How to choose the best breakdown cover
There’s a wide range of breakdown cover types and optional extras available. Find out which policy would suit you best...
Despite being ever-more reliable, new cars are getting increasingly complex. As a result, when they go wrong, they’re often much harder to put right.
Fortunately, breakdown cover is an affordable way to get peace of mind that any problems you encounter at the roadside will be sorted by a professional mechanic. However, many breakdown providers offer different cover levels and a myriad of optional extras.
So, what’s the right type of breakdown cover for you? Here, we share what service you’ll get with each level of cover, the different add-ons offered by providers and how to get cover outside the UK.
What is breakdown cover?
Put simply, breakdown cover is a policy that helps a driver avoid paying hefty fees to a recovery service when they encounter a fault with their vehicle on the move.
However, as we discovered in a recent study of providers, not all breakdown cover policies are created equal. For instance, much like car insurance, most providers will offer a range of cover levels, which provide motorists with different amounts of support.
There are two main types of breakdown cover: vehicle and personal. Vehicle cover assists you if a specific vehicle breaks down, regardless of who's at the wheel. Personal cover assists you in any vehicle, whether you're the driver or a passenger.
Vehicle breakdown cover is cheaper than personal cover, but if you regularly drive more than one vehicle, personal cover might be a better option.
What types of breakdown cover are there?
Breakdown cover isn't free, but there are various levels of cover and cost to suit your budget, with entry-level policies available for as little as £20 per year. Roadside assistance cover, which is sometimes referred to as a ‘basic policy’, entitles customers to support at the roadside. In most cases, an engineer will be called out to the stranded vehicle and either conduct any necessary repairs at the roadside or tow it to a nearby garage. That said, drivers will likely need to pay for any replacement parts fitted by the professional or any work conducted by the garage themselves. Moreover, not all of these policies give nationwide coverage, with some only responding to drivers’ calls if they are between a quarter of a mile and 10 miles from their home.
A national breakdown recovery policy allows drivers whose car cannot be repaired at the roadside to choose a destination across the UK in order to get it fixed. This is particularly useful for drivers travelling on holidays and business trips who are concerned that an unexpected issue could ruin their travel plans.
Onward travel policies go one step further in providing customers other means to get to their intended destination if their vehicle is unable to be repaired at the roadside. This typically includes being given a courtesy car, but may also mean paying for public transport or, in some cases, covering the cost of a hotel for the night.
Alternatively, home start breakdown recovery allows drivers to call out their breakdown cover provider if their car has a fault near or in a very short radius from their home – typically a quarter of a mile away. One of the biggest benefits to a home start breakdown recovery policy is the ability to avoid the frustration of getting a broken car to a garage without incurring an expensive tow fee.
What optional extras do breakdown cover providers offer?
When getting breakdown cover for their car, drivers can also opt for a wide range of optional extras, which typically entitles them to call out an expert in specific situations.
Optional extras typically offered by breakdown cover providers include:
- Misfuel cover – allowing motorists to use a vehicle breakdown service when they have put the wrong fuel in their vehicle.
- Windscreen cover – settling the expense of replacing a cracked or otherwise damaged windscreen.
- Battery cover – giving drivers the ability to call out their cover provider if a worn or faulty battery leaves them stranded. Most policies will also cover the cost of a replacement.
Tyre cover – allowing drivers to get any punctured tyres repaired at the roadside or replaced at a nearby garage. These policies typically feature a maximum price for each tyre and issues related to insufficient tread are not covered.
- Key cover – covering the cost of replacing a missing, stolen or malfunctioning key. Some of these policies will entitle customers to a courtesy car or a public transport fund until the keys are ready – usually after a couple of days.
- Motor excess protection – allowing drivers to claim back any voluntary excess paid to their car insurance provider to fund repairs to their vehicle.
- Legal expenses protection – helping motorists cover the legal costs when pursuing a claim for damages to the driver, their vehicle or personal belongings. This can also include cover for legal defence and travel back to the UK if the incident occurred in Europe.
All of these additional features have their uses, but can considerably increase the cost of the policy. As a result, drivers should always think carefully about the extras they choose, based on the mileage they cover and the condition and age of their vehicle. For example, drivers who have not replaced their car’s battery for more than five years should be more inclined to get battery cover.
How can I get breakdown cover abroad?
Vehicle recovery from Europe back to the UK can be hugely expensive, so European breakdown cover is obviously a sensible option if you're planning on driving there.
It often forms part of a regular 12-month policy, or it can be bought on a one-off basis for a specific trip. Cover for France for a day trip can cost less than £10 from some of the major organisations.
Can I get a discount on my breakdown cover?
You shouldn't simply accept the renewal quote without comparing it with other deals. There's plenty of competition in this market, and they all want to win your business. Comparison websites are an invaluable source of assistance.
If you do decide to stick with the same breakdown provider, it’s best to phone them directly and ask for a discount. While not everyone feels comfortable haggling, most companies are able to reduce the price of cover for customers who are shopping around for a better deal.
Cover providers may also throw in additional membership benefits or introductory deals like half-price MoT tests. Moreover, some companies will reward customers who make no callouts by offering cheaper renewal deals. Ask what you're entitled to when your cover comes up for renewal.
