Best Breakdown Cover Options To Consider

Without the right insurance, you could end up with a hefty call-out fee if your car breaks down. If you want to avoid the hassle, stress, and damage to your wallet, you'll need some type of breakdown cover.

With several breakdown cover options to choose from, you can select one that best fits your needs. Having a breakdown cover gives you peace of mind while you’re on the road. 

What is breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that provides roadside assistance and recovery if your car breaks down.

It helps keep your expenses down since getting breakdown cover is usually more affordable than paying for roadside assistance yourself.

You can pay for the cover either monthly or annually, although you can often save more by choosing the latter. 

How does a breakdown cover work?

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance policy that delivers roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.

Imagine this: you’re driving on a motorway or any road in the UK, and you start to experience trouble with your car.

You pull over at a safe spot and call your breakdown cover provider. They send a specialist wherever you are and can sometimes fix your car right then and there. 

If the car needs more work, it will be towed to the nearest garage. Depending on your coverage, the provider can also help you get home, send over a replacement car, or assist you so you can continue your journey. 

Different Types of Breakdown Covers

Like all insurance, you can choose many different types of breakdown cover. Let’s break down some of the most common types of breakdown cover available:

Roadside Assistance

If you only want the most basic level of breakdown cover, you may get Roadside Assistance. With this cover, you can call for help, and then a specialist will come to your location and hopefully fix your car there.

Keep in mind that this cover is only applicable if you’re at a certain distance from your residence. Usually, this is about a quarter of a mile from your home. 

If the specialist is unable to complete the repair on the spot, your car will be taken to the nearest garage or to one approved by your insurance provider.

Depending on your policy, your car might be towed to your preferred location. But check with your provider to see if this is possible, and ask how far your car can be towed. 

Vehicle Recovery

With this type of breakdown plan, your basic roadside assistance cover will also include more options for where you want your car to be towed.

For example, the breakdown service may take your car to your preferred garage or to any place in the UK.

You may ask that your car be taken to your residence if it breaks down somewhere that’s already a long distance from your home. 

Onward Travel

Having this type of cover means your cost for continuing your journey to reach your destination will be covered.

Most insurance providers usually offer three options. Your provider can arrange a hire car that you can use for a maximum of three days while your vehicle is being repaired.

You may also choose to use public transport to continue your trip, and the insurance provider will cover the expenses for your taxi, train, or bus.

Lastly, the insurance provider can arrange overnight accommodation so you can wait while your car is still in the garage. 

Home-Start Rescue

In case your car breaks down while you’re still at home, this type of cover lets you call for assistance. Don't assume this is covered in a basic policy; this catches many people out!

Home-Start Rescue breakdown cover also lets you call for help if your car breaks down within a quarter of a mile from your home.

This type of cover is like roadside assistance. If the specialist finds that your car needs more work, it can be towed to the nearest garage. 

Optional Features

Alongside standard breakdown cover policies, you can also choose to add on various extras. These include:

Key replacement

If you need new locks, have lost your keys, or if they’ve been damaged or stolen, you can call for assistance. You might get a hire car while your current one is getting new locks. 

Battery cover

The cause of your car breakdown might be a flat battery. If you have this optional cover, your battery can be recharged for you. Or, if you need a new one, the provider will cover the cost of getting a new battery.

Tyre replacement

If your car's tyre punctures, a specialist will come to you and repair or fit a replacement so you can proceed to your destination. 

Takeaway

Having a breakdown cover that fits your needs will give you peace of mind whenever you travel, especially if you drive frequently or travel long distances.

With a breakdown cover, you can be sure that help will come if you ever encounter any trouble with your vehicle. J

ust make sure that you choose the right level of breakdown cover so that you will have all the assistance you need if your car ever breaks down. 👍

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