Van breakdown cover guide

What is van breakdown cover?

Also known as roadside assistance, van breakdown cover has your back when things go sideways. When the unexpected happens – whether it’s a flat tyre, dead battery or mysterious rattle – breakdown cover makes it easy to get back on the road.

With a simple phone call, a technician will be dispatched to repair your van onsite. If the problem is more complex, they’ll tow your van to the nearest garage or your home/work address.

How van breakdown cover works

It’s easy to feel stressed when your van unexpectedly grinds to a halt. But with breakdown cover for van leasing, help is just a phone call away. Simply call your breakdown cover provider and get them up to speed.

After assessing your location and the nature of your breakdown, a technician will be dispatched. Depending on the severity of the issue, they’ll either carry out roadside repairs or arrange for your van to be towed to a nearby garage.

What's included in van breakdown cover?

Van lease breakdown cover is your safety net when things go sideways, but what exactly is included? Here’s a closer look at some of the most common issues covered by breakdown policies:

Starter motor failure

Every journey kicks off with the starter motor, which brings the engine to life with a simple turn of the key. But when it fails, you’re going nowhere fast. With breakdown cover, a technician can diagnose and repair starter motor issues on the spot.

Battery problems

There’s nothing more frustrating than turning the key and hearing nothing but a feeble click. A flat battery can stop your journey before it’s even started but with breakdown cover, help is at hand. Whether it’s a jump-start or a replacement battery, van leasing deals with roadside assistance will get you moving again in a flash.

Broken clutch cables

Your van’s clutch guides the engine through gear changes. But when cables snap, you’ll be stuck in neutral. Breakdown cover puts a technician on the case and ideally can get you back on the road with minimal disruption.

Damaged wheels or tyres

From punctures to blowouts, tyre issues are all too common. Help is just a phone call away with van lease breakdown cover.

What's not included in van breakdown cover?

While breakdown cover provides invaluable peace of mind on the road, it’s important to be aware of what’s not covered. Here are a few common exclusions to keep in mind:

• Poor van maintenance - Neglecting your van can not only increase the risk of breakdowns but void your roadside assistance cover, so it’s important to keep your vehicle in good condition
• Breakdowns on private land - Van breakdown cover typically applies to breakdowns on public roads
• Unroadworthy vans - Roadside assistance is designed to cover unexpected breakdowns for well-maintained vans, not unroadworthy vehicles
• Breakdowns due to accidents - If your breakdown is the result of a collision or accident, you may need to rely on your insurance policy for help
• Misfuelling - Putting the wrong fuel in your tank can be an expensive mistake and even the best van breakdown cover policies typically won’t cover the cost of draining and flushing the engine

Why do I need van breakdown cover?

Time is money when it comes to business and downtime can have serious repercussions. When your van is your livelihood, a breakdown isn’t just an inconvenience – it’s a threat to your bottom line. With van lease breakdown cover, you can rest easy knowing help is on the way.

Whether you’re a florist delivering fresh bouquets to a wedding venue or a food delivery service with a van full of perishables, van breakdown cover will get you back on the road when it matters most.

Does a van lease come with breakdown cover?

While breakdown cover isn’t always included as standard with a van lease, many companies offer it as an optional extra. At Leasing Options, our van leasing deals include breakdown cover as standard.

Called Fuel & Go, the all-in-one package offers peace of mind that everything, from maintenance to recovery, is covered. This leaves you free to focus on what you do best – growing your business.

Should I choose personal breakdown cover or vehicle cover?

There are two main options to choose from when it comes to van lease breakdown cover – personal cover and vehicle. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which is right for you:

Personal cover

• Protects you as an individual and provides cover for any vehicle you drive
• Reassuring if you frequently drive multiple vehicles
• Usually more expensive than vehicle cover
• Requires you to be present in the vehicle at the time of the breakdown

Vehicle cover

• Protects a single vehicle, regardless of who’s driving it
• A cost-effective option if your van is driven by employees
• Ideal if you only have one vehicle in your fleet
• May not provide cover if you drive different vehicles

Types of van breakdown cover

Not all roadside assistance policies are created equal and it’s important to understand what type of coverage you have. Here’s a closer look at the options:

Roadside assistance

The most basic form of cover, roadside assistance provides help if your van breaks down on the road. A technician will attempt to repair your vehicle onsite or arrange for it to be towed to the nearest garage.

European breakdown cover

If you regularly travel to Europe for work or play, this type of breakdown cover is essential. It provides cover for breakdowns that occur anywhere on the continent.

Onward journey cover

If a breakdown leaves you stranded far from home, onward journey cover steps in with alternative travel or accommodation to help you reach your destination.

National coverage

Whether you’re in a major city or the middle of the countryside, help is never far away with national coverage.

Home start

When your van breaks down on your doorstep, home start cover sends a technician to repair your vehicle at home. If unsuccessful, they’ll arrange for it to be towed to a nearby garage.

How can I save money on van breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover is a valuable investment and is more affordable than you might think, especially if you keep the following tips in mind:

Shop around

Don’t settle for the first breakdown cover policy you find. Take the time to shop around and compare quotes to find the best van leasing deals.

Consider your needs

Think carefully about the level of cover you need. If you only do business locally, national coverage may be unnecessary. Similarly, European cover could be essential if you frequently travel abroad for business.

Bundle your cover

Some van leasing providers offer discounts for bundling multiple policies. Consider combining your breakdown cover with other types of insurance to save money on your premiums.

For example, the Fuel&Go package from Leasing Options bundles breakdown recovery with maintenance and accident management. The all-in-one insured van lease is offered as a fixed-price package, so there’s no risk of unexpected costs.

How do I use van breakdown cover?

Using van breakdown cover is simple. Here’s how it works in three easy steps:

1. Call the number provided by your provider and explain the situation
2. An operator will take your details and dispatch a technician as soon as possible
3. Once help arrives, the technician will assess the situation and either carry out roadside repairs or arrange for your van to be towed

Should I take out van breakdown cover?

“If minimising downtime, maximising profits and keeping customers happy are priorities for your business, you should absolutely take out van breakdown cover,” says a Leasing Options representative. “It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that help is always available when you need it most.”

Wondering what vans are available with breakdown cover? Browse the Leasing Options website to find your van lease deal and discover business-friendly models like the Nissan Townstar, Citroen Dispatch and Mercedes-Benz Vito.