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Which
type of car breakdown cover to go for? |
After doing a bit of research, most people don't
realise that car breakdown cover isn't as straight
forward as they had originally thought. Cover
can be divided into two main groups based on the
way in which the cover works, these are;
Standard
Car Breakdown Cover
This is
the most common type of car breakdown cover. You pay a set
yearly fee either as a lump sum or as monthly
payments. If you break down you will be assisted
by a car breakdown professional, who would normally
work directly for your breakdown provider. In
the event of a breakdown this can be the option
which will be a lot less hassle. You also have
the piece of mind of knowing what you're going to
get, from a trusted supplier such as the AA
or RAC.
People often
choose this option in order to stay with what
they know, however it can often be the more
expensive option. Be sure to check out our car
breakdown
cover comparison tool.
Pay &
Claim Car Breakdown Cover
This is
a less common option, although it should be
considered as it can often be the cheapest. It
has traits as an insurance policy, and as such
is regulated by the FSA. Providers to not
normally have
their own fleet of breakdown vehicles, instead
they use local companies. You can get the same
level of cover as you would with a standard
policy, although if you breakdown you will need
to pay the local company for pickup and repairs,
and invoice the provider in order to claim this
back.
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What
should you cover, you or your car? |
You or the car? You have the choice of covering
either yourself or your car. Generally it's
cheaper to cover a car than it is to cover a
person. If the car is covered, then it doesn't
matter who is driving it in the event of a
breakdown, as the car itself is covered. So if
for example the family have 1 car which is
shared, it will probably be far cheaper to cover
the car than it would to cover two drivers.
If you opt for
covering yourself, you will have car breakdown cover
in any vehicle you are traveling in. This is
especially good if you frequent more than one
car. Be sure to check out our car
breakdown
cover comparison tool to compare
prices.
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Recovery
Options |
With even a basic level of cover you can expect
the car breakdown recovery provider to attempt a roadside
repair (some car
breakdown
providers boast in excess of 80% of
breakdowns are fixed at the roadside), and if
this is not possible they will recover the
vehicle. Depending on the policy you have
chosen, will depend on what recovery options you
have.
A basic package
may mean that your car may be recovered to a
local garage within 10 to 15 miles of where you
broke down. Although this will allow you have
your car repaired, you may still be some
distance from home which means you will have to
go through the hassle of either staying in the
area or returning to collect your car at a later
date.
More
comprehensive packages may allow you to have
your car recovered to a destination of your
choice (within reason). Although you may feel
this is additional cover cost, it will save you
a lot of trouble and substantially more costs
later. Be sure to check out our car
breakdown
cover comparison tool to compare prices
and levels of cover. |
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Home
Start |
Depending upon the level of cover you have from
your provider, will determine if they will
assist you while you are close to your home.
Most basic policies will only assist you if you
are at least a quarter of a mile from home. If
you require the option of having assistance from
your home, make sure this is included in your
policy.
Be sure to check
out our car
breakdown
comparison tables to see which deals are
available.
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Onward
Travel |
Breaking down is never convenient, especially if
you travel long distances. The more expensive
packages will include onward travel options
which can include a hire car, or it may even
cover the cost of train tickets or even accommodation. |
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European
Car Breakdown Cover |
If you travel by road in Europe, this is a must.
Imagine breaking down in a country you don't
know where, and they speak a language that you don't
understand? Alternatively you can purchase
European cover on an "as required"
basis, although if you travel there often you
may find this to be much more expensive. For
more information read our European
car breakdown cover guide. |
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