The last thing you need this summer holiday when your car is stuffed to the brim with camping and beach gear is to break down at the side of the road without breakdown cover. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you figure out what type of breakdown cover is best for you. Don’t forget to earn cashback when you take out a breakdown policy.
What types of breakdown cover are there?
You can take out different types of breakdown cover, personal or vehicle.
With personal breakdown you’ll be covered in any vehicle as long as it meets the requirements stated in your policy. You’ll also be able to claim whether you were driving or a passenger.
Vehicle breakdown cover lets you claim for a specific vehicle, be it a car, van, or motorcycle. If you have a number of vehicles then it may be worth looking at a multi-policy which will allow you to cover numerous vehicles under one policy.
Traditional vs insurance style
You’ll also have the option of traditional breakdown cover, or something that’s similar to insurance cover.
Traditional breakdown cover is when you pay a certain amount, usually annually, and in return you normally get 24/7 cover for everything included in your policy.
Insurance-style cover means if you break down you would pay up front for such things as call outs, repairs, and recovery, before claiming the costs back from your breakdown cover provider.
What’s included in breakdown cover?
Breakdown coverage can vary depending on the level you take out and the provider you go to, however policies can include:
Roadside assistance or local cover
This is a basic function of breakdown cover. Roadside assistance is when your provider sends out a mechanic and recovery vehicle to try and repair your vehicle roadside. If they can’t repair it, they’ll normally tow it to a nearby garage.
Vehicle recovery or national cover
If your vehicle can't be fixed you will be able to choose any location for you and your vehicle to be towed to.
At-home breakdown
This means you’ll be able to get a call out if your car is broken down at home, or sometimes within a short distance of your home. For example, if you haven’t driven your car in a while, the next time you try to start it up you might find that it has a flat battery with this type of cover you can call your provider to send someone to help you out from your home.
Onward travel
With onward travel cover as part of your breakdown deal you’ll be provided with more options for getting to your destination. Depending on the provider and level of cover you take out, this may include courtesy vehicles, overnight accommodation, or alternative public travel arrangements.
Optional extras
Aside from the basic levels of cover, you can also take out extra policies such as key replacement, battery replacement and tyre replacement.
Check out some of our breakdown cover deals.
