Buying Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover is one of those things that you can easily dismiss as being surplus to requirements. That is until you really need it. Stranded on the side of the M4 at 9pm in November, 200 miles from home was one of those occasions. Thankfully I'm a member of the AA so a quick call (yes my mobile was nearly flat too) and a rather cold wait for a flat bed truck to arrive. I'd never really looked into breakdown cover - having bought AA cover simply as they were the most familiar.

Types of breakdown cover

Basic roadside cover
The cheapest option available. You are covered if your car breaks down at the side of the road. If your car cannot be fixed at the roadside you, your passengers and your vehicle will be taken to the closest garage. Normally only covered once you are a certain distance from your home.

Recovery
The mechanic will try to fix your car at the roadside. If the car cannot be fixed, you, your passengers and your vehicle will be transported to your home or destination of your choice. Normally only covered once you are a certain distance from your home.

Home cover
Roadside or Recovery levels can be upgraded for a fee to cover breakdowns at your home address for example if your car won't start.

Some breakdown providers cover the driver and some cover the vehicle - handy if you have two cars. It is important to note that policies vary - don't just look at the price, and shop around - RAC Breakdown Cover is cheaper when you buy online. Ensure the breakdown cover provides nationwide 24-hour service - breakdowns can happen at anytime as I found out!

If your car breaks down

I was lucky to be travelling on an empty motorway and coast to the hard shoulder. In any case, if you suspect your car is playing up, pull off the road and stop in a safe position, switch on the hazard lights and call your breakdown cover providers. 10% of all motorway accidents involve a collision with a vehicle on the hard shoulder so stand behind a crash barrier well away from your vehicle. If you stop suddenly on the road, put your hazard lights on and if possible place a warning triangle 50 paces back down the road to warn other traffic.

European Breakdown Cover

Whether you're venturing to the Nurburgring, or going on a beer run, European breakdown cover can be well worth having - the costs of storing and transporting your broken car back home quickly adds up - it can cost £2,000 to have a car shipped back from Germany or £4,500 to return a car plus family of four from France. A car that is three or more years old has a 10% chance of breaking down at least once a year according to financial comparison site Moneysupermarket.com.

All in all it's easy to see breakdown cover as yet another expense and one you'll only see the benefit of should the worst happen. When I've had to call upon my breakdown cover I've always been pleased to have things taken care of be it a roadside fix or a flat bed home. I'd rather not be stuck by the side of the road any longer than I need be.

More articles