The Car Doctor - Breakdown Recovery and Advice

The first question to ask about breakdown cover is whether you need it at all. The average cost of yearly cover in Britain is around £35. A 2005 survey revealed that the typical cost for the recovery and repair of a broken down vehicle was about £70 so, based on simple arithmetic, having breakdown cover would pay off if you expected to need it more than once every two years. Of course, there are other things to take into account too. Repair prices can vary significantly from one part of the country to another. The North-East was found to be particularly cheap. So the cost of the cover may be a better or worse deal for you depending on which part of the country you live in. But, of course, it's not just a matter of simple sums. There is the convenience aspect to consider too. It can be comforting to know that you just have to make a telephone call to have help arrive rather than be desperately forced to try and find a garage out in the middle of nowhere one day, when a problem eventually occurs.

The Automobile Association (AA) and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) used to rule the roost in this market in Britain. In fact, they still dominate it, but recent years have seen many new entrants to the business such as Tesco's Green Flag. There are both good and bad aspects to this from the consumer point of view. On the plus side, the marketplace has become more competitive, maintaining a downward pressure on prices. But, against this, it can be harder for a customer to assess the quality of the coverage offered. Some of the new providers are essentially marketing operations. They have no real network of garages or recovery vehicles of their own, and are just selling someone else's services under a different brand. While this doesn't necessarily mean the coverage is poor, it does mean the customer has to be wary.

Breakdown Cover - What you get

The raw statistics about most of the major providers are surprisingly similar. Almost all quote an average response time of between 30 and 40 minutes, claim to fix 80% of problems at the roadside, and cost about £30-40 for a year's worth of basic cover. Most will give priority to single females or to anyone else who feels vulnerable.

A typical basic policy will cover the arrival of a recovery vehicle with a technician who will attempt a roadside repair. If this is not possible, your vehicle will be towed to the nearest garage or, usually, to another nearby destination of your choice. Some policies will cover the cost of basic repair work at the garage though you will usually be charged for parts.

Beyond this basic level, policies diverge. Most providers offer about half a dozen different options and it's worth spending some time thinking carefully about them to decide which of these best suits your needs.

Typically, the options available will include :

Whether the policy is vehicle or person-based. Vehicle coverage protects you no matter who is in the vehicle. Person-based coverage guarantees service no matter which car you are in, even one that's not your own. And you don't need to be the driver either. Even as a passenger, you can get full service.
Whether it includes a Home Recovery option. This covers you even if your vehicle breaks down at or near your home.
Whether or not the cost of alternative transport and/or accommodation is covered if the vehicle can't be repaired straight away, and whether this applies only to the policy holder or also to other people in the vehicle.
Whether coverage on the continent is included or is available by paying extra.
Whether the company will send messages to friends or relatives for you while you are stranded.

Breakdown Cover - Tip

Many providers offer discounts for purchasing online. You will see some adverts on this website.

Breaking Down on The Motorway

At least 250 people in the UK are injured every year on the hard shoulder after a breakdown. Knowing the best course of action can prevent this. Below are some tips on how to stay safe on the hard shoulder.

The motorway hard shoulder should be used purely for emergencies, rather than for using the toilet or checking a map. If you do encounter problems you should do the following:

Pull over on the hard shoulder as far to the left as possible. Your wheels should be turned left.
Stop near an emergency phone if possible. These can be found at intervals of about a mile along the hard shoulder.
Switch on your sidelights and hazard lights to warn other vehicles.
Warning triangles should not be used on the motorways.
If you're forced to stop far away from an emergency telephone, make sure you know where you are - there are reference numbers on all emergency telephones and marker posts. Pass the reference number onto the breakdown company that you call.
Use the emergency telephone rather than a mobile to call for help. This will help a breakdown company to find you.
Emergency telephones are indicated by blue and white arrow markers which point you in the direction of the nearest one (they are a mile apart from one another).
While you're waiting for the breakdown service to arrive, you may be offered a lift by a stranger - don't accept.
When you use the emergency telephone to call a breakdown service such as the AA or RAC. Keep an eye out for anyone looking suspicious whilst you're on the phone
Women often think they're safer staying in their cars than on the hard shoulder where they may be attacked. This is actually a misconception.
Avoid sitting in the car when you're waiting for the breakdown service - you're up to seven times more likely to be involved in an accident.
All passengers should exit the vehicle by the left-hand side to avoid other vehicles on the motorway.
It's better to wait on the banking away from any other vehicles. Keep the front passenger door (furthest away from the carriageway for safety) open. If you're approached, you can get back in the car more easily. If this happens, lock the doors and speak to them with the window wound down slightly - but not enough for them to reach into the car.
Wear reflective jackets if you have them.
Make sure passengers, especially children, don't wander towards cars on the motorway.
Avoid trying to carry out any repairs. Leave this to an expert!
The hard shoulder is likely to be littered with debris from other people's breakdowns. This can cause a puncture.
When the breakdown is fixed, rejoin the carriageway as soon as you can. Use the hard shoulder to increase your speed until you can rejoin. If you feel vulnerable standing on the hard shoulder, get back in your car via the left-hand side and lock the doors.

If You Cannot Get onto The Hard Shoulder

Switch on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
Only leave your car on the road when you can be sure it's safe for you to get to the hard shoulder.

Disabled Drivers

Don't leave your car.
Switch on your hazard lights.
Contact the emergency services using a mobile or car telephone.

Breaking Down on Other Roads

Get off the road as quickly as possible to avoid obstructing traffic.
Switch on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
If you suspect there might be a danger of being hit by another vehicle, get yourself and other passengers out of the car and clear of the traffic.
Put up a warning triangle 45 metres behind your car if you have one. Remember to be cautious when doing this and don't attempt it if it isn't safe.
In poor weather, keep your sidelights on.
Avoid standing by your car next to the traffic - stand the other side.
Call a breakdown service from a mobile.

Breaking down need not be a big disaster. Follow the advice above and you'll be on your way in no time.

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