I read in the newspapers last year that 1 in 4 people drive on the UK roads without adequate protection for a breakdown. This included not having a suitable spare tire, jack, or a basic tool kit in case the worst were to happen. But what is more surprising is how many people take to the roads without adequate breakdown cover. It's not as though it is expensive, some household breakdown cover names can still offer cover from £29 a year.

When you compare this to an average call out fee from a breakdown truck of at least double that for one call out and in some areas in the UK could be many times that, you wonder why breakdown cover isn’t an automatic purchase. The truth is many of us don’t see the need until we actually breakdown, suffered the costs, the inconvenience and possible the safety risk of being stranded somewhere.

If you have ever been burgled it is probably very unlikely you would not risk not having home contents insurance ever again, the same rules apply to breakdown cover. Another argument is that modern cars are more reliable these days. That is true but when you consider that most call outs are due to flat tyres and flat batteries, which are pretty much the same on every car, that argument becomes weaker.

Also modern cars are harder to work on with electronics replacing mechanical parts, needing specialist equipment. This year I do not expect to have an accident with my modern car but I would not risk driving without motor insurance, I also do not expect to breakdown either, but I will be covered just in case. My final comment is safety. If you are going to breakdown, it could be at anyplace at anytime of day or night. Being stranded on a lonely road by yourself at night is not the most enjoyable experience, knowing you will be attended within the hour can be worth more than money.

Before you take to the road make sure at least you have the resources to get home; correct spare tire, jack, a small tool kit, and at least consider how important Breakdown Cover can be.

Mark Flanighan
Publisher of breakdown cover in the UK.

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