Types of Breakdown Cover

• Automatic Policy

  This is the most common type of Breakdown Cover and is a fairly standard policy that charges you an annual fee and covers you for a certain number of call-out’s per year. Your vehicle will be fixed and you will be charged nothing for the call out. It’s a convenient option for most people and only fails to cover you if your car is an old banger that needs to be fixed every other week.

• Insurance Policy

  The second type of Breakdown Cover is often a cheaper “pay as you go” option that works like a traditional insurance policy. When you contact your provider they will pass the call to a local company. You will pay for the call out and recovery and then claim the money back from your provider. The reason it’s cheaper is that it’s a bit more work on your part.

Your Options Explained

• Roadside Assistance

  is the most basic for of Breakdown Cover. If you break down away from home your breakdown company will send a mechanic to wherever you are. Most companies won’t come out if you are less than a quarter of a mile from your home. Hopefully, they will fix the problem there and then but if this isn’t possible they will take you and your car to the nearest garage or back to your home, depending which is closer. Each company and each policy varies as to how far they will tow you and what type of problems are covered for free.

• Vehicle Recovery

  Vehicle Recovery is usually offered on top of the basic policy as an extra premium to ensure you, your passengers and your car are towed to anywhere in the UK.

• Home Assistance

  Home Assistance is another option in case your car doesn’t start one morning or comes to a stop just as your setting off from home. Most companies cover you while you are less than a quarter of a mile from home and will either come immediately or at a later time if more convenient for you.

• Full Cover

  Full Cover allows you to extend your policy to include onward travel. This normally includes a replacement vehicle for a set period of time, overnight accommodation while your car is being repaired or alternative transport costs. Each company provide slightly different cover so be sure to check out the details to ensure you sign up to the right policy for you.

What To Insure?

• Cover Yourself Or Your Car

  When you ask for a quote you’ll be asked whether you want the recovery to cover the driver or the car. If you get cover for yourself it means you are covered in any car (useful if you often drive another family members car). If you choose to cover your car then the car is covered even if another driver is behind the wheel when it breaks down.