What exactly is breakdown cover and should you have it?

Available from a number of providers, having breakdown cover means you can motor on without the fear of suddenly becoming stranded, should your car give up the ghost while out on the road, and helps prevent unexpected costs.

But what is covered exactly, and how can you get an affordable deal on your policy?

Breakdown cover is a service that pretty much does what it says on the tin. Should your car break down while on the move, holding a policy with any provider in the UK will mean you have an on-demand recovery service to either help you get back on the road quickly or take your car to a garage without fear of unexpected fees.

What is covered by a policy varies depending on what type you have and who your provider is. Typically, a basic breakdown cover policy will ensure you’re covered for simple roadside repairs (known as roadside assistance), or to be towed to a garage with no extra cost above your annual or monthly fixed rate – though the latter sometimes costs more than the standard rate.

Many providers also offer a wide number of optional extras. Examples of these include at home cover which will allow you to call upon assistance if your car is failing to start at home, onward travel cover which will allow you to be taken to your originally planned destination if your car cannot be quickly fixed, and European cover which allows you to take advantage of similar privileges while driving on the continent.

There’s a range of breakdown cover providers in the UK, with popular choices including the AA, RAC and Green Flag among others. The easiest way to get a low-cost breakdown policy is to use an online comparison tool.

Unlike an insurance policy, there is no legal requirement for your car to be covered under a breakdown policy. However, your wallet may thank you should you have a policy and do have an unexpected breakdown.

Breakdown cover can be a handy thing to have, especially in the winter.