Car Insurance and Breakdown Cover: A Comprehensive Guide

Car insurance and breakdown cover are two separate but related aspects of car ownership that can provide financial protection and peace of mind.

If you're a driver, you're likely aware that car insurance is a legal requirement in most countries. However, many people don't realize that breakdown cover can be a valuable addition to their insurance policy.

In the UK, for example, some car insurance policies include breakdown cover as standard, while others may offer it as an optional extra.

Breakdown cover can provide assistance with repairs or towing to a garage if your car breaks down, which can be a huge relief if you're stranded on the side of the road.

Car insurance and breakdown cover are two separate policies that often get confused with each other. Car insurance covers costs in the event of an accident, but not when your car breaks down.

You'll need to purchase breakdown cover separately, even if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. This is because breakdown cover is a completely separate policy, and claims won't affect your no claims bonus.

Breakdown cover typically includes 24/7 help if your car breaks down over a quarter mile from your home. Assistance will also be provided for a caravan or trailer that was on tow at the time of the breakdown.

Here are some key benefits of breakdown cover:

It's worth noting that the optional Breakdown Cover is not available in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

There are different types of car insurance that offer breakdown cover as an optional extra. Some car insurance providers offer breakdown cover as an add-on to their policies.

You can choose between a single breakdown policy for yourself or your car, or a policy that covers multiple vehicles or people. The two main types of breakdown cover are personal breakdown cover and vehicle breakdown cover.

Personal breakdown cover will cover the individual, whatever car they are driving or are a passenger in. Vehicle breakdown cover will cover only the specified vehicle, or vehicles, on a policy.

Here are the main types of breakdown cover options:

Some car insurance providers offer comprehensive breakdown cover, which includes basic roadside assistance and onward travel cover.

There are different types of breakdown cover to choose from, depending on your driving habits and the level of protection you want.

You can select between a single breakdown policy for yourself or your car, or a policy for multiple vehicles or people.

There are two main types of breakdown cover: personal breakdown cover and vehicle breakdown cover.

Personal breakdown cover will cover the individual, whatever car they are driving or are a passenger in.

Vehicle breakdown cover will cover only the specified vehicle, or vehicles, on a policy.

You can choose from different levels of cover, ranging from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive, onward travel cover.

Here are the two main types of breakdown cover in a nutshell:

Breakdown cover is a fantastic addition to your car insurance policy, and it's essential to understand what's included. Breakdown cover provides 24/7 roadside assistance across the UK, and Europe if you have European cover.

The service typically covers the costs of a mechanic coming to assist you at the roadside, so you can continue your journey or be towed to a garage for further repairs. This can be a lifesaver if you're on a long road trip or in a remote area.

Some breakdown cover policies also include cover for trailers and caravans towed by your car, although it's worth checking the terms of your policy to see exactly what cover applies. This is especially important if you're a caravan or trailer enthusiast.

If you're involved in a breakdown, your breakdown cover may also provide assistance with a caravan or trailer that was on tow at the time of the breakdown. This can give you peace of mind when driving with a trailer or caravan.

Here are some of the key things that breakdown cover typically includes:

Roadside Assistance Breakdown Cover is the most basic breakdown membership cover plan, which guarantees that your provider will come to your broken down car and either fix it there and then, or arrange for it to be towed to the nearest garage, for a complex repair if needed.

If you break down, you can call your breakdown provider for assistance, and they'll send out an engineer who will try to repair your car on the spot. They'll also tow you to a local garage if they can't fix it at the scene.

With Roadside Assistance, there's a limit of 10 miles, unless you upgrade. National Recovery Breakdown Cover, on the other hand, provides recovery to anywhere across the country, including for up to seven passengers travelling with you.

Here's a quick summary of the key differences:

If you buy breakdown cover, you can get it as a separate policy or combined with another service like your car insurance. You'll usually pay annually or monthly, although some policies let you pay upfront and claim back later.

You can call your breakdown provider for help if your car breaks down, and they'll send an engineer to try and fix it. If they can't repair it at the scene, they'll tow you to a nearby garage.

Most breakdown policies don't make you pay an excess when you get assistance. If you're on the UK mainland, you can even get taken to a destination of your choice if the breakdown can't be fixed at the roadside.

If you're broken down on your doorstep or up to 1/4 mile from home, you'll get 24/7 help with At Home cover. National Recovery cover will take you and up to 7 passengers to a UK mainland destination if the breakdown can't be fixed.

Here are some key things to know about breakdown cover:

National Recovery is a level of breakdown cover that goes beyond basic roadside assistance. It's designed for times when a simple fix at the side of the road just won't do.

