breakdown cover

bulktrans

Hi there,

Wondering if someone could give me advice on buying a breakdown cover - what's the best co to buy from and other things worth keeping in mind, what it should cover and what's extra etc.

Thanks

NeverAgain_2

Breakdown cover is basically an insurance policy, and choosing the best one is just as confusing.

As with most insurances, you won't know how good it is until you make a claim.

The AA and RAC tend to be expensive.

I would be inclined to decide what level of cover you want - roadside, home start, recovery, etc and then look at a comparison website.

I've renewed recently with Autonational, which was around £60 for 12 months plus three months 'free' if done online.

Not saying that's the best, but I think they have a reasonable reputation.

Another one that gets good reviews is Autoaid, which is a 'pay and claim' service.

http://www.autonational.co.uk/

http://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/

pinkteapot

The three main ones are the AA, the RAC and Green Flag.

The AA and the RAC have fixed prices, regardless of what car you drive. Green Flag is actually insurance based and quote based on your car. So, if you drive an old banger then Green Flag will be expensive. If you drive a new-ish car, they're likely to be cheaper.

I've been with Green Flag for three years and called them out three times. Each time they've come in an hour or less and got the problem sorted with no hassle.

The AA and RAC have their own vans and staff. Green Flag sub-contract out so you'll get a breakdown van from a garage local to where you are come out to you. I've had no problem with this.

Green Flag offer cashback through Quidco and I'm sure the others do as well.

One thing to think about is what level of cover you want. I have Green Flag's Recovery Plus which, above the basics, includes home start (basic policies won't come out if your car refuses to start at home) and also recovery to any address I specify in the country. We do a lot of UK holidays so it's nice to know I can break down in Scotland and demand to be driven all the way home to Essex if need be.