Isn’t driving great? Open road, freedom to travel wherever you like, whenever you please, for pleasure or business, in any weather, at night or day, with or without passengers.
So far, so good. What happens when the car grinds to a stop and you’re left stranded on the side of the highway? Although modern cars are very reliable, it is not uncommon to see a vehicle stranded on the roadside or in a layby.
If your car fails, you can either hope it never happens or, in the event that it does, hire a local company to drive you home many miles away at a high cost. You could also consider signing up for a national breakdown policy, especially if your car is driven a lot.
There were two main options for breakdown coverage in the past – either the AA, or the RAC. Both began as motoring organisations that you paid an annual membership fee for. Breakdown cover was one of the benefits.
The AA is still run in this way, whereas the RAC has separated its breakdown service and members’ club into separate organisations. Assistance vans will feature Chapter 8 Chevrons from a site like www.vehiclechevrons.com
As part of the new car purchase package, most car manufacturers offer breakdown cover up to a certain number of years. What happens when the warranty expires?
Some auto insurers include roadside assistance as part of their policies. This is usually an additional cost. Accepting one of these may not be your best option, especially if you could sign up yourself for a policy that offers more benefits and a lower price.
What to look out for when buying a breakdown insurance
Most providers require you to enter details about your vehicle and address before they will give you a quote. In reality, your price is likely to be more expensive than advertised. Compare packages that are similar and ignore headline deals.
Most breakdown providers require an annual subscription and offer a wide range of services, from roadside assistance to European rescue. The majority of breakdown providers include the recovery of your car to your home, or a designated garage. There are also home-starting options available if you have problems with your car before leaving. Each of these “extras” can add a significant amount to your annual subscription.
Check if your policy already includes breakdown assistance and what level it provides. You’ll avoid paying twice for the same cover and only pay if you want it.
It is important to read the fine print. Does the policy cover all vehicles driven by the household or just one?
You may also find that some operators require you to purchase a whole year of membership in order to come to your aid.