Breakdown Cover Articles

Car Breakdown Cover Options

There are many car breakdown services available and the level of service that you require will depend very much on the type of cover you want. Many services come with standard cover options which then allow you to select additional cover options to suit your needs and requirements.

Firstly, let us examine the standard cover options that the top car breakdown companies such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag offer before looking at the additional cover options that can be purchased with any policy.

Roadside assistance

The most basic cover in any car breakdown is roadside assistance. What this means is that you are covered all day and all night for calls out when your car breaks down. Your car will try to be fixed at the roadside but if this is not possible, your car will be towed to the local garage. You need to remember that roadside assistance usually doesn’t include your car breaking down at your home address nor within quarter of a mile from this address.

Help in an accident

Companies such as the AA offer policy holders advice if they are unfortunately involved in an accident and if required in the event of an accident they will tow your car to the nearest garage for you.

Message service

Green Flag offers policy holders a message service whereby they will send a free message to your family and friends to let you know what has happened to you and about your car breakdown situation.

Secondly, we will now look at the additional cover options that can be added to your car breakdown policy.

National recovery

National recovery means that if your car breaks down you are covered anywhere within the UK mainland. Your car will try to be fixed by the roadside however; if this is not the case then you then have the option of being towed to a destination of your choice and this is usually for you and up to seven of your passengers.

At home

If your car won’t start on your doorstep this option covers you for this or if you are within quarter of a mile from your home.

Parts and garage cover

Many companies offer an extended roadside cover which means that the cost of parts and any additional garage work required is included. This is helpful if your car needs a new battery as this can be fixed for you at the roadside, enabling you to reach your destination quicker.

Onward travel

This option usually is an additional add-on to the national recovery option and means that if your car breaks down and can’t be fixed at the roadside you can still carry on with your travel. The company will supply a replacement car, reimburse you for public transport costs or reimburse you for accommodation cost.

European breakdown cover

If you are planning a trip abroad many car breakdown companies can cover you on a single trip basis. This means that you are usually covered for roadside assistance where they will try and fix your car or you will be towed to the nearest garage. It also includes helping getting you, your passengers and your car back to the UK if required.

Please note that when choosing a policy you will need to check what standard and additional car breakdown options are available to you and make sure these are the ones you require before purchase.

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