Van Leasing Hub
If you want to learn more about the benefits of van leasing, whether you should choose an EV or decide if leasing is the best option for you, we've got everything you need to know in our hassle-free guides below.
- Van breakdown cover guide
- What is van breakdown cover?
- How van breakdown cover works
- What’s included in van breakdown cover?
- What’s not included in van breakdown cover?
- Why do I need van breakdown cover?
- Does a van lease come with breakdown cover?
- Should I choose personal breakdown cover or vehicle cover?
- How can I save money on van breakdown cover?
- How do I use van breakdown cover?
- Should I take out van breakdown cover?
- Van breakdown FAQs
Van breakdown cover guide
Whether you run a home renovation company or delivery service, keeping your wheels turning is critical. This is where van breakdown cover offers convenience and peace of mind.
From flat batteries to punctured tyres, policies provide an invaluable safety net. After all, downtime is the enemy in the fast-paced world of business. When your van is your lifeline, the last thing you need is to be stranded on the side of the road on the way to a job.
Want to know more about how it works? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about breakdown cover for van lease deals, from the basics to the finer details. And for more information on finance in general, be sure to check out our van leasing 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:
- Call the number provided by your provider and explain the situation
- An operator will take your details and dispatch a technician as soon as possible
- 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.
Van breakdown FAQs
Still have questions about van breakdown cover? Here are answers to some of the most asked questions:
How to save money on van breakdown cover?
Shop around and consider your needs carefully to find the best van leasing deals.
What happens if I don’t have van breakdown cover?
Without breakdown cover, you’ll be left to foot the bill for towing, repairs and alternative transport.
How do I know if I need van breakdown cover rather than a car?
Check your logbook – if your vehicle is classified as a van, van breakdown cover is a must.
Am I covered if I break down in another van?
It depends on your policy – always check the fine print to be sure.
Which is better, AA or RAC?
Both AA and RAC offer excellent breakdown cover policies for van leasing. There are pros and cons to each, so choose the provider that best fits your needs.
Does breakdown cover include repairs?
It depends on the nature of the breakdown – minor repairs may be covered but major repairs could incur extra costs.
Is breakdown cover worth having?
Definitely, breakdown cover gives you invaluable peace of mind on the road.
What's the best breakdown cover?
The best breakdown cover for a van lease depends on your individual needs and budget.