So having breakdown cover can really save the day, since you probably don't realise how much it will cost to fix the car either.

Automatic

There are two main types of cover that you can get; the first is the traditional, automatic service. This is the better known type and the one that most people go for. It is also the more costly of the two.

Automatic service means that you pay the company fee ? which varies depending on the level of cover that you want ? and then when you have a problem they send one of their own technicians, from their own fleet to provide assistance.

Pay and Claim

Pay and Claim is lesser known than automatic cover but provides full cover, is just as reliable, and costs less. These companies don't have their own fleets; so instead, they will send a local company to help.

Then ? and here is the drawback ? you have to pay for the roadside repairs or tow yourself, and then invoice your breakdown company who will reimburse you.

What to cover

Once you have chosen who you want to go with, you then need to decide whether you're going to cover yourself as an individual, or your car itself. Both types have their advantages so the one you go for will depend on your individual needs; how many people drive your car or how many cars you drive.

Cover limitations

When you start looking for breakdown cover and comparing the different options available, you'll find that different firms put different restrictions on their packages:

These include:

?How many times you'll be able to call them out in one year.

?Higher premiums for older cars.

?Whether or not you'll get a courtesy car or be provided with onward travel assistance.

?How far from home you have to be to receive assistance.

Added extras

As well as limitations to your cover, you can also get some optional extras, if you're willing to pay a bit more. Think about whether or not you'll need them though ? don't just go for the most expensive cover thinking you'll get the best service ? it's no good if you're not going to use it.

Optional extras include:

?European cover. You can also purchase European cover separately for a short period.

?Tow close to home. Cheaper policies will usually tow to within around 15 miles of your breakdown which could be far from your home. You can pay extra to ensure that your car will be brought to a garage close to home.

?Home start. Most policies don't provide assistance outside your home so you won't be covered if your car doesn't start in the morning. Again, you can opt to pay extra to be covered at home.

Shop around

As always when parting with your money, make sure that you do your homework so that you get the best deal. Hence you should before going for any.

The internet is a good place to start because it makes it easier to compare breakdown insurance, quotes and many breakdown companies will offer money-off if you sign up online.

And finally, make sure that you don't already have breakdown cover. This might sound obvious, but some new cars come with a year's cover so be sure that you don't end up paying for the same thing twice.