Breaking down at the side of the road is every motorist’s worse nightmare, so let’s take a look at the importance of having the correct breakdown cover.
Let’s start at the beginning
Breakdown cover is essentially cover that helps you out should your car break down. From a punctured tyre to an accident that requires a hydraulic winch, breakdown assistance will make sure you are not left stranded.
The choice is yours
There are various options available when it comes to taking out breakdown cover. Personal cover means you are covered in any vehicle as long as it is within the terms of your policy; alternatively, vehicle cover is relevant to a certain vehicle. Generally speaking, the latter is the cheaper option.
You will also have a choice of more traditional cover – paying an annual fee for 24/7 cover as stated in your policy, from callouts to towing services. In the worst-case scenario, this may even involve the use of a recovery winch from a company such as https://www.brevini.co.uk/power-transmission/winches/recovery-winches/.
There is also insurance-style cover available whereby you pay for the various breakdown services offered in your policy and claim the money back afterwards.
What to expect from breakdown cover
Generally speaking, you can expect the following from a policy:
– Roadside assistance.
– Vehicle recovery.
– At-home breakdown.
– Onward travel.
That little extra
An array of optional extras are available, including:
– Key replacement.
– Battery replacement.
– Tyre replacement.
– Wrong fuel.
– Family and multi-car.
– Special vehicles.
– European breakdown cover.
Beware of the exclusions
It is worth being aware that there are some situations in which breakdown cover may not help you. These include:
– Breaking down on private land.
– Breaking down with animals or pets on board.
– Breaking down after an accident.
– Breaking down due to improper maintenance.
– Breaking down abroad.
What is the cost?
The cost of car breakdown cover depends on a variety of factors, including the type and level of cover, any extras, the number and type of vehicles, and factors such as the age, make and model. These all have a bearing on breakdown cover cost.
Wise words
It is worth knowing what to do in case you do breakdown and how to undertake some preventative measures by learning basic car maintenance.
