All you need to know about breakdown cover

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When you’re preparing for an upcoming caravan trip, you’re probably thinking about what clothes to pack, what groceries you need to stock up on and what activities you’ll do when you get there. But spare a thought for the journey; have you got all you need to tow safely? Which route will you take? What will you do if you break down?

Breaking down whilst towing your caravan may not be something you’ve ever thought about, but it is a very real possibility. Any car can experience a fault and although inconvenient - especially when towing - if you’re well prepared for it, you can get it sorted and get on your way in no time.

What should I do if I break down whilst towing?

 

Make sure you’re positioned safely
If you’re able to, try to manoeuvre your vehicle and caravan to a safe location away from traffic, so that it's not in the way or causing an obstruction. This will help prevent any accidents or possible damage to your vehicles.

 

Alert other road users
Put your hazard lights on, and if you have them, set up warning triangles or cones to indicate to other drivers that your vehicle is disabled. This will help increase visibility and reduce the risk of further incidents.

 

Assess the situation 
Determine the cause of the breakdown, if it's something obvious and easily fixable (e.g. a flat tire), and whether you can safely address it yourself. However, avoid attempting any repairs that you're not confident in performing, as it could potentially worsen the problem.

 

Contact your breakdown service provider
If you have a breakdown service membership, call your provider's helpline and explain the situation. Provide them with your location, details about your vehicle and caravan, and any relevant information, such as your position and whether you’re travelling with children as this may affect your priority status. They will dispatch assistance to your location.

 

If you do not have breakdown cover membership, you can still call one of the providers and ask for help. This is likely to result in a higher, one-off charge for this service and you may be prioritised behind any members who are waiting for assistance.

 

Stay with your vehicle
It's generally advisable to stay with your vehicle and caravan while waiting for assistance as this will allow the breakdown service provider to locate you easily. However, you should only wait in the car if you are parked away from the traffic and it is safe to do so.

 

Follow instructions
Once you've contacted your breakdown service, they will provide guidance and updates on the estimated arrival time of assistance. Follow their instructions and cooperate with the recovery team when they arrive.

 

Get equipped
It’s a good idea to have a well-equipped emergency kit in your vehicle at all times. This should include items such as a reflective vest, warning triangles, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, essential tools and some drinks and snacks.. 

 

Maintain your vehicle
Regular vehicle maintenance and checks can also help reduce the chances of a breakdown while towing. Be sure to keep your car well-serviced and if you notice anything that’s not right before setting off on a trip, be sure to get it checked out before you travel. You’ll be glad you did!

 

What breakdown cover options are there?

 

The AA
The AA is one of the most well-known and widely used breakdown service providers in the UK. They offer a range of membership options and provide roadside assistance, recovery and home start services. Prices start from £7.20 a month and for this base level of cover, you’ll get Roadside Assistance, which is 24/7 support from a trained patrol if your car, van or motorbike breaks down more than 1/4 mile from your home. You’ll get unlimited callouts, as long as it’s not a recurring problem, and if they can’t fix your vehicle roadside, they’ll take you to a nearby garage.

 

RAC
The RAC is another prominent breakdown service provider in the UK. They offer various membership levels with features such as roadside assistance, recovery, home start, and onward travel options. Prices start from £6.95 a month and for this basic cover, you get roadside assistance as long as you’re over a quarter of a mile away from home. They’ll fix your car at the roadside and if they can’t, they’ll give you a 10-mile tow. You’ll be entitled to 5 callouts per year and even receive a free 20-point car health check!

 

Green Flag
Green Flag is a popular breakdown service that provides assistance for roadside breakdowns, recovery and home start. They offer different levels of membership and have a network of independent recovery operators across the country. Prices start from £2.61 per month and for this you get roadside assistance as long as you’re over a quarter of a mile away from home. Callouts are unlimited, as long as it’s not a recurring problem, and if they can’t fix your vehicle roadside, they’ll take you to a nearby garage.

 

Britannia Rescue
Britannia Rescue is a breakdown service that offers roadside assistance, recovery and home start services. They provide various membership options with different levels of coverage - prices start from just £2.50 a month. The service is 24/7, 365 days a year and call outs are unlimited, as long as it's not a recurring problem.

 

RescueMyCar.com
RescueMyCar.com is an online-based breakdown service provider. They offer a range of breakdown cover options, including roadside assistance, recovery and home start services. They have a 24-hour UK contact centre and offer unlimited call outs. Prices start from just £1.87 a month.

Before you set off on your next trip…

 

Why not check out our new online shop? With thousands of products in stock, you’ll be spoilt for choice! You can search by category or brand and be sure to take a peek at our new in and sale sections too! Give us a call on 01962 714844 with any queries!

 

 

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