Breakdown cover for car - UK and Europe
Why do I need breakdown cover for my car
Ever noticed those poor souls on the hard shoulder of the motorway, usually with a car full of kids on the way somewhere fun when disaster strikes and they are left stranded, frantically calling anyone and everyone they know to come and help them, but ultimately having to use the services of a local vehicle recovery service - frequently at the insistance of Police if causing hazard to other traffic - and being forced to pay the astronomical fees imposed!
Important information about breakdown cover for car
Firstly, even if you have breakdown cover in place with a reputable company, its still not a fun activity waiting at the roadside watching everyone else go on their way! Obviously you should try and avoid having any car problems by ensuring the vehicle is serviced as per manufacturers handbook and check car out thoroughly prior to long journeys and at least once a week anyways. See car maintenance checklist .
Breakdown cover for europe
Many, if not all, breakdown companies offer many “levels” of cover and addons to suit motorists needs. One of the popular services nowadays is European asistance and recovery. This can be added to your breakdown policy or be included by upgrading to highest level of cover. Some companies even offer single trip european breakdown cover, this is suitable for those just intending to a single trip and not regularly driving abroad. However the European cover comes with many companies top level of cover so you should compare policy costs carefully to make sure you are getting the best protection at the lowest price.
Cheapest car breakdown cover
We did a quick “mystery shopper” online to check out breakdown policy prices using “premium” or “platinum” cover (ie most comprehensive level of cover for companies and including European breakdown assistance and recovery) - We got quoted for an average car (registered 2001) and appplicant 40yrs old with cover on single car. Would you believe we found a plan that includes
- Trying to fix problem at Roadside - Roadside assistance UK and Europe
- Recovery to any UK destination including car and up to 5 passengers
- Home start up services
- Expenses for car hire, train tickets and accommodation costs if required
- Cover for caravan or trailer included
- With no excess. Free legal protection and up to 6 claims per year allowed
- All this for £68.50 per annum!!!
There really is no reason not to cover your vehicle when an annual policy costs (much) less than one single callout from an emergency rescue service. We have heard of recovery services operating on UK motorways who will charge approx £500 just to tow you off the motorway to a local garage plus the call out fee! This equates to around 6 years platinum membership costs for breakdown cover - talk about a “no brainer”.
RescueMyCar.com - the cheapest quote from our mystery shopping above!
RAC European car breakdown cover
AA Breakdown recovery in the UK