When Does Breakdown Cover Start? Understanding the 24-Hour Inception Period

Most breakdown covers, including Emergency Assist, don't start immediately. There's a 24-hour waiting period (called the "inception period") before you can make your first call out. This rule exists to prevent fraud and keep costs down for all members. Plan your purchase at least a day (24 hours) before you need your breakdown cover to start.

You've just bought breakdown cover. You feel sensible and prepared. Then your car won't start the next morning. You call for help, and find out your new membership can't help you yet.

This catches thousands of drivers off guard every year. Car breakdown cover doesn't work like flicking a switch. Your new car breakdown cover needs to be activated before you can use it. Most breakdown providers, including Emergency Assist, the RAC, AA, and Green Flag, have a waiting period. Your roadside assistance won't kick in straight away.

Knowing when your breakdown cover actually starts helps you plan ahead. In this guide, we'll explain what the inception period means. We'll cover when your cover begins and how to time your purchase the smart way.

 

In This Article

1. What Is the Inception Period?
2. Why Does This Waiting Period Exist?
3. Is 24 Hours Standard Across the Industry?
4. When Does My Breakdown Cover Actually Start?
5. Breakdowns During the Inception Period?
6. How to Time Your Purchase the Smart Way
7. Can I Set a Future Start Date?
8. What's Covered Once the Inception Period Ends?
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Practical Takeaways

 

What Is the Inception Period?

The inception period is the waiting time between buying your breakdown membership and being able to use it. Think of it as a short delay before your cover goes live.

At Emergency Assist, our membership defines this clearly:

"Inception Period means a period of 24 hours from the Inception Date before You, or anyone driving the Vehicle, is able to make a Service Request on this Membership." ~ Emergency Assist Membership Wording, Definition of Words

Here's a simple example. You buy the cover at midday on Monday. You can't request a call-out until midday on Tuesday. The 24-hour clock starts from your start date. You'll find this on your Membership Details document.

Why Does This Waiting Period Exist?

Here's the honest answer: the inception period exists to prevent fraud.

Without a waiting period, someone could wait until their car had broken down. They'd buy cheap cover, call for help, then cancel the next day. They'd pay £30 for a service worth £150 or more. This would push prices up for everyone.

The inception period protects genuine members. It stops people from gaming the system by only buying cover when they already need it.

Is 24 Hours Standard Across the Industry?

Waiting periods of 24 to 48 hours are normal across UK breakdown providers. Here's how Emergency Assist compares:

Provider Waiting Period Notes Emergency Assist 24 hours All cover types AA 24 hours (roadside only) Other services start day after membership begins RAC 24 hours Standard policies Green Flag 24 hours Roadside only on day one

Some rivals advertise shorter waiting periods. But read the fine print. Many only offer basic roadside help on day one. Vehicle recovery, onward travel, and other benefits often start later.

When comparing breakdown cover options, look beyond the headline waiting period. Check what optional extras are included. Some providers charge more for things like home start or onward travel that others include as standard.

When Does My Breakdown Cover Actually Start?

Your cover starts from the Inception Date on your Membership Details. But you can't use it until the inception period has passed.

Here's a clear timeline:

Example: You buy an Emergency Assist membership at 3pm on Friday

1. Time Status: Friday, 3 pm Membership purchased

2. Date chosen by the client for cover to begin arrives, e.g. next Saturday 

3. Inception period begins Saturday, 12 am 

4. 24 hours later: Sunday, 12 am, you may make a claim

Your Membership Details document shows your exact Inception Date. Keep it handy so you know when your breakdown service goes live.

Does Breakdown Cover Start Immediately If I Pay More?

Some providers offer "instant cover" for a higher price. These are rare. They often come with limits or extra charges.

At Emergency Assist, we believe in clear, simple pricing. The 24-hour inception period applies to all new memberships. It applies to every level of cover, from basic roadside help to full recovery plans. This includes basic roadside help right up to plans with European cover and onward travel benefits. The 24-hour inception period, however, does NOT apply to renewals.

Breakdowns During the Inception Period?

If your vehicle breaks down before your 24 hours have passed, your Emergency Assist membership won't cover you yet. You'll need to find help another way.

Before calling anyone, do a quick check. Make sure your car has a valid MOT, tax, and insurance. Without these, most breakdown providers won't help - even after your inception period ends.

Your Options During the Waiting Period

1. Pay for Private Recovery

You can pay for a one-off call-out. A local garage can often help with simple fixes. For bigger problems, a recovery firm can tow you to a nearby garage. Expect to pay £50 to £150 or more. Keep your receipts for your records.

2. Use a Pay-Per-Use Service

Some providers offer one-off breakdown assistance without membership. Costs vary but usually start around £100. At Emergency Assist, you may purchase Pay-Per-Use services as a separate stand-alone service from your existing cover.

How to Time Your Purchase the Smart Way

The inception period doesn't have to catch you out. With a bit of planning, you can stay covered when it matters most.

Planning Ahead of a Journey

Buying breakdown cover before a trip? Get your membership at least 24 hours in advance. Better yet, give yourself a three-day buffer in case of any delays.

Scenario: You're driving to Scotland on Saturday morning. Action: Buy your membership by Wednesday evening at the latest.

