A breakdown cover company differs from a typical insurance policy. Car insurance is a legal requirement, generally focused on accidents and collisions, whereas roadside cover is focused on malfunctions and breakdowns.
This article will offer the essentials of roadside assistance cover, so you can understand what you might be paying for. It will also make it clear just how useful policies like this can be for drivers at any stage of their time on the road.
What roadside cover should include
It’s important to keep an eye out for comprehensive cover, or at least comprehensive options, if you’re going to be paying for policy. There are some vital parts to minimal policies, while other elements might only be available in slightly more extensive schemes.
Roadside assistance & towing w/ national recovery
This is the absolute fundamental of roadside cover. A trained mechanic needs to be dispatched to your location, to then try to fix your vehicle at the roadside. They’re generally capable of handling flat batteries, flat tyres and other minor mechanical faults. If they’re not able to fix things up on the spot, they should have to tow your vehicle to the nearest garage – albeit often within limited radiuses.
National recovery should be included in more extensive policies, meaning you can get the assistance you need wherever your drive might take you. With cars being the most common form of travel, it’s essential that cover encompasses plenty of ground.
Home starts
This isn’t generally a part of most roadside plans, but home starts should be included in more extensive policies. These are essentially clauses that state the cover provider will still provide you with assistance if you break down very close to your home, which many more standard policies don’t.
Onward travel assistance
Roadside cover should be able to offer you some sort of onward travel, meaning breakdowns that significantly disrupt your journey aren’t the be all and end all of the trip. Plenty of Brits choose to holiday in the UK, while many also have to travel long distances for work. Onward travel would ensure that breakdowns in these cases will be supported by replacement hire cars, overnight accommodation or alternative public transport options.
What should roadside cover technicians be able to handle
The engineers or technicians that offer breakdown cover for cars should have strong knowledge and capabilities when it comes to repairing or tuning up vehicles.
They should be able to manage things like
- Fixing or replacing dead batteries
- Replacing flat or burst tyres
- Cooling down overheating engines
- Handling misfueling calamities or cars running out of fuel
- Getting starter motors back up and running
And if they’re not able to get the car back on the move themselves, they should be well-versed in getting cars to a different location or garage safely.
Understanding personal vs vehicle cover
Vehicle and personal cover are different approaches to breakdown insurance.
- Vehicle cover is generally cheaper, being tied to a specific vehicle, so anyone driving the car is covered – ideal for single car family homes
- Personal cover is generally more expensive, tied to the driver or passenger in any vehicle you end up in – ideal for people who drive multiple cars
Where to find the right roadside cover
Finding the right roadside cover is about checking for these comprehensive features, ensuring that you can be looked after whatever happens and wherever you are. It’s also important to check for a good price and good reviews. With all the features you need and a strong reputation, you can be confident in your choice.