Breakdown Cover Articles

Car Breakdown Facts

The U.K. is blessed with a number of good car breakdown companies, the most notable being the AA, the RAC and Green Flag.

Basically, they, and others like them, offer a similar service, although they are marketed in different ways and you are encouraged to buy an appropriate plan for a set amount of money.

Now, everyone that drives a car has a different need and you might find that if you lease a car, drive a company car, or have a brand new car, then you are covered for breakdown assistance in an attached policy.

But for those that need to arrange their own breakdown cover, there are a few things to consider.

The basic plan is roadside assistance, which means that for a set amount per year, you are covered for the eventuality of a roadside breakdown. And if the patrolman cannot repair the problem – most are repaired by the roadside by the way – then they will take you to a safe place, and hand it over to you.

So, if you’re mostly driving locally and feel that you can get your car back home, or to a local garage, by getting a friend to tow you, then this amount of cover will suit.

The breakdown plans then increase with price and levels of service. So, you might want roadside assistance and then recovery, if your car can’t be quickly repaired and has to be towed, by the breakdown service, to a garage, or your home, along with all your passengers and luggage. You might also want to consider a plan which includes help if your car won’t start at home, or if you intend to travel aboard. There are many plans and options, and if you choose a comprehensive plan where most things are covered, then it can set you back a fair bit, although you are buying peace of mind.

And when you consider some of the feedback coming from the breakdown companies, there are some interesting facts about why cars break down and where.

They say that the commonest cause for asking for assistance is a flat tyre. Now, a flat tyre is not the hardest of jobs on a car, but you do have to know how to do it (using the car jack for example), where the spare is situated (is the spare in good condition to be used) and then have the physical strength to lever off the wheel nuts and replace the wheel. It can be quite a tricky job, especially at the side of a busy road. 

One of the next commonest causes for call-out is battery problems, as batteries give up the ghost through charging problems, or corrosion.

But it seems that the good old patrolman is also seen as a general helper with anything car related, and calls are regularly received to help rescue children, pets and keys stranded in cars.

Oddly, most people seem to breakdown in North west London which seems to act as a bit of a car Bermuda Triangle. So, if you live in North West London, ensure you have good breakdown cover!

And, the most popular day to breakdown is Monday; probably because most people are off starting their working week and revving up the motor to take them there.

Finally, one of the busiest days of the year for breakdown is the 2 January, the day after New Year. Now isn’t that a pleasant thought?

So, if you’re wondering whether you need breakdown cover or not, just imagine being stranded by the roadside, screaming kids in the back, the mother-in-law shouting advice, it’s raining and you’re miles from home.

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