Breakdown cover will not stop your vehicle from breaking down but it can assist you in getting back on the road with a policy you can count on and here’s what you should think about.
What does breakdown cover?
If your car is damaged when you’re out and about The breakdown insurance policy is available to cover repairs. If you’re fortunate you might not require assistance but breakdowns often happen when you least expect them (and generally in the most un-affordable of places).
You can purchase cheap breakdown cover to be included in your car insurance or you can buy it as a stand-alone policy. The policies are also known as breakdown and recovery insurance.
Breakdown cover can also be included as a bonus with certain bank accounts , so make sure to see if you’ve already got insurance before doubling up on cover.
The type of assistance you receive during break down will be contingent on the amount of cover you have taken out For instance:
Roadside assistance — your insurance company will make arrangements for assistance to be at your home. A mechanic will be dispatched to your place and attempt to fix your vehicle by the roadside. If the issue isn’t fixed, they’ll usually arrange for your car to be hauled to the nearest garage. There are some restrictions apply and some policies will state you must be at a certain distance from your home in order to be eligible for roadside assistance.
Home assistance — if your car won’t start at your home (or in close proximity to your home) then you’ll be able to reach out for help and hopefully have your car repaired right away. Some policies offer your home-based breakdown cover is known as ‘home start’.
National recovery — If your car can’t be fixed by the roadside, you can request it be tow anywhere in the UK at your convenience.
Traveling onward — if the car you’re driving is not fixable These policies can help you travel on. This could include a taxi or hire car in addition to accommodation.
European breakdown cover — provides roadside assistance should you get down in Europe (double ensure that the country you’re visiting has coverage).
Are there any additional options I can add to my breakdown cover?
As with many other types of insurance you’ll have the option of adding additional features to cover a wider range of situations. Optional extras can include:
Replacements for lost keys
Tyre replacement
Replacement of batteries
Misfuelling
What is the cost of breakdown cover?
The price will depend on the extent of cover you select as well as the degree to which you’ve included any extras. Make sure you are aware that insurance companies create their own terms and conditions, so features will vary.
A cheap breakdown cover might appear to be a good idea when you purchase it, however it could not provide the best value once you actually require it. For instance, if do not have any roadside support, and must transport your vehicle to the garage because it isn’t able to be fixed, you’ll need to do it yourself. In addition, if your car has broken down in the middle of your trip, you’ll need to factor in additional travel expenses and, possibly accommodation as well.
However an approach that includes national recovery and travel could appear costly, but it can provide the best value for money, and be a lot more practical.
Can I afford to cover the cost of car breakdown cover per month?
It is possible to cover breakdown cover per month but paying annually may be the most affordable option. Instalments can help you spread the cost but you could be paying more when the interest charges are added.
Can I add additional people to my breakdown and recovery insurance?
Breakdown cover is usually very flexible and in many cases you’ll have the option to add several named drivers and their respective cars to your insurance. These policies for multiple cars are perfect for families where each member owns their own vehicle.
There are also policies that cover one car, but many drivers, making them perfect in the event that you share a car with family members.
What can I expect if I fall down?
The possibility of crashing on the road could leave you in a panic but try to remain calm. Here’s what you need to do:
Find a safe place to park on motorways or carriageways park as far from the left side of the hard shoulder as possible.
Be seen — you need to wear a high-visibility jacket or jacket. You should also put on the hazard lights in your car on.
Take your vehicle out (if it’s appropriate to take the necessary steps) — If you’re traveling on a busy highway, try getting out through the passenger side so you don’t run the risk of getting involved in traffic. According to the Highway Code recommends heading to the verge at the side or road. Pets must be kept out of the vehicle unless they can be controlled properly.
Get help in the event that you have breakdown or recovery insurance, phone your insurer. They’ll assist you with the arrangements and offer you advice based on your current situation.
What happens if I go down and don’t have breakdown cover?
If you don’t have breakdown and recovery insurance, there are several choices:
Make use of emergency phonesThey’re located one mile apart on the hard shoulder of motorways that connect with the Highways Agency or the police. The caller should be able to describe where they are as well as your situation, and they’ll dispatch help. You should face towards the traffic when you call. Go back to your car after you’ve completed the call and stay near the road.
Call a local garage- if you know the location of your home and you need assistance, contact a garage near you for help.
Purchase breakdown cover the moment you need it. Afterwards -you can purchase emergency breakdown cover at an intersection from providers such as the AA The RAC and Green Flag.
You should bear in mind that these choices are likely to cost significantly more than an auto breakdown insurance. Even if you decide to buy emergency cover by the side of the road, it will cost you a higher price compared to those who purchased the insurance prior to purchasing.
What’s not covered by my insurance for car breakdowns?
Your policy is likely to have several terms and exclusions. These may differ from insurer to insurer however, policies might not cover:
Broken down on private land
Pets onward travel
Breakdowns caused by an accident
The cause of breakdowns is poor maintenance (for example, if you didn’t topped up the oil)
Is breakdown cover worth the cost?
This is your decision. If you’re not worried about having a problem or breaking down, or if your vehicle is fairly new and you’re convinced that you won’t have to break down, then you might not want or need insurance.
But, the nature of breakdowns mean that it’s impossible to predict the time when it could happen, and there’s much to be said about peace of mind in the road.
