Breakdown cover can prove invaluable for motorists as the big chill starts to bite - here's how to bag a good deal

By TOBY WALNE, FINANCIAL MAIL ON SUNDAY

Updated: 03:44 EST, 20 January 2014

Cold weather is due to hit hard and call-outs from stranded motorists are expected to double, according to the AA motoring organisation. Breakdown cover can prove invaluable.

An AA spokesman says: ‘Freezing conditions, with snow and ice, are when things really get difficult for drivers and our call-outs can double to about 20,000 a week. This is largely due to flat batteries.’

But despite the perils of winter, two-thirds of drivers do not bother checking their car is ready for the big freeze. Many go out without fully charged batteries, low oil levels and poorly inflated tyres.

Covered: John and Bridget Snook with the Triumph he has owned for 35 years

Basic breakdown cover starts with roadside assistance where a patrol comes out to fix your vehicle or tows it to a local garage where you then pay for repairs.

But it can make sense to pay extra to also include a home start as this is when most cars need help to get going.

Retired bank official John Snook, 81, married to Bridget, 75, of Christ-church, near Bournemouth in Dorset, has owned a 1970 Triumph Vitesse for the past 35 years.

Despite the vehicle being well looked after, he has breakdown cover with the RAC that includes home start, nationwide recovery and taking him to wherever he wants if there is a problem. He pays £115 a year after a discount he gets for being a member of Club Triumph. Non-club members pay £119.95 for the same deal online.

John says: ‘I pay for an emergency call-out service as usually mechanics can sort out problems there and then.’

Breakdown cover can cost as little as £30 a year but add-ons can easily push this figure past £100.

Before baulking at this extra cost it is worth remembering a breakdown on a motorway could result in a tow charge of £250.

Traditionally, the AA and RAC and their fleet of patrol cars used to battle it out for drivers’ custom, but the market has opened up to more competition. Other companies, such as Green Flag, are building up a fleet of recovery vehicles, providing roadside assistance.

Before signing up to a specialist it is worth checking whether you are already covered through your motor insurance. New cars are often covered for breakdowns under a warranty deal that can last up to three years.