Many motorists can't afford a breakdown

More than half of the UK's motorists would struggle to pay for repair bills if their car broke down, according to a new survey.

The research, carried out by insurance specialist Warranty Direct, revealed that 53% of the 3000 motorists questioned said that they wouldn't be able to afford the average repair bill of 273.

The survey also found that a third of drivers are considering extending their car's service intervals in an attempt to save money.

Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure Fisher said: 'This is worrying, because some motorists are just burying their heads in the sand.

'In the short term you could save a bit of cash by not servicing your car, but eventually it is going to need work and you're only increasing the likelihood that it's going to be a very expensive repair job.'