Breakdowns soar by nearly 1.8 million in last year – survey

More than 5.5 million British drivers experienced a vehicle breakdown in 2025, up nearly 1.8 million from the previous year.

That’s according to WhatCar?, which found that 16 per cent of the UK’s cars needed to be recovered in 2025, up from 10.9 per cent the previous year.

A high proportion of these breakdowns were caused by poor road surfaces, with pothole-related damage to a car’s suspension, wheels and shock absorbers accounting for 26,048 RAC call-outs in 2025, up 15 per cent on 2024’s figures.

However, the data appears to show that breakdown assistance providers are getting better at reaching stranded motorists. In 2025, recovery firms got to 61 per cent of breakdowns in less than an hour, up from 56 per cent in 2025. They were also able to provide a permanent or temporary fix on more vehicles. In all, 57 per cent of drivers could carry on with their journeys, representing an increase on the 48 per cent who could in 2024.

What Car?’s consumer editor, Claire Evans, said: “Breakdown cover can be pricey, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a good recovery technician could repair your car for free at the roadside if it breaks down, potentially saving you a hefty garage bill.

“A cheaper local plan may be the most cost-effective solution if you don’t often cover long distances, while a national policy will better suit high-milers. There are also many variations and limitations in the cover provided, so it’s important to read the small print carefully to ensure it suits your needs.”

Whatcar’s survey found that AXA was the top-rated breakdown assistance provider overall with an ability to perform permanent or temporary fixes on 82 per cent of cars it saw. In contrast, Allianz came out worst with operators only able to get 42 per cent of cars moving again.