breakdown assistance?
If you have a maintenance package included in your lease agreement, breakdown cover is usually included for the duration of your contract. In the event of a breakdown, it is important that you call the maintenance team in the first instance who will able to help you.
If you lease your vehicle with Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, you can login into our comprehensive customer account area to view the relevant breakdown and maintenance contact details, as well as important contract date reminders, lease contract details and to update your personal details.
I don’t have a maintenance package, am I still covered for breakdown?
If you don’t have a maintenance package included in your lease agreement, you may still be covered for breakdown as part of the manufacturer’s warranty. Breakdown cover typically varies from one year to five years and usually starts from the date of vehicle registration.
“In the unlikely event you do breakdown, stay calm, pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Call your breakdown service as soon as it’s safe to do so and make sure you and any passengers are in a safe place.”
What number do I need to call in the event of a breakdown?
If your new car is still covered under warranty, you may also be covered for breakdown recovery. Search for the manufacturer below to find out the length of the breakdown cover included and the contact number you need to call in the event of a breakdown in the UK.
Abarth
New Abarth cars come with complimentary Roadside Assistance (SARA) for one year, giving you complete peace of mind 24 hours a day 365 days a year Europe wide. In the event of a breakdown, please call 00 800 222 784 00.
Alfa Romeo
All new Alfa Romeo cars come with one year complimentary Roadside Assistance (SARA) Europe wide. In the event of a breakdown, 24-hour roadside assistance is available on 00 800 2532 0000.
Audi
All new Audi vehicles come with free roadside assistance for the first three years. For help and assistance in the event of a breakdown, call Audi Roadside Assistance (in partnership with the AA) on 0800 699 999.
BMW
All new BMW’s benefit from Roadside Assistance cover in the first three years from the original date of vehicle registration to offer peace of mind in an unforeseen event. If you require assistance, call BMW Roadside Assistance on 0800 777 111.
Citroen
Roadside assistance is offered free of charge on new petrol and diesel vehicles for the first year from date of registration and for eight years or 100,000 (whichever occurs first) for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and operates 24 hours a day in all parts of the UK and Europe. In the event of a breakdown, call Citroën Assistance for free on 0800 197 2046.
Cupra
All new Cupra cars receive two years of free roadside assistance, including roadside repair, real backup, and long-trip cover. In the event of a breakdown, call 0330 053 0624 for assistance.
Dacia
All new Dacia vehicles come with free Roadside Assistance for the first three years or 60,000 miles, in line with the terms of the standard manufacturers warranty. In the event of a breakdown, call Dacia Assistance on 0333 202 3002 or for free on 0800 051 2251. The service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
DS
All new petrol and diesel DS’s are automatically covered for three years starting from the date of registration. Electric and plug-in vehicles are covered for eight years or 100,000 (whichever occurs first) starting from the date of registration. For European-wide coverage assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week call 0800 877 8455.
Fiat
New Fiat vehicles come with roadside assistance for the first year. You can contact Fiat Customer Service 24 hours a day, seven days a week using the Universal Telephone Number 00 800 342 800 00 or by downloading the Ciao Fiat Mobile app.
Ford
Every new Ford car and commercial vehicle comes with one year’s free Ford Assistance which includes roadside rescue, repair and recovery service at home or anywhere in Europe, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If you break down in the UK, you should call 0800 111 234.
Genesis
All new Genesis cars come with complimentary five-year roadside assistance, available 24/7 and 365 days a year. If worse comes to worst, you can call Genesis’ Roadside Support Agents on 0800 8048 1168.
Honda
Honda provide provide Honda European Assistance to all Honda owners for a period of three years as part of the standard manufacturer warranty. In the event of a breakdown, you can call Honda Assistance on 0800 521 728 or use the MyHonda+ app.
Hyundai
All new Hyundai's are eligible for Hyundai Roadside Assistance for 12 months from the date of first registration. The service provides 24 hour roadside assistance anywhere in the UK or Channel islands with Onward Travel cover included to get you home if your car can’t be fixed at the roadside. For assistance in the event of a breakdown, call 0800 980 2733.
Jaguar
All Jaguar models come with roadside assistance in the UK and Continental Europe provided the car is under the standard three-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you require assistance, the Operations Centre is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 246 844.
Jeep
All Jeep models come with one year complimentary Roadside Assistance (SARA) for peace of mind 24 hours a day 365 days a year Europe wide. Simply call Jeep's Customer Care service which on 0800 0426 5337.
Kia
KIAssist, which runs in partnership with the RAC, is free for 12 months (from the date of first registration) with every new Kia. The package covers Roadside Assistance, Home Assist, Nationwide Recovery and Onward Travel and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 015 8762.
