Should I Get Breakdown Recovery Cover?

Cars can break down at any time and usually, you are not prepared for it. You may not have the right tools, skills, or budget to have it fixed.

If you’re asking yourself whether you should get breakdown recovery cover, the answer is almost definitely, yes.

The right cover will help you handle stressful situations if ever your car has problems starting or running.

So, what is a car breakdown cover and what does it include? Here’s a brief guide on what you need to know about this type of car insurance. 

What is Breakdown Recovery Cover?

There might come a time when your car breaks down, and when that happens, you’d want all the help you can get when it comes to repairs.

Sometimes, you might be able to tweak the car yourself and get it running until you can reach a mechanic.

However, most of the time, you’re going to need someone to take your car to a garage and have an expert mechanic fix it right away. 

If you have breakdown recovery cover, you won’t need to worry about the hassle and expenses during a situation like this.

Car breakdown cover can be included in your car insurance (so make sure to check and don't double up!), or it could be a perk from your bank. If it’s not, you have the option to get this kind of insurance policy. It’s usually called “breakdown and recovery insurance.” 

The kind of assistance you’ll get in case your car breaks down varies depending on the type and level of cover that you choose.

Here are some examples of what you'd need breakdown recovery cover for:

  • National Recovery - If the car needs to be taken to a mechanic for a serious fix, it can be towed to any place within the UK that will be convenient for you. 
  • European Breakdown Recovery Cover - You can get roadside recovery if you’re driving around Europe and your car breaks down. However, first you should check if the country you’re travelling to is covered by the policy. 
  • Onward Travel - Sometimes, cars can’t be fixed on the spot. This policy can help you reach your destination by providing a taxi or another car for you to use. 
  • At Home Assistance - This policy is also called “home start.” If your car is having problems starting while you’re still at home, you can get help. A mechanic will go to your home to fix the car there.
  • Roadside Assistance - The insurance provider will send an auto mechanic to your location so your car can be fixed. If the car needs further repairs, it will be towed to a repair shop. Keep in mind that there could be some exclusions to this kind of policy, so make sure to read every detail on the contract. 

If you want to reduce the risk of your car breaking down in the first place, we recommend checking out our maintenance tips to keep your car in top condition.

Adding Extras to Your Breakdown Recovery Cover

If you feel that you’re going to need other features to be included in your car breakdown recovery cover, you may add extras.

For example, you may get insurance for mis-fuelling, battery replacement, tyre replacement, and key replacement if ever you lost your keys.

Of course, these will require you to pay more but if having these extras will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered, then it could be a good idea to get them. 

Costs of Car Breakdown and Recovery Cover

The amount you’ll pay for this kind of cover will depend on the level you select, and whether you’ve chosen to add extras.

Every car insurance provider has their own features for these policies, as well as their terms and conditions. It would be best to look closely into such details so you can compare different offers thoroughly. 

It could be tempting to get a cheap car breakdown recovery cover, since it means you get to spend less on the policy.

The question is, will it give you good value for your money when the time comes that you need it?

Here’s an example: Say you got roadside assistance. When your car breaks down, it will be taken care of. However, you won’t be given transport so you can proceed to your destination. This means you’d have to arrange your own transportation and accommodation so you can continue your journey. 

If you had gone for a national recovery instead, you and your car would be taken care of if your vehicle broke down mid-journey.

This policy might be pricier compared to more basic types of cover. However, the convenience and peace of mind it will give you would be worth it.

Without cover, you would be facing high car breakdown recovery costs.

What’s Not Covered?

Depending on your car insurance provider, the policy you’ll get will have its own conditions and exclusions.

For example, here are some common scenarios that won’t usually be included in car breakdown and recovery cover. 

  • If your car breaks down on private property.
  • If you’re travelling with your pets. They may not be included in the transportation and accommodation for onward travel.
  • If the breakdown of your car was because of an accident. 
  • If your car breaks down because of poor maintenance. 

You can learn more about what is and what isn’t included in our dedicated breakdown cover inclusions blog.

What Happens If I Don't Have Breakdown Recovery Cover?

If you don't have breakdown recovery cover, you can still use the breakdown service, but you won't be covered. That means you'll need to pay for the cost of the service, plus the callout charge, upfront.

This can be expensive, costing hundreds, if not thousands of pounds, depending on the severity of the damage to the car and your location. 

Should I Get Breakdown Recovery Cover?

The short answer to this is most probably yes. But the final say is up to you since this kind of car insurance is optional.

If you think you’ll be able to repair your car in case it breaks down, or your car is still new and it won’t likely have any issues soon, then you might not need this policy.

However, if you want to be sure that you’ll get help in the event of a breakdown, then it would be worth it to get a car breakdown and recovery cover.

Choosing the Best Breakdown Recovery Cover

Before you go ahead and buy a breakdown policy, see to it that the cost will fit with your budget.

Since this is going to be an extra expense, you’ll want to make sure that you can set aside funds for the payments on the premium.

If your car does break down, you’ll get to save money because your insurer will take care of your car. You also won’t be stressed out by all the trouble of getting it fixed and running again.

And it's not a bad idea to consider having an emergency breakdown kit with you, particularly in winter! ❄️

That's a Wrap

Breakdown recovery cover can prove essential if you run into problems while out on the road. It may be an additional expense, but it can save you time, money, and a ton of stress in the long term.

You know what else can save you time and money? Applying for online car finance with Carmoola.

We have made it quick and simple to get the finance you need to fund your new set of wheels.

Just download the app, fill in a few simple details, and receive a budget in under 60 minutes. The entire process is done online, with no phone calls or lengthy paperwork to fill in.

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Get in contact with the Carmoola team with any questions you may have.