Going without breakdown cover ?

Randomface74 · 29 Jun 2018 at 12:23

I wonder if you guys can point me in the right direction.

I've been driving for about 10 years, and every year I've had problems with breakdown companies. E.g.
- poor prices
- cancellation fees
- higher renewals for loyal customer
- 'gold membership' nonsense
- not far enough from your house
- legalese
- scaremongering

You get the idea...

At the moment I have a near-new car, so the chance it breaks down seems extremely slim. So I'm tempted to just not bother dealing with these companies at all, and going without breakdown cover.

But, if I did break down, I'd still need to know who to call to get my car fixed or towed, and some idea of what that would cost. I'm struggling to find this information, so this is what I'm asking you for - has anyone done breakdown this way? Do the main breakdown companies show up if you call them without being a member? How would it work?

Randomface74 · 29 Jun 2018 at 12:54

bazzabear said:
Personally, I'd have a look at AutoAid breakdown cover. Very cheap, recommended by Moneysavingexpert. I've been with them for a good few years with no problems. Only had to call them out once - but I was at the very top of an Alpine pass at the time, and they were excellent. Car recovered to a specialist garage and paid for a night in a local hotel with no quibble at all.

I'll have a look at that ty.

Armageus said:
What car, and where do you get it serviced? A lot of main dealer servicing now includes a years breakdown cover as part of the price.

Vauxhall Astra 1.4T 150 Auto, 16 plate, bought it 1 year ago at 1 year old.
I got 1 year breakdown free with it, which is just about to end.
I'm 1 year through a 3 year service plan with the main dealer, but it doesn't include breakdown.

WoodyUK said:
I've always got mine through a premium bank account.
Have used it several times and had no issues at all, much easier than faffing about going direct and then having them have your details and spamming you every year

I'll have a look at that too, ty.

Randomface74 · 29 Jun 2018 at 13:30

WoodyUK said:
Honestly I do think premium accounts are the way to do it, especially Nationwides, I don't think any other premium account comes close to the level of cover they provide.
https://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/current-accounts/flexplus/insurances-and-benefits
£13 quid a month, you can't go wrong.

Had a look at premium bank acounts, £156 a year is a lot for breakdown, you'd have to really want phone and travel insurance too (I don't need either).

Randomface74 · 29 Jun 2018 at 13:39

Liquidfox said:
If it's still under warranty does that also not include breakdown? BMW for example do.

Don't think so.

Randomface74 · 30 Jun 2018 at 13:17

Dav4 said:
It’s a Vauxhall op I would get breakdown cover if i was you

lulzy. This is my 2nd Astra, never had a problem with them so far.
Before that I had a Renault Megane and that broke down about 4/5 times lol.

muon said:
Don't new cars come with 3 years breakdown cover included these days?

I think they probably do bundle something with new cars, but I didn't buy it new.
Whatever breakdown might have been offered to the first owner didn't transfer to me.