There is nothing worse than finding yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken down vehicle. When you are in this situation, you will definitely want to have breakdown cover. There are different types of cover to choose from, and you will need to know what your options are. The more time you spend reviewing these options, the easier it will be to select the right one to meet your needs completely.
Do I Really Need Breakdown Cover?
A lot of people wonder if they actually need breakdown cover. The fact is that a vast majority of drivers find themselves in need of roadside assistance at some point. In fact, it is very likely that your car will break down while you are driving it at least a few times in your life. Some people need breakdown cover more than others, people who rely on it for work such as van drivers for example, but it’s definitely something that you should think about getting no matter what. If you drive a lot or have an older car, this type of cover can certainly help you out.
Vehicle Breakdown Cover
Vehicle breakdown cover will provide you with roadside assistance and other services for one specific vehicle. You will only be able to take advantage of these services when you are driving the vehicle that is associated with your policy. If you only drive one vehicle, this is probably the way to go. If you opt for a national recovery policy, you can get your vehicle towed to anywhere in the UK if it cannot be fixed on the roadside by the mechanic that is sent.
Personal Breakdown Cover
Personal breakdown cover will allow you to utilize roadside assistance services no matter what vehicle you are driving. This option is significantly more expensive than vehicle breakdown cover, but it can be a good idea for those who drive lots of different vehicles. You won’t have to worry about not being able to get the help you need just because you aren’t driving your primary vehicle.
Multi-Vehicle Policies
Sometimes it makes more sense to get a multi-vehicle breakdown cover policy. This is when you get cover for multiple specific vehicles. Those who have a family and numerous vehicles should definitely think about this option carefully. When you choose this type of policy, you will ensure that every member of your family has access to the roadside assistance services they need at any time. This is often the cheaper way to go if you drive multiple vehicles or have a family.
Joint Cover
Joint breakdown cover applies to two particular people, and it’s a great option for couples who use more than just one vehicle. Both you and your partner get the exact same level of cover. If you have selected a more advanced level of cover like onward travel, both of you will be able to utilize it as needed. This can be an excellent way to save money, so you should at least keep it in mind before making a decision.
Should I Get European Breakdown Cover?
European breakdown cover is a good choice for anyone who tends to venture outside of the UK from time to time. The more frequently you make these trips in your own vehicle, the more useful this cover is going to be. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in a place you aren’t familiar with because of a mechanical failure. Lots of people in the UK have this type of breakdown cover because it makes so much sense. You can breakdown cover for a one-time European trip, and it won’t even cost that much.
Extras
There are some breakdown cover extras that you can choose to get with your policy, though it will mean paying more. A lot of providers will allow you to opt for car hire and accommodations when your vehicle breaks down. This means that if you are travelling far from home when you break down, you are covered for a hotel stay overnight. You could also get a car hire for a day or two until your vehicle is fixed. This can make dealing with a breakdown much less stressful and inconvenient overall.
Which Type of Breakdown Cover Should I choose?
When you are trying to decide on a certain breakdown cover option, it is important to consider your particular situation. If you want to have cover no matter what vehicle you are driving, a personal breakdown cover policy is probably best. Vehicle breakdown cover is ideal for those who have just one car that they drive on a regular basis. Anyone with a family and multiple cars should try to get a family or multi-vehicle policy to save as much money as possible. It is important that you examine these options before settling on one in particular.
