Despite press reports to the contrary, the majority of us still rely on our cars to get us around, and inevitably there are times they let us down. Thankfully, most of us now realise that it is vital to have breakdown cover to keep us on the road should the worst possible scenario occur, but many are being ripped off left right and centre by the companies who offer this kind of cover, and there are a few ways for you to save money but still get the level of cover you want and need.
The key to finding the best deal is to compare prices with level of cover, and ensure you are covered for what you need and aren’t paying for something you don’t need. For example, without checking the small print you could be paying extra for being covered if you should break down on a European motorway, and if you simply use your car for commuting or to go to the supermarket this is an area where you can make a saving straight away.
This kind of use tends to fall under the umbrella of basic cover, and is the least expensive of them all. This level of cover should give you roadside assistance if you are more than a mile away from home when you break down, distances do vary so check between companies, and if your car cannot be fixed there and then it will be towed to a garage. Failing to have this cover, however, can cost you in the region of £250 to be towed off the motorway hard shoulder so you can see why breakdown cover is so important.
Those who have no other means of getting work should their car fail to start in the mornings, or whose vehicle is temperamental depending on the weather, should seriously consider having the home start option in their cover. This will add money to the cost of your policy but it means someone will come out if you are stuck on your driveway and get you going.
Another option worth considering for those who drive long distances is onward travel. This includes roadside assistance and if you car cannot be fixed there and then you are provided with a hire car or the cost of the public transport you will have to use to continue this journey. As this can be limited, many opt for the hire car as if you have to be somewhere in a hurry and aren’t familiar with the area, trying to work out the public transport you need can be a nightmare, especially if you have baggage with you.
Make yourself a list of what cover you need and head online to compare prices. One of the best comparison sites is http://carbreakdowncover.com/ and their cheerful and user friendly site will have you the results you are looking for in no time, and invariably have saved you some money into the bargain. You can then head out onto the road safe in the knowledge that your cover is in place and that you are only paying for what you actually need.
