Breakdown Cover
With so many different types of Breakdown Recovery cover on offer, it can be difficult knowing which is the right one for you to choose.
The following Frequently Asked Questions should answer any queries you have, meaning you can make an educated decision when choosing a policy. While the following information is general, you should make sure you check out the individual policy terms and conditions, as these can vary from company to company.
FAQs
What are the different levels of cover?
Generally, there are four different levels of cover available.
€˜Roadside€™ or €˜Roadside Assistance€™ policies will cover you only if your car breaks down when you are out on the road and at least 0.5-1 mile away from your home (companies vary). A mechanic will try and fix the problem at the roadside and if they are unable to, they will tow you to the nearest garage or back to your home (whatever is nearer), within a set radius.
The next level - normally called €˜Roadside & Relay€™, €˜Roadside & Recovery€™ or similar - will cover you at the roadside and, if your vehicle can not be repaired, you and up to a pre-defined amount of passengers, will be transported to your home or any other single UK mainland destination.
The third level - look out for the words €˜At Home€™ or €˜Home Start€™ - provides the cover as described above, plus a mechanic will come out to your home if your vehicle breaks down.
Comprehensive policies offer all of the above, plus additional benefits €“ for example, a replacement car; overnight accommodation or onward travel arrangements if local repair is not possible within a reasonable time.
How much will it cost?
This depends on the provider and the level of cover offered but average prices range from circa £25-£45 for a basic personal membership. For comprehensive cover, single membership costs around £150, with Family Cover costing circa £200.
It€™s important that when comparing prices you read the small print, and look at each policy on a like-for-like basis carefully. Use our directory of providers to compare prices and terms and conditions.
What is European Cover?
European Cover €“ basically cover on the continent - is offered by some of the larger companies, and you will need to pay an additional premium for this cover. It€™s worth knowing that if you travel abroad and your vehicle breaks down, you should be aware that recovering a car from the South of France to London could cost up to £1,000.
What is the difference between €˜personal€™ cover and €˜vehicle-based€™ cover?
Some of the larger providers offer this option of insuring the car or the driver.
Vehicle-based Membership covers the named vehicle regardless of who is driving. It normally costs less than personal membership.
Personal cover will cover you, no matter what car you are in and whether you are the driver or the passenger.
If I take out €˜single€™ cover does that mean my partner is not covered, even if we drive the same vehicle?
Yes, the policy would cover just you, and not the vehicle. To cover you and your partner (who has to live at the same address), you would need a Joint membership.
A brief explanation of terms follow:
€œSingle€ covers you as the driver or passenger in any vehicle.
€œJoint€ will cover you and another person, living at the same address.
€œFamily€ offers cover for family members in the same household (up to a pre-defined limit)
How do I know which policy is right for me?
Decide what type of cover you need, then look for policies that meet those requirements while offering the best deal.
Consider whether you want a company with an established reputation or whether you do not mind trying an unfamiliar one. For example, some of the lower-priced providers will not have their own team of qualified, endorsed mechanics (unlike the AA or RAC) and tender out their business to local garages. Consider what would make you feel more comfortable in the event of your vehicle breaking down.
Look at your own circumstances €“ if you drive alone a lot, for example, you may want the security of knowing you€™ll reach your destination if your vehicle breaks down. In this instance, you would opt for a €œRescue, Recovery and Onward Travel€ type policy.
A person who is quite knowledgeable on cars and does not travel very far in their vehicle may just need a €œRescue€ only policy.
And a family who go on driving holidays in the UK and abroad may favour a comprehensive €œRescue, Recovery, At Home, Onward Travel and European€ type-combination.
What do I need to consider?
1 Be fully aware of the type and level of cover you want and ensure the policy fully matches your requirements. Some key considerations are:
2 Do you want Personal or Vehicle-based cover?
3 Do you want Single, Joint or Family Cover?
4 Do you drive abroad? If so, consider European Cover
5 Does the policy give priority to people in vulnerable situations and is this important to you?
6 Price. Have you got the best deal on your policy (Our directory of breakdown recovery providers will allow you to access some of the top providers where you can compare premiums, levels and types of cover, plus policy benefits)
7 Does the insurer have its own team of qualified, endorsed mechanics or do they tender out the business to local garages?
8 Response/call out times. What is the average time you will need to wait for assistance?
9 See if there are any additional benefits to being a member, such as discounts of non-motoring products and services. Would it be financially beneficial to you in the long run to pay a little extra for your cover?
10 Check the €˜Exclusions€™ section thoroughly. Each insurer has its own terms and conditions as to what and what is not covered.
Are there certain things that are not covered?
1 Read the €˜Exclusions€™ section for each policy very carefully - some of the basic packages may not cover you if you run out of fuel or accidentally shut your keys in the vehicle.
2 Most policies will not cover you if your vehicle breaks down and you attempt to repair it yourself before calling on roadside assistance.
3 You may not be covered if your vehicle breaks down within a one-mile radius of your home, unless you have a policy that covers you at home as well as the roadside
4 Check out the policy limits for repairs and also labour charges €“ some companies exclude cover for labour costs of more than 1 hour for roadside assistance.
5
Car Hire
Glasgow
Call Out times - how long will I have to wait?
A response time of 35-40 minutes us an average, but if you call when there is peak demand, such as during heavy snow or flooding, you may have to wait a lot longer. Some providers offer no-claims discounts to keep call outs to a minimum. Check with the provider to see what their expected call out times are.
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