Motor breakdown cover is loosely split into a number of sections. Although some companies have different definitions for their motor breakdown cover, generally what's included in each section is...

• Roadside - Roadside assistance anywhere in the UK, providing you are over a quarter of a mile from your home. If your vehicle cannot be fixed at the roadside within a reasonable time you'll get taken to the nearest garage or your home, normally whichever is nearer
• Recovery - If your vehicle can't be fixed locally, you'll get recovery for up to a set number of people to any mainland destination.
• Home Start - Motor breakdown assistance at your home and within a quarter of a mile of your home.
• Onward Travel - If you breakdown away from your home and a prompt repair is not possible, you'll generally be provided with either a replacement hire car or overnight accommodation, or reasonable onward travel expenses.
• European Cover - Protection when driving in Europe, generally includes cover for up to 31 days per trip and 90 days per annum in total (please check each companys' terms and conditions for which European countries are covered).

Who needs what?

If you only make short trips in a reliable vehicle with little or no motor breakdown history, you might be comfortable with roadside recovery cover, a call out service which will make every attempt to fix your vehicle there and then so you can continue with your journey or will transport you and a set number of your colleagues to your final destination.

Should you have a less reliable vehicle you may choose home start cover. This will cover you for motor breakdown at your home or near to your home (usually within a quarter of a mile). So for those of you who have a small travelling circle or mainly use the vehicle for school runs or local shopping, this could be the cover you're after.

If you are a high mileage driver you may choose onward travel as the best cover. With the added benefit of a hire car this might be the difference between you arriving a little later or not at all. There may still be instances where a replacement hire car is not possible so overnight accommodation may be arranged or reasonable travel expenses provided. For business travellers or parents with children this could be the cover for you.

If you need to travel in Europe, check which countries are covered before you buy a policy and before you travel.