While breakdown cover is necessary in the UK, the choice of the company and policy type is left to your discretion. The level of breakdown cover that you choose should be what is best suited for your lifestyle.

Before you select one service provider, surf the Net and find out what the market has to offer. You will be surprised at the number of offers and discounts that you can avail of.

Every company has a claims procedure, which, if not followed, will not entertain your claim. The various types of breakdown cover include home start, roadside and onward travel.

Home start is when your car refuses to start in the morning, while roadside recovery is when you are stuck on the road. Onward travel is when your car breaks down in UK or Europe and the recovery company gives you a replacement or undertakes repairs. This includes hotel stay or a tow as the case may be – whatever it takes to get you to your destination.

A recovery vehicle is generally expected to reach you in half an hour. Some companies go the extra mile to notify family of the delay and your safety.

Most recovery policies cover UK, Ireland, and Wales but running out of fuel or filling the wrong fuel is not part of breakdown cover.

In case of an accident, call your insurance company and not recovery.

Transparency in your personal and vehicle information will help the company select the appropriate policy for you.

Most things are taken care of in the breakdown cover, but the right fit helps.