Choosing breakdown cover

Will Thomas, head of motor at Confused.com, says: "Hoping for the best in extreme weather conditions like this is a highway to nowhere for anyone who needs the use of a vehicle. When doing the inevitable New Year review of finances it would be easy to consider the purchase of breakdown cover as a luxury but motorists need to consider the consequences of going without cover.  Not only could you face a long wait in the cold, you also stand to pay charges that run into hundreds of pounds for roadside repair and recovery. On top of this you need to take into account the associated benefits that a breakdown policy would offer- overnight stay, alternative travel, car hire cover, things you would not necessarily think about until you were in an emergency situation.

In terms of breakdown policies, one size does not fit all; there are different levels of cover available. To get the most suitable product for you it is important to understand where, how often and the distance you drive. Do not make assumptions about the level of cover, but at the same time don't pay for benefits that you will not use.

To get the best policy it is important to understand where you will be driving, how often and the distance you drive. Look at the benefits, you don't want to be paying extra for benefits you will never use but at the same time it is important not to make assumptions about what your cover entitles you to. Shopping around using a price comparison site like Confused.com allows you to check not only price but also review policies according to their associated benefits"

There are 5 different types of product (broadly speaking) which are;

Roadside Assistance
Typically covers you for up to 1 hours labour at the side of the road to try and fix the vehicle (parts would have to be paid for if fitted)

Roadside Recovery
Includes Roadside assistance + recovery to a garage typically within a 10 mile radius (additional costs if more than 10 miles). Excludes distances less than one mile from the policy holders home.

Roadside Recovery UK
Covers you anywhere in mainland Great Britain and typically allows you to be recovered to a garage of your choice or your final destination. Excludes distances less than one mile from the policy holders home.

European cover
Cover whilst in mainland Europe and is valid for up to 30 consecutive days in any one instance and no more than 90 days per year.

Home Help
Typically can be added to either Roadside recovery, UK recovery and European Cover. This allows you to call for assistance within a mile radius of your home. (this tends to be used for flat batteries or tires)

Other Policy Benefits

Alternative Travel
Alternative travel will be provided for your onward journey

Car Hire
A replacement car will be provided whilst yours is being repaired

Hotel
Overnight accommodation will be provided if your car cannot be repaired in a reasonable time

Relief Driver
Provides breakdown cover for a relief driver if you are too ill to drive

Medical
Provides Recovery if you are too ill to drive

Type of cover

Vehicle based cover(most Common)
covers the car and anyone who is insured to drive the vehicle

Personal cover
Covers the individual and any vehicle they are insured to drive

Couple cover
Discount for couples taking out joint policies (can be multi-vehicle)