Summer Survival Guide - Part 1 - The best of breakdown cover

There are several options for breakdown cover - many insurance companies also offer good cover at competitive rates - but here we look at three of the most popular.

The AA
Website www.theaa.com

Roadside
Price from £29
This offers assistance when you have broken down more than a quarter of a mile from your home. If your car can't be fixed at the roadside, the AA takes you and your car to the nearest garage or to an alternative local destination - provided this is no farther.

Home Start
Price from £66.75
Home Start gives you help when you have broken down at home or within a quarter of a mile of it. If the AA can't arrange a prompt repair, it'll take you and your car to the nearest garage or another local destination - provided this is no farther.

Relay
Price from £72
If you break down at the roadside (and the AA can't arrange a prompt repair) it'll transport you, your car and up to seven passengers home, or to any mainland UK destination of your choice.

Stay Mobile
Price from £59.25
If you've broken down and the AA can't arrange a prompt local repair, you have several alternative travel options. Choose from a replacement car for up to 72 hours, public transport costs or overnight accommodation.

European cover
The AA does offer European cover, but you will need to get a tailored quote at www.theaa.com or by calling 0800 072 3279.


Green Flag
Website www.greenflag.co.uk

Rescue
Price from £25
Rescue gives you roadside assistance away from home, as well as recovery to the nearest garage if your car can't be fixed where it is.

Rescue Plus
Price from £44
Like Rescue, but includes assistance if your car breaks down at home.

Recovery
Price from £46
Like Rescue, but includes transportation of you and your car to your home or to a location of your choice within the UK.

Recovery Plus
Price from £57
Like Recovery, but includes assistance if your car breaks down at home. Also includes a hire car while yours is fixed, and options to continue your journey on alternative transport.

European Plus
Price from £118.00
This is the same as Recovery Plus, but includes 90 days' free European cover for vehicles less than 16 years old.


The RAC
Website www.rac.co.uk

Roadside
Price from £33
Roadside offers assistance anywhere in the UK, provided you are at least a quarter of a mile away from home. Also includes towing to a garage within 10 miles if your car cannot be fixed at the roadside.

Solution 1
Price from £69
Same as Roadside, but also includes recovery for up to eight people to any UK destination and a replacement car for up to three days while yours is being repaired. Overnight accommodation or onward travel by train or plane is also available.

Solution 2
Price from £75
Same as Roadside, but also includes assistance if you breakdown at home.

Solution 3
Price from £102
Same as Solution 1, but also includes assistance within a quarter of a mile of your home.

Solution 4
Price from £128.25
Same as Solution 1, but also includes assistance within a quarter of a mile of your home and a replacement car for up to three days if a roadside repair is not possible.

European cover
The RAC does offer European cover, but you will need to get a tailored quote at www.therac.co.uk or by calling 0800 015 6000.