Question 1

Car Breakdown Cover

Accepted Answer

Car Breakdown CoverCar breakdown cover is effectively what it sounds like, it is insurance cover that provides assistance if you break down in your car. The insurance provider will send out a mechanic either on the road or at home who will try and fix the problem on the scene so you can get going again or help you get the vehicle to a local garage to be fixed.There are two main types of cover, personal breakdown cover, and vehicle breakdown cover. Personal cover is linked to you as an individual and covers you in any car you may drive or passenger in. Vehicle cover only covers the specified vehicle on the policy so it is important to think about what cover will be best for your circumstances.With both types of insurance, you will also have different levels of cover to choose from, not all are included in a standard policy.Roadside AssistanceThis type of cover is your standard level of cover and will provide assistance and repair at the roadside or a tow to a local garage.National RecoveryMost providers will offer recovery of the vehicle and take you and your passengers to a garage or chosen destination across the country.Home StartIf your car breaks down at home or within a quarter mile of your home this cover will provide you with assistance to repair the vehicle or get the vehicle to a local garage.Onward TravelThis cover will provide you with a loan car and/or cover the cost of transport or overnight accommodation while your vehicle is off the road.There are also often options of multicar/person policies and add-ons such as key replacement, mis-fueling cover, tyre replacement, and battery replacement.

Question 2

Using Roadside Assistance

Accepted Answer

Using Roadside AssistanceHaving roadside assistance insurance provides you with peace of mind should anything go wrong with your car but that doesn't mean that no one will help if you break down and do not have cover.You can still get assistance without insurance in place however that assistance is not guaranteed, could take a long longer, and will likely cost a lot more too. Often local recovery centres will assist if you break down but they may not look to repair the vehicle on the roadside and only offer to take the vehicle to a local garage. If you are miles from home this could be a garage you do not know and you may end up stranded with your vehicle until it is either repaired or you find another way home.Most breakdown providers will also still assist you but you will be charged an emergency call-out fee and may not receive the same level of assistance that you may receive if you held a policy with them.It is important to understand that your general car insurance policy will not cover your vehicle if you break down unless that is something you have purchased as part of your policy. Claims for breakdowns will not affect your general car insurance policy or no claims bonus.

Question 3

Is breakdown cover necessary?

Accepted Answer

Is breakdown cover necessary?Breakdown cover, unlike car insurance, is optional, therefore it is up to you as the driver to decide if you think having the additional insurance is beneficial. You may want to consider things such as the age of your vehicle, the vehicle's history, how often you drive, and the locations in which you drive before making your decision.In general breakdown cover will not support you for breakdowns for an ongoing issue with the vehicle, breakdowns on private land, or if the breakdown is due to poor maintenance. Breakdown cover is predominately for emergency vehicle issues only, excluding accidents as this is covered by your car insurance.There are lots of providers to choose from and often breakdown cover can be provided with the purchase of other things such as: New or used car warranty Bank accounts Other insurance such as car or home insurance With car servicing (normally main car manufacturer dealerships) The cost will depend on how you buy the cover and what is included and unlike car insurance isn't normally affected by the age and condition of your car.Breakdown cover is mostly about peace of mind, knowing that should anything go wrong you have someone you can call to help you. And with the RAC quoting 2.5 million breakdown callouts a year, breakdown cover may be needed more than you think.

Is breakdown cover necessary?

Is breakdown cover necessary?

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