There’s no one who wants to be stuck at the side of the road with a broken down vehicle . This article will explain how breakdown cover functions and can help you when your vehicle is acting up.
What does breakdown cover?
A breakdown cover is a type of policy that could help out if your vehicle fails to function. For example when your car battery dies or your tyres are punctured the breakdown cover can provide assistance so you and your vehicle will not be stranded by the roadside.
While breakdown cover is available as a policy all on as a stand-alone policy, some insurance companies offer breakdown cover as an additional option in car insurance. Some even offer breakdown cover as an included feature. Always look around and compare your choices to make sure you’re getting the best price possible.
What types in breakdown cover are there?
You can purchase different types or breakdown cover:
A personal breakdown cover or vehicle
Personal: If you have a personal breakdown, you’ll be covered for any vehicle, provided that it is in compliance with the terms and conditions in your policy. You’ll be eligible to claim regardless of whether you were driving or just a passenger. dependent on the insurance provider and policy type the cover could also cover other people at the same address – though there may be a limit to how many
Vehicle breakdown cover
Vehicle breakdown cover allows you to claim an individual vehicle, whether it a car, van or motorcycle. you may be able to include several vehicles covered up to a certain limit.
Traditional breakdown cover
The traditional breakdown cover is where you pay a specific amount, usually annually and you receive 24-hour cover for everything included in your policy. It could cover callouts, often up to a certain amount a year – along with roadside and garage repairs, as well as towing services
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Insurance breakdown cover
If you break down you’d pay upfront for such things as callouts, repairs, and recovery before you claim the expenses to the breakdown cover provider
What’s in the breakdown cover?
The breakdown coverage may differ based on the degree you choose to take out and your provider but, it is possible to include:
Assistance with roadside emergencies or local cover Basic level of breakdown cover that is provided when your provider sends out the mechanic and recovery vehicle to attempt to fix your vehicle on the roadside. If they can’t repair it, they’ll typically bring it to an nearby garage
Recovery of vehicles or national cover If you have vehicle recovery as part of your breakdown cover you’ll be able to choose any location for you and your vehicle to be taken should your vehicle not be repaired.
At-home breakdown: A breakdown that is at home cover is a way for you to call for help in the event that your vehicle breaks down at home, or even within a few miles of your home. In the case of, for example, if had not driven your car for a while, the next time you attempt to start it up , you might be surprised to discover it has an insufficient battery. An at-home breakdown cover can help you get going again
Onward travel: When you purchase the onward travel cover included in your breakdown deal you’ll get more options for getting to your destination. The provider you choose and the amount of cover you choose to purchase that could include courtesy vehicles, overnight accommodation as well as alternative public transport arrangements
Extras available for purchase
Beyond the basics of cover, you can also get additional policies such as:
Key replacement: the standard breakdown cover might not be enough if your keys are damaged, lost or damaged or stolen
Battery replacement: you might also require an additional level of cover to ensure that your service provider can change your car battery if it is depleted.
Tyre replacement: If your tyre is punctured and then becomes flat, it is possible to take out a policy to ensure your provider will repair it.
The wrong fuel: you might need a different insurance policy if you’ve used the wrong fuel for your car and it fails to function due to it.
Multi-car or family: if your household is comprised of multiple vehicles or drivers, it might be cheaper and easier to cover them all under the same insurance policy rather than arranging individual breakdown cover for each. Normally all the vehicles and/or individuals must be registered to the same address, however some policies might also cover students at universities.
Special vehicles: if you own a caravan or trailer that is attached the vehicle you own, it could require a separate policy to be covered under your breakdown cover. Also, if you own a van or motorbike these may not be included in the normal breakdown policy.
European breakdown cover in the event that you go down in mainland Europe the standard breakdown cover probably won’t be enough to assist you, so it’s possible to buy European cover even if you’re only taking it for only a single trip
Common exclusions that are not covered by breakdown cover
It’s worth noting that there could be a situation in which your breakdown cover provider will not be able to help you, as your policy might not cover:
Breaking down on private land: if you break down on land owned by a private owner your insurance may not cover this. Also, your insurance provider could be charged extra for their help
The breakdown of pets and animals: traveling with pets shouldn’t be an issue, but it is possible to notify your insurance company know in advance in order for them to take the animal(s). But livestock may be a different issue It’s possible to obtain separate cover for horses or livestock trailers, so it’s worth looking for it if you’ll require it.
Breaking down as a result of a road crash: If you’re involved in an accident which results in your vehicle breaking down, your repair service is likely to not be able assist you. Even if they’re able, if they’re able, to to your car, they may require waiting for emergency services to give the okay first
Breaking down due to lack of basic maintenance: As your driver, it’s your responsibility to you to make sure that your vehicle is in working order. If you have a breakdown as the result of poor maintenance, like a lack of engine oil or topping it up with the wrong fuel, it might not be automatically covered
Broken down in another country: even if your insurance policy provides the highest level of breakdown cover possible, if it is only applicable in the UK then you’ll require an extra policy for when you’re driving in foreign countries.
How much does breakdown cover cost?
The type and level of cover you select locally cover is usually the least expensive and the most basic available, and will almost certainly cost less than a policy that includes the option of onward travel or home cover. Whichever type of cover you select, the personal or car cover could also impact the cost of the premium
Any extras you add to your breakdown insurance policy – adding extra cover such as faulty fuel or key replacement may also cause your breakdown cover more expensive
The number of vehicles on the policy. Having multiple cars on your policy will likely add cost to your insurance, even though it is less expensive than taking out separate policies for each vehicle
The kind of vehicle you’ve got – cars, vans, and motorcycles could require different kinds of repairs and taking different time to carry out the repairs. The kind of vehicle you choose might be a factor in your premium quote.
The model, make and age. Different models and makes can be a bit costly to repair particularly as newer vehicles will often have more complicated and advanced features. Older cars may also be more costly to repair because of the lack of parts.
Breakdowns without breakdown cover
If you have a breakdown and aren’t already having breakdown cover in place, don’t be worried because you have options. Some providers offer instant breakdown cover – however they’re not all the same. Additionally, some may add an additional cost for calls within the first 24-48 hours, and others might not assist in any way.
Some companies also provide an emergency breakdown service, even if you do not have cover but bear in mind that this service will likely cost you money.