Why it is worth taking out recovery even if your car is in good condition
THE best way to lower the chance of breaking down is to look after your motor – so regularly check the level of oil, water and tyre pressure.
One of the biggest reasons for cars not starting is a flat battery and experts believe it is worth changing it every five years as part of a service.
The reality is that even if it is well looked after, your car will occasionally go wrong and for this it is worth taking out breakdown cover. Even those who are practical can benefit from this cover – if your engine fails on a motorway there may be a tow-off charge of £250 – before the car is fixed.
Big name providers such as RAC and AA offer cover from as little as £40 a year but if you want to include home start and being taken to a chosen destination, costs can escalate to almost £200.
Other recovery providers to consider include Green Flag, charging £50 for nationwide pick-up to a network of local garages. If you want home start included as well providers like QDOS, Breakdown Assist and
AVOID THE COST OF A BREAKDOWN
Start Rescue charge from about £30. Software developer Peter Cooper, 35, from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, paid £114 for a £195 policy with AA – thanks to getting an £81 refund using cashback website TopCashback. He says: ‘I took the policy out two months ago and due to the discount could afford a policy that covered not just me but also my girlfriend Isabella for driving any car. ‘Last month, she hit a deer in the road, seriously damaging her Nissan Qashqai. Thanks to the cover the car was towed to a garage and she was taken safely home.’ Before signing up check to make sure you are not already covered through your own motor insurance policy. New vehicles are often covered under a three-year warranty against breakdowns.