Not all roadside assistance policies will attend to your car if it fails to start at home. Nor will this policy apply unless your car is a specified distance away from the address on the policy.
Nationwide recovery sends a VRO to fix the car, but it will also deliver you, your passengers and the car to anywhere in the UK.
Above this comes onward travel breakdown cover. If your car cannot be repaired, this level of cover will help get you to your destination by offering alternatives such as rail travel, hotel accommodation or a hire car. If you travel long distances regularly, this is a good option.
European cover does as it says and will come to your aid across multiple countries. You will need to check individual breakdown companies’ policies for what is included and which nations it operates in.
For drivers who use more than one car regularly, a personal breakdown policy could be a good bet. It means you are covered – not a specific car – and it also allows you to make a claim even if you’re a passenger, rather than the driver.
How much does car breakdown cover cost?
The cost of breakdown cover will vary depending on what it includes and which provider you use. You can find a simple roadside assistance policy from as little as £20 per year ranging up to around £120 per year for more comprehensive cover within the UK.
European cover varies between £80 and £150 for a year. Some companies offer European cover for shorter periods, so you only pay for the number of days you intend to be abroad. However, this can quickly add up if you are away for two weeks or more, so annual cover may be more cost-effective if you travel abroad for longer periods or more than once a year.