With National Recovery, you'll be towed anywhere across the country, either to your chosen destination or a garage near your destination. This is a huge advantage if you're on a long journey or need to get to a specific location. National Recovery is included in some breakdown policies, such as the RAC's 'Extra' and 'Complete' cover levels.

If you're not sure what level of cover you have, it's always a good idea to check your policy document. Some policies may have a 10-mile limit on towing, while others will cover you for unlimited distance.

Here are some key points to consider with National Recovery:

National Recovery is a valuable addition to any breakdown policy, providing peace of mind and flexibility when you need it most.

Tyre problems on the road can be a major hassle, but with Tyre Replace, you can rest assured that the cost of replacement tyres is covered in case of accidental or malicious damage.

Tyre Replace costs just £6.50 per month, which is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're protected.

Tyre problems are one of the leading causes of breakdowns, so it's essential to have a plan in place to deal with them.

By investing in Tyre Replace, you can avoid the costly repairs that often come with tyre damage, and get back on the road quickly and easily.

Accident and Breakdown Assistance is an essential part of car insurance that provides you with peace of mind on the road. This cover is especially useful if you commute or drive long distances with your car, as it offers additional security in case of a breakdown or accident.

The services included in accident and breakdown cover vary from insurance company to insurance company, but they typically include breakdown and accident assistance at the scene of an incident, towing service, vehicle recovery, and alternative travel arrangements. If you're unable to drive due to an accident, you can continue your journey with a rental car until your car is repaired.

Some insurance companies also offer additional benefits, such as hotel costs coverage if your vehicle breaks down and you're unable to continue your journey, or medical transportation to a hospital in your home country if you become seriously ill while on vacation.

Here's a breakdown of what's typically included in accident and breakdown cover:

Keep in mind that there are some limitations to what's covered, such as home start, breakdowns less than 1 mile away from your home address, or repeated faults within 28 days of a previous claim. Always check the policy documents before you pay for full details of what is and isn't covered.

Accident and breakdown cover includes a range of services to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.

Breakdown and accident assistance at the scene of an incident is just one of the services covered.

If you get into an emergency situation, your vehicle will be repaired directly at the scene of the breakdown or accident.

Towing service is also included, where your car will be taken to the nearest garage immediately if it needs to be towed.

Vehicle recovery is another service, where your car will be lifted and brought back to the paved road if you drive into a ditch, for example.

If you're unable to drive your car due to an accident, you can continue your journey with a rental car until your car has been repaired.

Your hotel costs will be covered if your vehicle breaks down and you are unable to continue your journey.

In extreme cases, medical evacuation may be arranged, where you'll be transported by air to a hospital in your home country as quickly as possible, if necessary.

If you break down, you'll want to know what to do next. Tap on the 'Trips' tab on your phone to start the process.

To get help, select ‘Tell us your vehicle has broken down’ and then press ‘Call breakdown line’ to speak with the correct team. They'll guide you through the next steps.

Roadside Assistance is a basic level of breakdown cover that comes to your rescue if you break down over ¼ mile from your home address. They'll try to fix you on the spot, and if not, they'll tow you to a local garage within a 10-mile limit.

If you need help with your caravan or trailer, you're covered too - just make sure it was on tow at the time of the breakdown.

If repairs can't be made at the roadside, your vehicle will be taken to a nearby garage or a local destination of your choice.

You can buy breakdown cover directly from specialist providers like the RAC.

Some car insurance companies offer breakdown cover as an optional extra.

Current account packages can also include breakdown cover, giving you extra protection on the road.

You can buy breakdown cover from various providers, including the RAC, which offers direct membership plans.

Many car manufacturers provide free breakdown cover as part of their car warranty when you purchase a new car.

The level of cover and the length of the breakdown cover membership plan vary depending on the manufacturer, but the average length is up to three years.

Some car manufacturers require you to get your car serviced at the main dealership to extend the breakdown cover membership plan.

If you're looking for car insurance that includes breakdown cover, you're in luck because some providers offer it as an optional extra.

Some car insurance companies include breakdown cover in their policies, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Car insurance providers often bundle breakdown cover with other services, making it a convenient option for drivers.

Some current account packages also include breakdown cover, which can be a great perk for customers.

European breakdown cover is a must-have for any road trip, and it's not just limited to the UK. We offer European breakdown cover for over 48 countries, so you can drive with confidence from Ireland to Azerbaijan.

Our European breakdown cover includes popular destinations like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. These countries are all part of our extensive coverage, giving you peace of mind on the road.

If your vehicle breaks down, our cover includes a hire car or alternative public transport, so you can get back on the road quickly. This service is available within 6 to 8 hours of your breakdown, ensuring you're not left stranded for too long.

