Breakdown Cover Comparison

With standard breakdown cover the driver tends to choose the level of coverage that is right for their needs, and pays an annual fee which entitles the driver to a number of breakdown call-outs for the following year with no additional charge.

With pay and claim cover there is still an annual fee to pay and an additional fee is usually paid to the assistance provider on call-out. Depending on the individual scenario, the additional fee can be reimbursed by the insurance provider, depending on the terms of the policy.

When comparing breakdown policies narrow the options to only include the features you want. For example, European cover may be convenient if you drive across the continent a lot, but not if you only drive in the UK. Onward Travel is great if you commute for work, but it could be unnecessary if you drive more for leisure.

It’s important you take a note of any policy exclusions, as neglecting this aspect could lead to unpleasant surprises in the future. There are annual or policy limits on the number of call-outs each year and vehicle weight limits. Human error incidents such as lost keys, running out of fuel, or flat battery due to lights being left are sometimes not included. Some policies also do not provide cover for wheel changes, so it’s the driver’s responsibility to have a roadworthy spare with them and the appropriate accessories.

If you are looking for cheap breakdown insurance, you might find it better to compare fixed-price premiums compared to calculated premiums.

You can also ensure you are only paying for breakdown cover features which you’ll benefit from to cut costs – there is no point in paying for European Cover if you have no intention of leaving the UK during the policy term.

If you choose the pay and claim option over standard breakdown insurance you could also reduce the annual premium, but the trade-off may be a lower level of service.