Which Breakdown Cover?
Discussion
My BMW Emergency Service is due for renewal soon. My BMW is 13 years old (I've owned it from three months old) and I've always had this cover. The OH was shocked when I told her the cover costs £149/year and told me to shop around. So, I'm wondering what would be a good cover to have as I have no experience of these things. Apparently some of these products have their quirks. I recall a work colleague explaining how she had to once push her car down the road to get the breakdown company to come out because they wouldn't attend if the car was parked in her drive, which it was. Ironically the cover was called 'Home Start', but they wouldn't come to her HOME to START her car! Basically, I don't want any of this nonsense. If my car breaks down I want to be recovered home and may car transported to the garage of my choosing when the garage is open. If my car won't start at home then I want someone to come out to my home and try to fix it, and to transport if to the garage of my choosing if they can't. I'm sure it's not too much to ask. What cover is out there that'll do what I want but costs less than BMW's own cover?
Perhaps a little unfair because it must be 5 or more years since I paid for breakdown cover and I admit things move on, but I always found RAC to be quicker on call outs than the AA.
Also they are a bit more polite in my experience.
Having said that my dad has been an AA member since 1972 and swears by them.
Also they are a bit more polite in my experience.
Having said that my dad has been an AA member since 1972 and swears by them.
Try asking your insurance for a breakdown quote, they'll usually beat all others.
Make sure that you know just what you're covered for...............
A certain well known company will not attend if you've had any sort of bump, even if it's very minor. They will however if the recovery is via your insurance.
The same company will not attend if you're reported as being in a live lane on the motorway, or within a motorway roadworks enclosure, but will tell you to recall them when you are in a safe place for them to attend.
Also note, breakdown companies are now starting to decline to attend without charging extra, if you've got a puncture and have no spare wheel (unless the vehicle actually left the factory without one fitted)
If you need European cover, check if it's included, the big ones will charge you around £80 extra for a weeks European cover.
Basic recovery will only get you recovered up to 10 miles, you need full rescue for more.
Most of all, check to see if you if you vehicle is covered at all, some will not cover vehicles over 15 years old.
Make sure that you know just what you're covered for...............
A certain well known company will not attend if you've had any sort of bump, even if it's very minor. They will however if the recovery is via your insurance.
The same company will not attend if you're reported as being in a live lane on the motorway, or within a motorway roadworks enclosure, but will tell you to recall them when you are in a safe place for them to attend.
Also note, breakdown companies are now starting to decline to attend without charging extra, if you've got a puncture and have no spare wheel (unless the vehicle actually left the factory without one fitted)
If you need European cover, check if it's included, the big ones will charge you around £80 extra for a weeks European cover.
Basic recovery will only get you recovered up to 10 miles, you need full rescue for more.
Most of all, check to see if you if you vehicle is covered at all, some will not cover vehicles over 15 years old.
Gafferjim said:
manitou said:
i just bought breakdown cover with quikfit with homestart for £28.85 using the go compare website give it a look 
Oh Dear!! come back to use when you need to call them out please, and then tell us what you think! If your car is under 2500cc then I would recommend
http://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/
Been a member for about 5 years, several breakdowns and brilliant service
£38 a year - pay and reclaim service but same level of cover as £150 AA/RAC cover
http://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/
Been a member for about 5 years, several breakdowns and brilliant service
£38 a year - pay and reclaim service but same level of cover as £150 AA/RAC cover
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