Is Car Breakdown Cover Worth it? Breakdown Policies for Your Car

Owning a car can be a great convenience, but it also comes with responsibilities and unforeseen challenges, such as breakdowns at the side of the road. When your vehicle suddenly won’t start or fails mid-journey, the experience can be both frustrating and costly. This is where breakdown cover steps in to offer peace of mind. But is car breakdown cover worth it?

In this guide, we’ll explore various aspects of breakdown policies to help you decide, such as the importance of breakdown cover and the difference between personal and vehicle breakdown policies. We will also discuss what is included in breakdown cover, the costs involved, and how our breakdown policies at ALA can assist you.

Is it Important to Have Breakdown Cover?

The importance of breakdown cover cannot be overstated, especially if you own an older car that has more miles on the clock. While modern vehicles are built to high standards, no car is immune to unexpected issues. A flat tyre, a dead battery, or an engine failure can strike at any time and in any location. Without breakdown cover, you’d be left to arrange for recovery and repairs yourself, which can be both time-consuming and expensive.

Breakdown cover ensures you’re never stranded without help. With a quick call, a trained mechanic or recovery team can assist. Many policies include benefits such as roadside repairs, roadside recovery, and even onward travel options.

Having breakdown cover is particularly valuable for those who:

• Commute regularly and rely on their car for work.
• Travel with family or young children.
• Drive in remote areas where access to help might be limited.

Our breakdown cover at ALA offers comprehensive protection to handle these scenarios, ensuring you’re prepared for any mishap. You can start building your breakdown cover quote here.

Is it Better to Get Vehicle or Personal Breakdown Cover?

Choosing between vehicle and personal breakdown cover depends on your circumstances and driving habits:

• Vehicle Breakdown Cover: This covers a specific vehicle, regardless of who is driving. It’s ideal if you only drive one car and don’t often switch vehicles.
• Personal Breakdown Cover: This covers you as an individual, regardless of the car you’re driving. It’s perfect if you drive multiple vehicles, use hire cars, or occasionally borrow a friend’s car.

Both options have their merits, and it ultimately comes down to how you use your vehicle. For example, a family with multiple drivers may benefit more from vehicle cover for each car, while someone who drives a company car and a personal vehicle might prefer personal cover.

We offer vehicle breakdown cover at ALA as an optional extra to our extended car warranty, with different cover levels to suit your needs.

What is Included in Breakdown Cover?

Breakdown cover policies at ALA depend on the level of assistance and coverage chosen. These include:

• Roadside: the policy provides 24 hours roadside assistance for breakdowns, if the vehicle breaks down more the one mile away from your home address. If the vehicle cannot be repaired at the scene, we will arrange to take you and your vehicle to any place you choose within a 20-mile radius.
• Roadside and Recovery: this includes everything mentioned in a Roadside policy, but if the vehicle cannot be repaired quickly at the scene of the breakdown, we will arrange to take the vehicle to the nearest garage or repairer.
• Total UK: This is a full-service breakdown policy; repair and recovery is arranged, and alternative travel or overnight accommodation will be provided if necessary.
• Total UK and Europe: everything in a Total UK policy is included, but it also extends to mainland Europe.

Should I Get Breakdown Cover with Every New Car I Purchase?

Many new cars come with breakdown cover as part of the warranty or as an added perk from the dealership. While this can be convenient, it’s not always comprehensive. Manufacturer-provided cover may have limitations, such as only including roadside assistance and not covering home start or onward travel.

Opting for a dedicated provider ensures you’re covered consistently and can customise the policy to meet your needs. Before relying solely on the cover that comes with a new car, consider these factors:

• Does it include all the services you might need?
• Will it continue after the initial warranty expires?
• Are there restrictions on the type of assistance provided?

By taking out a tailored policy with a trusted provider, you can ensure uninterrupted and comprehensive breakdown coverage for your vehicle.

How Much Does Breakdown Cover Cost?

The cost of breakdown cover varies based on several factors, including the level of cover and any additional features you choose. At ALA, you can either pay for your policy monthly or annually.

With ALA, you can expect competitive pricing tailored to your specific requirements. Our transparent approach means no hidden fees or surprises, making it easier to budget for this essential service.

Breakdown Cover with ALA

ALA stands out as a trusted provider of breakdown cover, offering flexible plans to suit different drivers’ needs. Whether you’re looking for basic roadside assistance or a premium package with all the extras, ALA has you covered.

Breakdown cover is a valuable investment for any driver, offering essential support during unexpected situations. Whether you’re commuting, travelling with family, or exploring the open road, having a reliable policy in place can save you time, money, and stress.

By understanding the different types of cover and what they include, you can choose the best option for your needs. ALA Breakdown Cover provides comprehensive and affordable solutions, ensuring you’re always prepared for life’s little mishaps.

To find out more, or to start building your quote, get in touch with us today.

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