Land Rover
Throughout the three-year warranty period, all new Land Rovers come with roadside assistance. You will be able to call for assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any motoring emergency, from breakdown to punctures or accidents. The freephone number for both mobiles and landlines is 0800 521 786.
Lexus
Provided by the AA, Lexus Roadside Assistance is complimentary for three years on new vehicles from the date of the first registration. Assistance is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling Lexus Roadside Assistance on 0800 246 866.
Mazda
If your vehicle is still under warranty, Mazda offers comprehensive European Assistance cover on new vehicles for up to three years, regardless of vehicle mileage. In the event of a breakdown, call Mazda First on 0800 777 179.
Maserati
Maserati offers breakdown cover for 12 months from the date of registration. In the event of a breakdown, call Maserati on 0800 358 8250.
Mercedes-Benz
Any new Mercedes-Benz comes complete with comprehensive Roadside Assistance free-of-charge for three years across the UK and Europe. For immediate assistance call 0207 975 7077.
MG
MG offer one-year roadside assistance package, provided by the AA, with all new MGs. The package covers the vehicle for travel in the whole of the UK (including Homestart, Roadside Assistance, Recovery and Onward Mobility cover). For help in the UK, call the Breakdown Assistance team on 0800 072 3338.
Mini
MINI provide round-the-clock roadside assistance for three years (from date of registration) on all new cars. In the event of a breakdown, call MINI on 0800 777 101.
Nissan
All new Nissan cars come with three years' breakdown cover and the LCV range benefits from five years. For assistance when travelling in the UK, call 0300 123 1231.
Peugeot
Peugeot offer 12 months free Peugeot Assistance with every new petrol or diesel car, or eight years or 100,000 (whichever occurs first) for electric or plug-in hybrid models, starting from the date of registration. Roadside breakdown cover is provided by the RAC on 0800 197 2045.
Polestar
For all new cars, Polestar provides 36 months complementary roadside assistance from the date of registration. In the event of a breakdown, press the Polestar ON CALL button in the ceiling of your car or call 0800 051 7863 (Option 2).
Porsche
Every new Porsche comes with a three year Porsche Assistance service. The Porsche Assistance service provides cover in the event of a breakdown anywhere in Europe. To use the breakdown service, call 0800 777 123.
Renault
Every new Renault comes with three years roadside assistance as standard. For assistance in the event of a breakdown, call 0800 085 8005.
Seat
Take advantage of two years SEAT Roadside Assistance cover with a new SEAT. Benefits include 24/7 roadside cover, European breakdown cover, home assistance and onward travel. For assistance in the event of a breakdown, call 0800 262 622.
Skoda
Skoda Roadside Assistance is available on new Skoda cars for three years from the date of registration. Roadside assistance is offered in partnership with the AA and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 777 127.
Smart
All new Smart cars benefit from Smart road assistance for three years road assistance. For help in the event of a breakdown, call Smart road assistance on 00800 2 777 7777.
Subaru
For 36 months after registration, all new Subaru cars come with full UK breakdown cover, including local recovery, roadside and home assistance. If you require assistance, you can contact Subaru on 0800 777 127.
Suzuki
New Suzuki cars come with one year UK and European cover, roadside assistance, homestart and recovery. In the event of a breakdown or an accident, call the AA Suzuki Assistance team on 0800 107 1155.
Tesla
Tesla Roadside Assistance is a complimentary service offered under a Tesla warranty and is available on new Tesla vehicles for the first four years or 50,000 miles whichever occurs first. Roadside Assistance is available 24/7/365 on 0162 845 0660.
Toyota
New car customers enjoy Toyota roadside assistance free of charge for the first year, from date of registration. Roadside assistance is available throughout the UK, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 246 824.
Vauxhall
Vauxhall Assistance automatically covers all petrol and diesel passenger cars for one year starting from the vehicle’s original registration date. Electric and Hybrid models get eight years of cover. Call Vauxhall Assistance on 0800 55 33 88.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Roadside Assistance is provided free of charge for one year on new cars, while cars in the ID. range and Touareg drivers get three years’ complimentary cover. If your vehicle has already broken down or you need immediate assistance please call 0800 777 192.
Volvo
New Volvo cars come with three years complimentary Volvo Assistance from the date of registration. For help and assistance in the event of a breakdown, call Volvo Assistance on 0800 777116
Have another question regarding breakdown cover?
Call Nationwide Vehicle Contracts on 0345 811 9595 (option 4) to speak to one of our Customer Services representatives.
We also offer a range of services to suit your every need. If you're looking to get behind the wheel of an affordable lease car, check out our used car lease service, or if you want to get on the road as soon as possible, check out our fast lease service.
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