Should I get breakdown cover for my Tesla? What cover does Tesla provide?

Although Electric Vehicles are regarded to be more reliable compared with ICE vehicles sometimes the inevitable happens and we need help, Tesla covers your car for any warranty issues and for tyre punctures if you’re within 50 miles of a service centre but they don’t cover you for anything else (e.g. damage to wheels, accidents, glass, lost keys etc.)

Some owners carry numerous items to help get their cars back on the road but a large percentage of UK owners also have dedicated breakdown cover as well.

Things to remember when buying:

• Remember all Teslas need to be placed on a flatbed when moved so cannot be towed.
• Ensure the cover includes Recovery to any address in the UK, some policies will only drop you at the nearest garage.
• Ensure it covers you for Europe if you plan to visit.
• Double check your car insurance policy or bank account doesn’t already offer included membership, if so check it’s suitable.
• If the car is registered to your company ensure the policy is suitably covering you and the car
• Some policies T&Cs insist that you carry a serviceable spare (no Tesla come with this).
• You may be better off buying UK cover and then adding European cover for trips only
• Check the Defacto rating for the exact policy you’re thinking of buying

Source: theaa.com

Companies to consider:

• The AA* (with optional European cover) – NOTE: Paid members can get an exclusive discount on AA coverage here. Proven track record with Teslas (they were/are a partner with Tesla), over 1,000 more dedicated vehicles than anyone else. 77% Which? Score | 4.6/5 Trustpilot score.
• RAC –  4/4 Trustpilot score | 66% Which? Score.
• Green flag –  4.5/5 Trustpilot Score | 67% Which? Score.
• Britannia Rescue – 83% Which? Score [Recommended Provider]
• AutoAid They cover Tesla and Will flatbed to tyre shop if required. Takes 48 hours to commence coverage. 4.72/5 Reviews Score | 79% Which? Score 
• Some bank accounts offer breakdown cover as a benefit. Many of our members have opened a Nationwide Flexplus account (https://www.nationwide.co.uk/current-accounts/flexplus/ ) which gives full UK/Europe AA cover for less than buying directly from AA, and also includes travel and mobile phone insurance. If you have more than one driver travelling separately, open a joint account (same cost as a single one) to get breakdown cover for both people. Warning: Double check what is and isn’t included in this policy, as some members also report missing features compared with buying direct.

A now defunct offering from RAC [Source]

Do any companies cover ‘I’ve run out of power’ and need a top up?

• The RAC did offer an emergency charge service but the scheme was scrapped presumably as it’s very unlikely for an EV to completely run out of power.
• All companies should be able to cover you by transporting you to a nearby charger but it’s worth ensuring they wait whilst you charge just in case the charge fails (this can be up to 30 minutes for a completely flat Tesla battery, you may be best to aim for a non-supercharger location, why? click here).
• Tesla WILL NOT tow you to a supercharger etc if you run out (this changed at some point in 2018).

Will I still be waiting 1-4 hours for pick up? What else can I do?

Possibly, all breakdown companies priorities based on safety, if you’re not in a vulnerable position you risk going to the back of the queue, to counter this you may consider the following to get you to warmth/safety etc:

• A tyre pump + combined with a superior valve*
• Tyre gunk + Valve Tool*
• Dyna Plug or similar plugging kit*
• A few hi-viz jackets*
• Flashing Road Flares*
• Rechargeable Flood Light*
• A Multi-tool*
• Heavy Duty Tow Rope*
• Non-Slip Gloves*
• Hand Warmers*

I thought Tesla covered me?

They do, but only to a point. Here is the wording from Tesla.com [source] and over the years there has been lots of people thinking Tesla provide a full breakdown service but that simply isn’t true nor has it ever been true.

Tesla Roadside support is there for warranty related items only that prevent you from continuing your journey. Everything else (wheels, glass, vandalism, collision, damage, lost keys etc.) requires a proper roadside assistance policy from a 3rd party.  They do offer limited support for flat tyres (within 50 miles of a service centre).

Other non urgent issues must be dealt with by your local service centre by booking an appointment on the app or website.

When is Tesla Roadside Assistance coverage end:

Read the full Roadside Assistance policy for more details.

Surely my insurance company will pay for recovery after a collision?

Yes, they will.

Warning for those that already get it via their bank account etc

“My bank uses AA but it doesn’t cover recovery – worth checking what you actually get. ”