Breakdown cover survey reveals 6.5 million motorists stranded in 2008
10 Comments | Add Comment | Blog entry posted 22nd May, 2009
The summer is now fast approaching, and more of us are thinking about planning our holidays. Many people may be tightening their belts, and finding one of the great holiday deals to be had right here in the UK. But, have you budgeted for breakdown cover?
A survey conducted by PetrolPrices.com out today, reveals that more than 6.5 million vehicles broke down in 2008.
Of these breakdowns, the most common problem was the battery not starting. This was closely followed by tyre punctures.
The figures were provided by The AA, RAC, ETA, BreakdownDirect and Europ Assitance.
You might be tempted to skimp on breakdown cover and hope for the best, but with prices starting at as little as the cost of a meal for two, why risk it? Gemma, 24 from Hampshire thought she didn’t need it, until it happened to her.
“I was on my way home after a great weekend but with less than 10 miles to go, I lost control of the car. I managed to pull into the hard shoulder and just sat, really shaken, for a few minutes. I phoned my step dad and he arranged a recovery van to tow my car to the nearest garage.”
“It cost me more than £150 to be towed to a garage, plus the repairs. I bought breakdown cover the next day because I wouldn’t want to go through the experience again. I now know that next time I breakdown unexpectedly I’ll know what to do and it won’t cost me the earth.”
PetrolPrices.com compare the leading breakdown cover providers in the UK, to help drivers find the most suitable breakdown cover – from basic roadside assistance to comprehensive cover including car hire, overnight accommodation costs, or even European breakdown cover.
Have you ever broken down without breakdown cover? Are you planning a self drive holiday in the UK or Europe this summer? Or perhaps you think breakdown cover is a waste of money? Let us know your thoughts and experiences.
Replies to Breakdown cover survey reveals 6.5 million motorists stranded in 2008
Ian Mcdonald April 2, 2011
Just read about Gemma from hampshire's experience with her breakdown. You didn't say if it was a puncture that you had. If it was, I highly recommend a product called Puncturesafe, or as it used to be called Ultraseal.
I put this in the tyres of the last car that I had, a Rover 45, as it was converted to LPG, which meant as the tank was where the spare wheel should be, I didn't carry a spare wheel. I never had a puncture in the five years that I had it.
Bought an Astra 2 years ago and had 2 punctures within a month! Both tyres were written off, so I immediately put Puncturesafe back into the tyres.
Who needs the hassle of a puncture, usually on a dark night in the pouring rain!
C Evans January 14, 2011
test
Hari September 2, 2010
best best
best
Sam Dempsey April 9, 2010
on a day when fuel costs were broadcast in every tv and radio news and not one word from any political party on it.
Do they think were are all silly the whole country is worried on fuel prices but not one word from any party.
No wonder they get so few people voteing.
Robin Williams April 8, 2010
I would not be without Breakdown cover but I have been with the RAC for many years and have had the full package which meant home start as well, however, this year my car refused to start in the drive and every time I 'phoned and was answered I had to press certain buttons on my phone if I required Home Start etc, each time I did I was informed that the service was not available due to demand! Therefore my car remained off road for over a fortnight and the money I had paid out for Home Start was a total waste, in the end I got a local mechanic to sort it for me at a cost to myself, so this year when the account runs out I will shop elsewhere.
Stuart Mcgall July 15, 2009
Am i missing the point or did we all sign up to petrolprices.com because we were promised a fuel discount card a very long time ago? The premise was simple, brand loyalty for a discounted price. What ever happened to that idea i wonder? I also wonder how much Fubra Ltd (petrolprices) has made from selling off our contact details?
Tfs June 24, 2009
Total have been offering 14 days free breakdown cover every time you purchase £30.00 or more of fuel from one of their filling stations.
Steve M June 1, 2009
HEIDI MARSHALL
Thank for letting me know your father Adrian is well.
He has become a good friend and I sincerely miss the jokes, banter and his unique dry wit.
Please let Adrian know I think of him and look forward to breaking bread together again in the near future.
Kind regards, Steve M.
Steve M May 30, 2009
Hi,
I have not been on this site for some time. It's like a time warp.
Peaky (peak oil) is still posting the same thing.
The response is still the same.
A big "Hello" to all the old crew. AJB, Capri, Steve the poor garage owner and everybody else. See you soon.
Steve M.
James White May 28, 2009
No.1
What a t##t!
Been brain washed by Gord an co, nobodies listening to you!
Please note that any viewpoints published here as comments are user's views and not the views of PetrolPrices.com (Fubra Ltd)