What is a Breakdown Cover?

By: Breakdowncover

Breakdown cover is an insurance policy that comes to your rescue when your car betrays you and leaves you stranded in the middle of a road, when it is too risky to leave the car and get out or too irritating to wait for the next car that comes down the road. It is also commonly referred to as emergency roadside repair or roadside assistance.

The concept of breakdown cover originated as services provided to members of the earliest national motoring organisations such as the Automobile Association and Deutscher Automobil-Club. A fleet of patrolmen, usually mounted on motorcycles and later in vans, were responsible for the timely delivery of these services and rescuing the motorist from his car trouble.

Then, with the establishment of a network of emergency phone boxes and more recently the widespread use of mobile phones, it became easier for organisations to deliver upon their promises of breakdown cover. And hence, a greater number of companies started offering this form of emergency help to motorists. Among these companies, the most prominent are the vehicle insurance companies.

But then you may ask, "What kind of emergency services can I expect from a breakdown cover?" Well, the answer to this question depends on what type of cover you opt for. Breakdown covers may include any or all of the following:

Towing your vehicle to the nearest garage;

Providing you with enough fuel to get to the next refuelling station;

Fixing minor car trouble, such as a flat tyre, on the spot;

Pulling out your car if it is stuck in snow or a ditch;

Covering all your car repairs;

Paying for your car's regular maintenance;

Arranging for alternate transportation when your car breaks down on you;

Arranging temporary accommodation for you until your car gets repaired; and/or many such similar services.

Now, you may ask, "Why do I need such a service?" If you own a car, you are bound to face some sort of car trouble sooner or later. It is one of those things that will happen whether you want it to or not. And, in all probability, it will happen when you least expect it to. Therefore, it is wise to be prepared for such a scenario. In fact, most people do not think about it until they actually need it and by then it is too late.

So, if you are planning to buy car insurance, also spend some time studying the breakdown cover provided by the vehicle insurance company. You can also refer to the list of car insurers providing breakdown cover at www.breakdowncover4u.co.uk and compare quotes and services offered by various companies. Breakdown covers offered by different companies include different services. But, the list of services included in your cover and the cost of your cover are negotiable. In fact, some insurance companies also offer big discounts on breakdown covers obtained online.

All in all, breakdown cover is an insurance policy that ensures that you are covered for and have help handy in case of a car emergency.