Breakdown cover is something most people don’t think much about until they need it. However, if you are planning on buying or renewing your car insurance policy, then you should definitely consider getting breakdown cover.

The team at Bruford and Vallance Insurance Service Ltd are here to help you find the right insurance for you. With the wide range of insurance policies we offer, we’re confident we can offer peace of mind and a fair price.

There are many myths surrounding breakdown cover insurance. Let’s explore the top ten myths about breakdown cover insurance and find out which ones are true.

– Myth #1: I can get my car fixed without paying anything.

While breakdown cover can be a valuable tool, it doesn’t always mean you won’t have to pay anything.

Here’s what breakdown cover typically covers:

• Breakdown assistance: This usually includes towing your car to a garage or roadside repairs.
• Alternative transport: Some policies offer alternative transport options, like taxis or public transport, if your car can’t be repaired on-site.
• Accommodation: If you’re stranded far from home, some policies may cover accommodation costs.

However, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Excess: Most breakdown cover policies have an excess, which is the amount you’ll need to pay upfront before your insurer covers the rest.
• Limitations: There may be limitations on the type of repairs covered or the distance your car can be towed.
• Additional costs: You might still need to pay for parts or labour that aren’t covered by your policy.

– Myth #2: If I have an accident, I won’t be responsible for any damage or injuries.

While comprehensive car insurance can cover your liability for damage to other vehicles or property and injuries to others in an accident, it doesn’t mean you won’t be responsible for everything.

Here are some things to consider:

• No-claim bonus: If you’re involved in an accident, you may lose your no-claim bonus, which can lead to higher premiums in the future.
• Legal fees: If you’re involved in a serious accident, you may need to hire a lawyer to represent you. These costs may not be covered by your insurance.
• Personal injury: If you’re injured in an accident, your insurance may cover your medical expenses, but you may not be able to claim compensation for lost earnings or pain and suffering.

– Myth #3: I don’t need to file a claim if I have an accident.

If you’re involved in an accident and cause damage to another vehicle or property, or injure someone, you are legally obligated to report the incident to the police and file a claim with your insurance company.

Failing to report an accident can result in legal consequences, including fines or even loss of your driving licence. Additionally, if you don’t file a claim and the other party later decides to take legal action against you, you may face significant financial losses.

– Myth #4: I can just call my insurance company, and they will take care of everything.

While your insurance company can provide valuable assistance after an accident, it’s important to understand that you still have responsibilities.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Gather information: Immediately after an accident, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible. This includes the names and contact details of the other driver(s), witnesses, and any police officers involved. Take photos of the accident scene and any damage to your vehicle or other property.
• Report the accident: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with all the relevant information you gathered.
• Follow your insurer’s instructions: Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process. Be sure to follow their instructions and provide any necessary documentation.
• Legal obligations: In addition to reporting the accident to your insurance company, you may also be required to report it to the police. Consult your local laws for specific requirements.

– Myth #5: I can always buy extra cover.

Although this seems like a natural solution, you have to consider the following:

Cost: Additional cover usually comes at an extra cost. Before purchasing, assess whether the added benefits justify the increased premium.

Need: Determine if the additional cover is necessary for your specific circumstances. For example, if you rarely drive in adverse weather conditions, comprehensive breakdown cover might be overkill.

Policy limitations: Even with extra cover, there may be limitations or exclusions in your policy. Read the fine print carefully to understand what is and isn’t covered.

– Myth #6: I can cancel my breakdown cover at any time.

That’s generally true, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Cancellation terms: Your breakdown cover policy may have specific cancellation terms. For example, you might need to give a certain amount of notice before cancelling.
• Pro-rata refund: If you cancel your policy mid-term, you may receive a pro-rata refund, which means you’ll only get back a portion of your premium.
• Continuous cover: Some policies offer continuous cover, which means you’re protected even if you don’t renew your policy on time. However, this might come at an additional cost.

– Myth #7: I don’t need to pay anything upfront when I buy breakdown cover.

That’s generally correct. Most breakdown cover policies allow you to pay the premium monthly or annually. But in some cases, you may encounter the following:

• Excess: (See Myth 1)
• Direct debit setup: Some insurers may require you to set up a direct debit to pay your premiums. If you miss a payment, your coverage may be suspended.
• Initial payment: In some cases, you may need to pay a small initial payment when you first purchase the policy.

– Myth #8: I can only use breakdown cover in emergencies.

While breakdown cover is primarily intended for emergencies, it can often be used in a wider range of situations, which can include:

• Mechanical breakdown
• Flat tire
• Running out of fuel
• Battery failure
• Being locked out of your vehicle.

– Myth #9: I can save money by not having breakdown cover.

While it’s true that you can save money by not having breakdown cover, it’s important to weigh the potential savings against the potential costs of not being covered.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have breakdown cover is a personal one. It depends on your individual circumstances, driving habits, and risk tolerance. If you frequently drive long distances or in remote areas, or if you have a history of car breakdowns, the benefits of breakdown cover may outweigh the cost.

– Myth #10: I can switch between different companies and still keep the same level of cover.

That’s generally true. You can switch between different breakdown cover providers without losing your current level of cover. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• No-claim bonus: If you have a no-claim bonus with your current provider, you may be able to transfer it to your new provider. However, this can vary depending on the insurers involved.
• Continuous cover: Some providers offer continuous cover, which means you’re protected even if you don’t renew your policy on time. If you switch providers, you may need to check if your new policy offers continuous cover.
• Switching process: The process of switching breakdown cover providers can vary. You may need to provide your new provider with your current policy details and any relevant claims history.

Find the right breakdown cover for you

We hope that you can see that there are many myths surrounding breakdown cover. Hopefully, after reading this blog post, you now know that there are many myths surrounding breakdown cover.

The team at Bruford and Vallance Insurance Service Ltd invites you to contact us if you have any queries, our superior service standards mean that we are happy to help you find all the answers you require.

Alternatively, you can request a quote from us today, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Address:

• Bruford & Vallance Insurance Services Ltd
• 45 St. James Street Taunton
• Somerset
• TA1 1JR
  

Contact number

• 01823 277188

Email

• info@bruford.co.uk