5 ways to save on car breakdown cover over the winter sales
With the winter sales period nearly upon us, various breakdown providers are starting to offer discounts. Read on to find out how to save on breakdown cover and avoid the common pitfalls.
The cold winter months can play havoc with your car, so if you don't already have breakdown cover, it's a good time to start thinking about it. And while going with a big-name brand like the AA or RAC can seem like a safe bet, our research shows you shouldn't overlook lesser-known providers like Start Rescue and AutoAid (some of which offer similar levels of cover for less, even with discounts taken into account).
Read on to discover our top tips for finding cheap breakdown cover.
Alternatively, head straight to our guide on the best car breakdown providers 2023, in which we compared 15 third-party breakdown providers (factoring in feedback from over 8,000 members of the public).
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1. Get the right level of cover
Knowing what level of cover is available and what suits your needs is key to avoiding unnecessary expenses.
For example, if you're not sure whether you'll drive in Europe (or will likely do so only once), there’s probably no need to include European cover with your annual policy. Instead, you can get a separate single-trip European policy closer to the time, should you need it. But if multiple European driving trips are on the cards, getting it as part of your annual breakdown cover is often cheaper.
Our research also shows most breakdowns occur at home, so it's worth checking whether home recovery is included in any quote you get.
Read our guide on breakdown cover to find out the main cover levels and what to look for.
2. Check you aren't already covered
Before committing to a new breakdown policy, it's worth checking whether you've already got cover as part of another policy or service.
If you own a relatively new car, you may find breakdown cover is included when you get the car serviced at an authorised dealer.
It's also worth checking your car insurance policy and bank account for inclusive breakdown cover. Many packaged bank accounts include breakdown cover and some even extend the policy to cover at least one other named driver living at the same residence. This means it's also worth checking if a family member has a packaged bank account. By taking advantage of these bundled services, you can avoid spending more than necessary in the haze of the winter sales frenzy.
See our pick of the best packaged bank accounts.
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3. Use cashback sites
Take advantage of cashback services like Quidco and Top Cashback. They're quick and easy tools for comparing offers on the market that don't require you to enter your personal details.
Cashback services also offer impressive savings on car breakdown cover from top brands like the AA, and Quidco offers a 'Higher Cashback Guarantee' that promises to price-match any higher cashback offers you find.
If you’re not familiar with how they work, read our guide to cashback sites.
4. Look deeper than the discount
As always, big discounts don’t necessarily mean you get the best deal on the market.
You can find up to 50% off on big-brand policies in the sales, but one Which? Recommended Provider offers a similar policy for less than a third of the price.
Which budget-friendly provider are we talking about? Head to our best breakdown providers guide to find out.
5. Don't hesitate to haggle
The thought of bargaining for a better deal can feel awkward, but our research shows more often than not brands will lower a renewal quote when challenged.
Have a couple of quotes at hand before calling, then ask a few simple questions like 'Is this your best offer?' or 'I’ve seen this brand offer a similar policy for this amount – can you match that?'
If you're a previous or long-standing customer, mention it. Providers are often willing to offer discounts or perks to keep your business.
If you’ve tried haggling without success, or you aren’t happy with the final price, shift your focus to getting extra features. Extras such as onward travel and overnight accommodation aren’t always included in policies, but these add-ons can be a saving grace if you break down during a long-distance drive.
And finally... take your time
Time-limited sales can create a sense of urgency, but it's crucial not to make hasty decisions.
Most providers will hold a quote you're given, letting you end the call and think about it before signing up. You could also ask for the offer to be emailed to you, so you can check it's what you're after. Pay particularly close attention to any fees that might be payable if you decide to cancel during the cooling-off period.