Seasonal Preparation

Breakdowns spike at certain times of year:

• Winter months: Cold snaps cause flat battery problems — the number one reason for breakdowns in the UK

• Summer holidays: More miles and heat stress on vehicles

• Bank holiday weekends: Heavier traffic and longer trips

Buy cover well before these high-risk times. Don't wait until the last minute.

Buying a New Vehicle

Here's something many drivers miss: if you change the vehicle on your membership, the inception period resets.

Our membership wording states:

"If a change of Vehicle takes place during the Term of the Membership, the Inception Period will apply from the date the change takes effect." ~ Emergency Assist Membership Wording, Please Note section

This means if you buy a new car and update your cover, you'll wait another 24 hours. That new vehicle won't be covered right away.

How to plan around this:

1. Keep your old car on the membership until your new one has been home for a couple of days

2. Update your membership details as soon as you buy - don't wait

3. Avoid long trips in your new car until the inception period has passed

4. Check if your car insurance or dealer warranty offers temporary breakdown assistance

You can make up to four vehicle changes per membership term. Each one triggers a new inception period.

Thinking of buying a used car from a private seller? The same rules apply. Update your membership as soon as you own the vehicle. Don't drive it home on a long journey until your 24 hours have passed. If the seller offers to let you "try it for a few days," make sure you have some form of breakdown assistance in place first.

Can I Set a Future Start Date?

Know exactly when you'll need cover? Perhaps you're picking up a new car next week. Contact Emergency Assist to discuss your options. In some cases, you may be able to set a future start date. This way, your 24-hour wait ends before you need the vehicle.

This works well when:

• Buying from a dealer with a set collection date

• Planning cover to start just before a big trip

• Timing it with the end of your current breakdown cover

 

 

Considering a Breakdown Membership?

 

Roadside

Essential UK roadside assistance at the scene.

From: £33/yr

Select Cover

 

Roadside + Recovery

Includes recovery to a local garage of your choice.

From: £46/yr

Select Cover

Most Popular

National Recovery

Recovery to any single UK destination of your choice.

From: £59/yr

Select Cover

 

UK & European

Full breakdown cover for the UK and Continental Europe.

From: £84/yr

Select Cover

 

What's Covered Once the Inception Period Ends?

After your 24-hour wait, you can use all the benefits in your chosen cover level. Depending on your membership, this might include:

• Roadside assistance: Help at the scene, whether it's a flat tyre, flat battery, or mechanical fault

• Home start: Cover for breakdowns at or near your home

• National recovery: Vehicle recovery if a roadside fix isn't possible

• Onward travel: A hire car, alternative transport like rail tickets, or a hotel stay if you're stranded far from home

• European breakdown cover: Protection when driving abroad, including roadside help and vehicle recovery across the continent

Some memberships also cover misfuelling; putting petrol in a diesel car or vice versa. This is more common than you'd think. It's a costly mistake without cover, but Emergency Assist will cover it at all cover levels.

Check your Membership Details to see what's included. With vehicle breakdown cover, your car is protected no matter who drives it. With personal cover, you're covered in any eligible vehicle. Both options follow the same 24-hour rule.

Whether you drive a car, van, or motorbike, the inception period works the same way. Once it's passed, you're protected for the full term of your membership.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does breakdown cover start immediately?

No. Most breakdown policies have a waiting period before cover begins. This applies to roadside help and vehicle recovery alike. At Emergency Assist, this is 24 hours from your Inception Date. This is standard practice and exists to prevent fraud.

How long before you can use breakdown cover?

With Emergency Assist, you can make your first call out 24 hours after your membership starts. The clock begins from the Inception Date on your Membership Details. It doesn't start when you get your documents.

Does AA breakdown cover start straight away?

The AA offers roadside help from 24 hours after purchase. But other services (recovery, home start, onward travel) usually begin the day after your membership starts. Always check the specific terms with any breakdown providers you're considering.

Does the RAC cover lost keys?

Key cover is usually an optional extra with most providers, including the RAC. At Emergency Assist, check your membership level to see if key help is included.

When does my breakdown cover start after changing vehicles?

If you change the vehicle on your Emergency Assist membership, a new 24-hour inception period starts. It begins from the date the change takes effect. Plan vehicle changes carefully to avoid gaps in cover.

Practical Takeaways

1. Check your Inception Date: Find this on your Membership Details so you know when your 24-hour period ends.

2. Buy at least 48 hours early: If you have a trip planned, get your membership with time to spare.

3. Know your backup options: Check if your car insurance includes breakdown assistance during the inception period.

4. Plan vehicle changes carefully: Adding a new vehicle triggers another 24-hour wait.

5. Prepare for high-risk seasons: Buy winter cover in autumn, before the cold weather hits.

6. Keep your documents handy: Store your Membership Details where you can find them fast.

7. Compare breakdown cover options carefully: Look at what's included after the inception period, not just the waiting time itself.

Check Your Cover

Cover varies by membership level. Not sure when your inception period ends? Or what's included in your membership? Check your Membership Details or review our Membership Wording at emergencyassistltd.co.uk.

Not yet a member? Get a quote today. Just remember to factor in the 24-hour inception period when planning your purchase.

This article is part of our Membership Clarity Series. We help members understand their breakdown cover in plain English. At Emergency Assist, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're paying for, no jargon, no surprises.