A couple of days back, I decided to check the new rates for breakdown cover, as mine is about to expire soon. To my surprise, the search term breakdown cover came up with 100’s of names offering coverage in UK. But what actually had me interested was the number of websites offering a ‘comparison’ service. I was intrigued and decided to pursue this further. After browsing many of them, I now realise that they are good, but they left me very confused!

The comparison websites list all the major breakdown service providers, different levels or types of covers provided by them, and, of course, the cost for the type of car breakdown cover you are specifically looking for.

And your choice, based on the company and type of cover, will be the deciding factors regarding the quality of breakdown service you receive. (more…)

It was reported in the Mail on Sunday yesterday that the RBS insurance arm is being offerd for sale for around £8bn. The RBS or Royal Bank Of Scotland owns Direct Line insurance, Privilege, NIG and Green Flag Breakdown Cover.

It was reported that some suggest that RBS needs £7bn in the bank in reserves to meet solvency requirements. It was also quoted tha Direct line is not for sale, which would also suggest that Green Flag breakdown is also staying put.

RBS insurance is the second largest general insurer in the UK and the largest motor insurer and has other operations around Europe with an income of £5.7bn last year.

Amost on a weekly basis there seems to be insurance organisations changing hands as if to stay ahead of the rest.

To you and me it will mean no change and “Who cares?” , but clearly someone is making money out of these changes otherwise why bother. As long as the cars keep getting fixed by the roadside and the waiting times drop, that is all that matters to you and me.

Well a big blow for the 2 nations of Fance and Italy, because 16 out of the bottom 18 manufacturers were from here.

Of course the poll was only from the top 100 cars sold in the UK, but 16 of these in the bottom 18, must show a trend. (more…)

This weeks Auto Express shows this years “Driver Power” results of the the top 100 cars, from a poll of 30,000 drivers.
And something that we would not have imagined 15 - 20 years ago is that Skoda have produced Britain’s most satisfying car. (more…)

I have been impressed with the online prices of cars from one specific car supermarket that shall remain nameless.

I asked for a quote on my wife’s car as a trade in and of course the figure quoted was much less than expected. in fact it took all the savings away from buying a car from a local dealer but getting the book price for my part ex. (more…)

During the golden years of motoring, there was not doubt of who the authority was regarding breakdown cover or motoring issues in general. It was the RAC and the AA of course, both motoring clubs set up to help each other in emergencies and general advice. But now breakdown cover has become big business and has evolved into insurance companies or bought out by one. Originally charity foundaions were set up by these to continue working with motoring issues, the RAC Foundationand now AIM has taken over the AA concerns.
But these are orhganisations that focus more on the safty issue of motoring and our rights, but who is now the authority on breakdown cover? (more…)

I have been planning this for weeks, but my breakdown cover comparison page is nearly finished.
It’s not as easy as you think, because many policies do not exaclty match, so deciding what catagery to put them in has been awkward. On top of this, prices are continuoulsy changing, so it is important I do not confuse or mislead any visitors to my site. (more…)