Is breakdown cover worth it?

Breakdown cover can’t prevent your car from breaking down but it can help you get back on the roadin the event of a claim, you can rely on and here’s what you should consider.

What is cheap breakdown cover?

If your vehicle breaks down when you’re out and about It’s a good idea to have breakdown insurance to cover repairs. If you’re really lucky you might not have to seek help but breakdowns can happen when you least expect it (and generally in the most un-affordable of locations).

You can purchase the breakdown cover within your car insurance or you can purchase it as a separate policy. These policies are also referred to as recovery and breakdown insurance.

Breakdown cover can also be included as a perk with some banks so always make sure whether you’ve been covered before you double up on cover.

The type of help you receive when breaking down will be contingent on the level of cover you choose to take out, for example:

Roadside assistance – your insurer will arrange for help to be at your home. A mechanic will be dispatched to your place and try to repair your car at the roadside. If they are unable to fix it and they’ll arrange for your car to be towed to the nearest garage. There are some exclusions apply and many policies will state you must have a specific distance from home in order to qualify for roadside assistance.

Assistance at home — if your car won’t start at home (or close to your home), you’ll be able to get help from a local number and hope to get your vehicle repaired right away. Some policies offer home breakdown cover is known as ‘homestart’.

National recovery — If your vehicle can’t be repaired at the roadside, you could arrange for it to be towable anywhere in the UK to make it easier for you.

When you travel to the next destination, if your car can’t be fixed the following policies can help you travel on. This may include a taxi or hire car in addition to accommodation.

European breakdown cover covers roadside recovery if you break down within Europe (double make sure that the country you’re traveling to has coverage).

Can I add extras to my breakdown cover?

Yes, like many other kinds of insurance, you’ll have the option of adding on other options to cover an array of events. Optional extras can include:

Replacements for keys lost
Tyre replacement
Replacement of batteries
Misfuelling

What is the cost of breakdown cover?

The cost will very much depend on the level of cover you pick and whether or not you’ve added additional features. Be aware that insurance companies have the terms of their contracts, so features will vary.

Cheap breakdown cover may seem like an excellent idea when you buy it, however, it might not be a good value when you actually need it. For instance, if do not have any roadside support and need to transport your car back to your home, since it’s not able to be fixed, you’ll have to organize this on your own. If you’ve also broken down during your journey, you’ll be required to take into account onward travel costs and potentially accommodation costs too.

However policies that include national recovery and travel may appear expensive, however it may provide more value for money and be much more practical.

Can I pay for car breakdown cover every month?

You can purchase breakdown cover monthly but paying annually may be the cheaper alternative. Paying in installments might aid in spreading the cost , however you may pay more after interest costs are added.

Can I add other people to my breakdown and recovery insurance?

Breakdown cover is typically flexible and in many cases you’ll be able to add several named drivers and their cars to your insurance. These multi-car car policies are ideal if each family member owns a vehicle.

You can also purchase policies that cover only one car but multiple drivers, making them ideal in the event that you share a car with family members.

How do I proceed if I fall down?

In the event of an accident, it can leave you in a panic but try to remain calm. here’s the steps you’ll need to do:

Find a safe place to park — on motorways and carriageways, park as much from the left side of the hard shoulder as possible.
Be noticed — you should wear a high-visibility vest or jacket, and also put your car hazard lights on.
Get out of your car (if it’s safe to take the necessary steps) If you’re traveling on a busy highway you should try exiting on the passenger side to ensure you don’t get trapped in traffic. 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 properly controlled.
Get help if you have breakdown and recovery insurance, call your insurer. They’ll assist you with the arrangements and provide you with advice based on your current situation.

What happens if i break down and don’t have break cover?

If you don’t have breakdown and recovery insurance, there are various options:

You can use emergency phonesThey’re located just one mile apart on the hard shoulder of motorways which connect you to Highways Agency or the police. It is important to explain where you are and the situation and they’ll be able to dispatch help. It is best to face the road when you make this phone call. Go back to your car after you’ve completed the call and remain on the verge.
Find a garage near youIf you are aware of where you are or where you are, you can contact a local garage for help.
Purchase breakdown cover at that point and thenyou can purchase emergency breakdown cover at near the intersection, from various providers including the AA The RAC, or Green Flag.

Keep in mind that these options will likely cost significantly higher than an insurance policy for breakdowns. Even if you decide to buy emergency cover by the side of the road, you’ll have to pay a higher price compared to when you purchased the policy beforehand.

What’s not covered under my car breakdown insurance?

Your policy will include several limitations and conditions. The conditions and exclusions will vary according to the insurer but policies may not cover:

Broken down on private land
Pets onward travel
The breakdowns are caused by accidents
Broken downs caused by inadequate maintenance (for instance , if it wasn’t top-off the oil)

Is breakdown cover worth it?

This is your decision. If you’re not concerned about a breakdown or if your car is relatively new and you’re convinced that it’s not likely to be a problem, then you don’t require or want insurance.

The nature of breakdowns mean that you simply don’t know when one might happen and there’s much to be said about peace of mind when you’re traveling.