Brits Risk Bank Holiday Roadside Breakdown Misery

The Easter and May Bank Holidays will soon arrive, however many motorists risk breakdown misery as they have shunned breakdown assistance insurance.

It is estimated that 8 million motorists will hit the roads during the Easter and May Bank Holidays, particularly as the Royal Wedding is likely to tempt Brits to venture out on a long holiday weekend.

However more than a million drivers don’t have car breakdown cover or roadside assistance, according to new research from Santander current accounts.

The survey found that 14 per cent of the 8 million Brits planning a driving holiday over the bank holidays won’t be covered if their car breaks down – and risk facing a bill of £150 or more if they are stranded on the hard shoulder of the motorway and need to be towed home.

Santander’s research also found that nearly half of drivers pay for ‘stand alone’ breakdown cover from one of the main providers and, on average, pay £74 a year for their cover. Some pay between £100 and £200 a year.

Some banks bundle services such as car breakdown insurance with their current accounts, which can save money, although there are often charges for these types of packaged accounts.

Santander, for example, offers two such accounts – Reward and Premium – which provide breakdown cover that has roadside assistance and cover at home, as Gillian Almond, head of current accounts at Santander, explains:

“With two long weekends so close to each other it’s a great opportunity to get out on the road to visit family and friends or enjoy a driving holiday, but the fun could soon turn to tears if your car breaks down.”

“Roadside assistance and lots of other great value benefits like travel insurance and mobile phone cover are included in the Santander accounts, for a monthly fee, which are great value for those who regularly use these services.”