Breakdown hotspots identified in new research
The UK’s breakdown hotspots have been revealed following analysis of more than 300,000 breakdowns last year.
MoneySuperMarket looked at breakdown data from 303,213 incidents during 2025 following a Freedom of Information request to National Highways.
It found most breakdowns occurred on the M1 (47,372), followed by the M6 (46,098) and the M25 (31,188). Other motorways featuring high on the list include the M4 (21,541) and the M62 (20,240).
The data has been released ahead of the Easter weekend, when up to 21 million car journey are expected on UK roads.
Easter weekend
Alicia Hempsted, car insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Easter is one of the busier times for UK roads, with our analysis showing the routes which consistently see breakdowns during peak travel periods, such as the M1, M25 and M6.
“Our data also shows that Fridays are the most common day for breakdowns, with 49,221 incidents recorded in 2025. While it’s only natural for drivers to want to set off quickly ahead of the bank holiday weekend, this rush could increase the risk of something going wrong with their vehicle during the journey.
“Long journeys and stop-start traffic place additional strain on vehicles, especially if other checks have been overlooked in the rush to get away for the weekend.
“In the event of a car breakdown this Easter bank holiday, drivers should be aware that while abandoning your car doesn’t automatically invalidate your insurance, many motor insurance policies require drivers to take reasonable steps to protect their vehicle and prevent damage. If a car is left unattended in a dangerous/unsuitable location and is damaged, stolen, or causes an incident, insurers may take this into account when assessing a claim.”
