Why breakdown cover on your car is so essential

This summer, thousands of families will be packing their cars to capacity ahead of going on holiday. But what should you do if your car breaks down en-route to that dream destination? Each year many holidaymakers are left stranded without breakdown cover on their damaged vehicles. Breakdown cover ensures that you and your family are provided with transport to your destination or, at worst, a ride back home.

However finding the right breakdown cover can be a difficult and time-consuming process. Despite its size, the market for car breakdown cover is still dominated by a small number of large firms. Nevertheless, you need not restrict yourself to a large insurer like The AA, which controls 40% of the market. With over 121 firms in operation, consumers are provided with a great deal of choice when it comes to selecting their insurance provider. Most insurers offer three to four different levels of cover. If you are searching for a greener alternative, then there are even breakdown covers to suit such specific needs; Green Flag's breakdown cover is one such example.

You will also need to consider which type of breakdown cover is best suited to your needs. The details of deals tend to differ significantly between providers. Colin McFarlin of Europ Assistance suggests that motorists "write down what their needs are and what they want from the cover before they start looking, because there is a lot of choice out there." Deals offered by the AA, for example, cover the owner of the car rather than the car itself. This means that you do not have to buy insurance for individual cars if you own more than one vehicle. Other insurers such as Green Flag, cover the car itself. These deals are better suited to large families sharing a single automobile. Premiums may also vary depending on the age and condition of the car, and the safety record of the driver. If you are looking to save some additional cash, then it might be wise to buy a policy online. The AA's standard package for a single person costs £47.25 when bought at a dealership, but only £35.44 when purchased online. Comprehensive family cover, however, will cost you a massive £247.25 (£210.16 when purchased online). In return, your breakdown insurance will cover onward travel expenses and a lift to your destination if it is not possible for mechanics to repair your vehicle immediately. Given these costs it is often wise to look out for car insurance policies that include breakdown cover as part of the overall package. M&S and Zurich are two such examples.

Be aware of the fine print – many breakdown policies come with additional restrictions. You are likely to have to cover the cost of replacement parts yourself, and there may be restrictions on the number of free repairs mechanics will carry out on your car each time it breaks down. You are also likely to incur additional costs if your car breaks down overseas.

For further information on choosing the best breakdown cover, consult a consumer guide. The magazine Which? is one such publication that may prove useful.

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