Did you know?
Over a third of all breakdowns are caused by either tyre problems or flat batteries
Source: The Automobile Association (AA) (www.theaa.com)
Comprehensive Breakdown Cover
Comprehensive breakdown cover varies between providers but, generally, offers cover for one or two additional breakdown scenarios, as well as offering all the benefits provided by a basic breakdown cover policy. Read more...>
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
RAC Roadside AssistanceCan locate you through your mobile phone |
28% |  |
|
 |
RAC Roadside Assistance with Home10% no call out discount |
25% | |
|
 |
RAC Roadside Assistance with Home & National RecoveryThis policy has all the options RAC offers |
25% | |
|
 |
Green Flag RescueNo callout charges and 30 years experience |
25% | |
|
 |
||||
A comprehensive breakdown cover policy will normally include provisions to either recover you to a destination more than 10 miles away, provide you with an alternative mode of transport to get you to your destination, or provide assistance if your vehicle is within ¼ of your home when it breaks down.
Basic breakdown cover will normally provide roadside assistance if you are over ¼ of a mile away from home. This will involve a mechanic driving to you so that they can either fix the problem at the side of the road, carry out a temporary repair so that you can drive yourself to a garage or to your destination, or, if neither of these options is viable, you would be towed to the destination of your choice within 10 miles of where your vehicle breaks down. Comprehensive cover comprises this level of basic cover plus one to two of the additional extras described above.
Most breakdown cover providers offer you the option to pick and mix your ideal breakdown cover policy based on your individual needs. If you only drive your vehicle around your local town, you may well benefit from taking your breakdown cover from a basic to a comprehensive level by adding a ‘Home Start’ option. You would then be able to call for help if your vehicle won’t start at home or if you break down within ¼ of where you live.
However, if you use your vehicle to travel further afield on a regular basis, you may want to consider adding a nationwide recovery option to your policy so that you can be towed to anywhere in the UK instead of to a destination within ten miles.
The provider will charge you for each add-on you have so you only end up paying for the cover you want and need. If you choose to have all three of the above extras you will have a Premium Breakdown Cover policy.
Top Tips
- If you only use your car for local travel, you may benefit from adding a ‘Home Start’ element to your breakdown cover.
- Make sure you carry your breakdown card with you at all times, because the provider will ask for your account details when you call for assistance.
- Compare breakdown cover policies before buying so that you find the right one to meet your individual needs.
Poll
Articles
Put paper on the bonfire – save money by switching to online deals
05 Nov 2008 | Read More ›- One good reason why credit cards can be a blessing in the credit crunch
22 Oct 2008 - How to use credit cards sensibly this Christmas
15 Oct 2008 - How “quote massaging” can cut the cost of your car insurance
09 Oct 2008
Need help sorting out your finances? Our tools and calculators
can help...