Here are some of the popular European destinations we cover:

Your full breakdown cover will begin 24 hours after purchase or on your chosen start date, which is a good thing to keep in mind when planning your car maintenance.

Some providers may offer a limited recovery service in the meantime, but this may come with some conditions, so be sure to check the fine print.

If you've already broken down and don't currently have any cover, you can still request assistance from a breakdown provider, which is a lifesaver in an emergency.

The cost of activating a new service can vary greatly depending on the provider and the type of service.

The average cost of activating a cell phone plan is around $50-$100.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 per month for a basic internet plan.

A typical home security system installation can cost between $100 to $300.

Activation fees for satellite TV can range from $50 to $200.

Your breakdown cover can start as soon as 24 hours after purchase, or on your chosen start date.

Typically, it takes 24 hours for your full breakdown cover to kick in. Some providers may offer a limited recovery service before then, but be aware that conditions may apply.

If you've already broken down without cover, you can still request assistance from a breakdown provider.

To get started with car insurance and breakdown cover, you'll need to choose a policy that suits your needs. Most insurance companies offer a range of options, so take your time to research and compare different policies.

The cost of car insurance can vary significantly depending on factors such as your age, driving history, and the type of vehicle you own. For example, younger drivers may pay more for their insurance than older drivers.

To pay for your car insurance, you can usually set up a direct debit or pay by credit card. Some insurance companies may also offer a one-off payment option.

To get started, you'll need to create a new account with the service provider, which can be done online or through their mobile app. This will give you access to their online payment portal.

The online payment portal is user-friendly and allows you to view your account balance, make payments, and set up automatic payments. You can also view your payment history and track your spending.

To make a payment, simply log in to your account, select the payment option, and follow the prompts to enter your payment information. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.

Automatic payments can be set up to be deducted from your account on a specific date each month, helping you stay on top of your payments and avoid late fees. This feature can be set up through the online payment portal.

Keep in mind that payments are typically processed within 24-48 hours, so be sure to make your payment before the due date to avoid any potential delays.

Pay and Claim is a type of breakdown cover that's usually cheaper than annual membership.

This option is often more affordable, with a lower annual fee compared to traditional breakdown cover.

However, it has a significant disadvantage: you'll need to be able to pay for recovery and additional repairs upfront.

If you decide to go with Pay and Claim, make sure you have a plan in place for covering these costs.

Personal Data Security is a crucial aspect to consider when getting started with a new service. You have two options for breakdown cover, and the right one for you depends on your individual needs.

Having personal breakdown cover means you'll be covered regardless of who drives your vehicle. This type of cover is ideal for people who frequently use car-sharing services or have family members who drive their car.

Vehicle breakdown cover, on the other hand, is specifically for your vehicle, not the people driving it. This type of cover is a good option if you're the primary driver of your car and don't often lend it to others.

When you're shopping for car insurance, it's essential to consider your personal and vehicle information. This includes your age, driving experience, and occupation, as these factors can significantly impact your premium costs.

A good driving record is crucial, as a single speeding ticket can increase your insurance costs by up to 20%. On the other hand, a clean record can earn you a discount of up to 10%.

Your vehicle's make, model, and age also play a significant role in determining your insurance costs. A high-performance car, for instance, will typically cost more to insure than a standard sedan.

Personal cover is a great option for individuals who want to be protected in any eligible vehicle. With the RAC, you can buy personal cover for up to 5 people living in the same household.

This type of cover means you'll be covered as both a driver and a passenger, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.

Vehicle breakdown cover is a must-have for any driver, and with the RAC, you can cover up to 3 vehicles. This means that if one of your vehicles breaks down, you're covered, regardless of who's driving it at the time.

Having vehicle recovery means you'll get your car towed to a garage if it can't be fixed on the spot. The RAC offers different levels of cover, including Basic, Extra, and Complete.

The Basic cover level includes a 10-mile tow, which is perfect for short trips or if you're not far from home. If you have a longer journey planned, you'll want to upgrade to the Extra or Complete cover level, which includes National Recovery, allowing you to be towed an unlimited distance to any garage or destination in the UK.

Here's a quick rundown of the RAC's vehicle recovery options:

You might be wondering if you really need breakdown cover. Breakdown cover isn't a legal requirement, but it can bring peace of mind if you drive on a regular basis.

It can save you money too, as the cost of roadside assistance is included in the price. You can stay mobile even if your car needs to go into a garage, which is a big advantage.

If you break down without cover, you'll need to find a recovery service to rescue you, and you could be left with a hefty bill for an emergency callout fee.