Introduction

Breakdown Cover can be of great assistance when you find your vehicle broken down on the side of the road. But what exactly does this term mean, and why is it a crucial consideration for every vehicle owner? This page aims to explain Breakdown Cover in simpler terms.

What is Breakdown Cover?

Breakdown cover, also known as breakdown and recovery, is a type of insurance designed to assist you when your vehicle breaks down. This form of insurance is particularly helpful for situations such as a flat car battery, a punctured tyre, or more severe mechanical faults affecting cars, vans, or motorcycles. The coverage ensures that you receive the necessary support, whether that involves roadside or at-home repairs, vehicle recovery, or towing, preventing you from being stranded without a working vehicle unexpectedly.

When opting for breakdown cover, consumers can generally purchase it as a standalone policy. However, some providers offer it as part of car insurance packages, and it can even be a feature included with certain bank accounts. It’s important to choose a trustworthy provider and consider the level of coverage that best suits your individual needs. Comparing quotes can be beneficial for those who don’t have breakdown cover to find a policy that offers both reliability and value.

The support offered by breakdown cover can vary, but it typically includes options such as home start, roadside assistance, national recovery, onward travel, and even European cover for those traveling abroad. These categories range from providing assistance at the roadside to ensuring protection for the full onward journey, helping to get your vehicle back on the road, transporting you to a garage for repairs, or taking you to a destination of your choice.

Do I need Breakdown Cover?

While breakdown cover isn’t legally required, it is highly recommended for individuals who drive regularly. Having breakdown cover brings peace of mind, knowing that help is readily available in case of a vehicle breakdown. Additionally, it can be cost-effective as it includes the price of roadside assistance, potentially saving you from expensive emergency callout fees if you were to break down without cover.

Even if you purchase a brand new car, considering breakdown cover is advisable. New cars might come with breakdown cover as part of the manufacturer’s warranty, but this is typically time-limited. Once the included cover expires, securing a separate policy is worthwhile. Despite new cars generally being less prone to breakdowns compared to older models with more mileage, unforeseen issues can still occur, making having at least basic cover a prudent choice.

Opting out of breakdown cover might seem like a way to reduce costs associated with owning and running a car. However, this could end up being more costly in the long run, as the expense of recovery services in the event of a breakdown is likely to surpass the annual cost of a breakdown policy. Choosing a respected and trusted provider for breakdown cover ensures that you have reliable support when needed, keeping you mobile and avoiding the inconvenience and potential expenses associated with vehicle breakdowns.

European Breakdown Cover

European breakdown cover is a specialized form of insurance designed for individuals traveling to Europe, whether for business, holiday, or other purposes. It ensures that travelers have the necessary support in case of a vehicle breakdown or emergency while abroad. This type of cover is particularly important as standard breakdown cover typically only applies within the UK.

European breakdown cover is flexible and can be adapted to suit individual travel habits and needs. For those who travel to Europe infrequently, perhaps once or twice a year, a single-trip policy may be appropriate. However, for individuals who travel to Europe regularly, an annual policy covering unlimited trips within the year might be a more suitable option.

One of the key benefits of European breakdown cover is that it often includes provisions for hotel accommodation or a hire car, which can be essential if a breakdown occurs en route to, or away from, your destination. Additionally, many providers offer English-speaking helplines to assist with language barriers and may facilitate the return of you and your vehicle back to the UK if necessary.

When considering European breakdown cover, it’s important to review what is included in the policy. Some providers may include services like a replacement hire car and vehicle towing back to the UK as standard, while others might charge extra for these services. It’s also advisable to check which countries are covered, whether the cover is available 24/7, if there are any additional charges for callouts, and what the limits on claims are. Inquiring about the provision of courtesy cars, the process for vehicle recovery to the UK, passenger repatriation, and extras like lost keys or wrong fuel repair are also essential.

Even if you already have UK breakdown cover, it likely won’t extend to European roadside assistance abroad. Therefore, if you’re planning on driving in Europe, securing European breakdown cover is a prudent step to ensure your journey is protected against any unexpected vehicular issues.

Conclusion

Breakdown Cover is an essential and invaluable addition to your insurance portfolio. It not only offers peace of mind and saves time and money, but it also comes with various options to suit your specific needs. In a world full of uncertainties, having Breakdown Cover ensures that mechanical failures or other issues won’t leave you stranded, securing your travels whether they are long journeys or daily commutes.