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I know more than some people and less than others when it comes to cars. Almost half of drivers questioned in a recent Saga survey admitted that they also knew very little. If my car broke down tomorrow, I wouldn't be able to do a thing about it. Not least because everything under the bonnet is electrical or completely in-accessible. As far as I can see, you need to be a NASA scientist to change a bulb these days. Norwich Union's 'Rescue Report' polled more than 600 drivers and reveals a telling story. Today's drivers would rather speak publicly, go to a job interview or subject themselves to a dentists visit than break down at the side of the road. This is why around 19 million UK motorists rely on breakdown cover for help. If you are covered by AA breakdown cover they claim their patrols fix about 8 out of 10 cars at the roadside, however, they say that many of the 4 million breakdowns they attend every year could have been avoided if motorists only knew some basic car maintenance. The ability of the vehicle owner to carry out the most basic mechanical checks could keep their cars on the road. An AA survey shows just 9% of vehicle owners know that the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. The vehicle breakdown recovery industry in the UK is worth about £1.8bn each year and supports more than 19 million members. An assessment of the industry undertaken by Which in 2002 revealed that the AA out performed all of their competitors with the RAC finishing in 2nd place. Back then, the AA was the most likely to reach you in under 30 minutes. Reaching more than 50% of call outs within this time. However, another more recent independent survey showed that the RAC are now top of the tree. When you talk of breakdown recovery, the AA and RAC are always the first you think of but the market is more open now, with the likes of Green Flag, Direct Line and Tesco snapping at their heels. The cost of breakdown cover varies depending on what level of service you want. Starting from as little as £28 up to around £199 per year. With such varied costs and services you should do some research and compare breakdown cover. Generally speaking, there are four main categories of breakdown cover. 'Recovery' will recover you and your vehicle from the breakdown site. 'Roadside Assistance' will try to fix the problem at the roadside or if it cant be fixed, will tow you to the nearest garage. 'Comprehensive' cover normally includes roadside assistance and the option to take you, the vehicle and up to five passengers anywhere in the UK. Last but not least, 'Total Cover' offers pretty much everything including repairing your vehicle at home if you can't get it started. Additionally, most breakdown services offer separate cover for Europe if you find yourself traveling there on a regular basis or even if it's just for one day or a one off holiday. Before deciding on a recovery service, grill them with these questions:
Remember, the cheapest cover is not necessarily the best cover. Do your homework and ask plenty of questions. Get the cover you want and the next time you find yourself stranded on the hard shoulder, you'll know that help will be with you within the hour.
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