Breakdown cover is a complex product. It varies considerably in terms of cost and flexibility. It’s generally possible to get cover even on a low budget, but you need to be careful that you aren’t going to be left high and dry if the cover isn’t a good fit.
Covering You or the Car
First off, you need to decide whether you will cover drivers or cars. It sounds simple, but there’s no obvious choice; it just depends how you use your vehicle.
For example, a family with three adults sharing one vehicle would probably opt to insure the car. But if the main driver had to regularly travel in other vehicles for work, it may make more sense to insure them and not the car they own.
Insuring the person and not the vehicle is handy, because it covers that person whether they’re driving or not. That can make it expensive.
Types of Cover
So once you’ve decided how to set up your cover, you need to decide how comprehensive it’ll be. The very best cover will relieve you of any worries about being stranded at home or while away, but it’ll cost more.
The most basic type of cover will get you, and your vehicle, to the nearest garage in the event of a break down that can’t be fixed by the road. From there, it’ll be up to you to sort yourself out and get home by your chosen means.
Alternatively, you might choose to buy a policy that’ll ensure you’re recovered to your onward destination (or back to your home). For people likely to be travelling with kids, this is a more comforting option that will ensure you aren’t stuck in an unknown place.
For complete peace of mind, you might opt for a policy that’ll cover you at home. So if your car doesn’t start, the recovery vehicle will pick it up and tow it to a garage of your choice in the local area.
Naturally, there are also restrictions; most policies are UK or Europe only, and will have some exceptions. For example, you might be limited to a maximum number of callouts per year. So if you have an old or unreliable car, this is a feature you should check.
Final Tips on Breakdown Cover
Breaking down miles from home is an unpleasant experience at the best of times. In the middle of winter, in the dark, with kids in tow, it doesn’t bear thinking about. So a cheap breakdown policy is worth having.
But it’s no good paying for something that won’t cover your car, or -- on the flipside -- will result in you being massively over-insured. But don’t assume that new cars don’t break down. Any car can suffer tyre problems; it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Invest some time in comparing prices and looking at the policy wording, and really think about the way you use your car, its age, and the urgency of completing a typical journey. Armed with that information, you should quickly hone in on a policy that works well for you and your family
*The information in this blog is designed to provide helpful information on the subjects discussed. Please seek a professional for expert advice as we can not be held responsible for any damages or negative consequences upon following this information.