22/07/2021
Breaking down can be a stressful experience, leaving you stranded and worrying about the cost of repairs. Understanding your breakdown cover is crucial to ensuring you get the help you need, when you need it. This guide delves into how the RAC provides comprehensive breakdown assistance, focusing on their 'home start' and 'garage parts and labour' cover options.
What is Breakdown Cover?
Breakdown cover is a type of insurance designed to provide assistance when your vehicle stops working unexpectedly. This can range from minor issues like a flat tyre or a dead battery to more serious engine problems. When you call for assistance, a patrol will typically attempt to fix your vehicle at the roadside. If a roadside repair isn't possible, your vehicle will be towed to a garage for further attention. It's important to note that breakdown cover is usually a separate policy from your standard car insurance, although some insurers may offer it as a bundled service.
RAC Home Start Breakdown Cover Explained
RAC's 'Home Start' breakdown cover, also referred to as 'home rescue' or 'at home' cover, is specifically designed to assist you if your vehicle breaks down at your residence. This means that whether you have a flat battery on your driveway or an engine that won't start on your street, the RAC will come to your aid.
How Home Start Works:
- At Your Doorstep: RAC patrols will attend to breakdowns occurring at your home address.
- Roadside Repair Attempt: The primary goal is to fix your vehicle on the spot.
- Towing Assistance: If a roadside repair isn't feasible, your car will be towed up to 10 miles to a suitable garage for repairs.
RAC Cover Levels and Home Start:
The inclusion of home start varies depending on the RAC's breakdown cover level:
| Cover Level | Home Start Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | No | Covered only if breaking down ¼ mile from home. |
| Standard | No | Covered only if breaking down ¼ mile from home. |
| Extra | Yes | Includes breakdown cover at your home address. |
| Complete | Yes | Includes breakdown cover at your home address. |
If you have a 'Basic' or 'Standard' RAC policy, you will only be covered for breakdowns that occur a quarter of a mile away from your home. For comprehensive peace of mind at your doorstep, the 'Extra' or 'Complete' cover levels are recommended, or you can add 'home start' as an optional extra to existing policies.
RAC Breakdown Repair Cover: Garage Parts and Labour
Beyond getting you back on the road or to a garage, the RAC also offers 'Garage Parts and Labour' cover, which can significantly help with the cost of repairs. This cover is designed to alleviate the financial burden when your vehicle requires work at a garage.
What Garage Parts and Labour Cover Includes:
- Contribution to Repairs: The RAC contributes up to £750 towards the cost of parts and labour for vehicle repairs at an RAC-approved garage.
- No Excess: You generally won't need to pay an excess unless the repair cost exceeds the £750 limit.
- Roadside Repairs: If your vehicle can be repaired at the roadside using new parts, and the cost is less than £750, the RAC will cover the parts and labour.
Eligibility and Conditions for Garage Parts and Labour Cover:
To be eligible for this valuable cover, several conditions must be met:
- RAC Recovery Required: You must have RAC breakdown recovery as part of your policy.
- Vehicle Servicing: Your car must have been serviced by a VAT-registered garage within the last 12 months, adhering to manufacturer specifications, either before taking out the cover or making a claim.
- Proof of Service: You will need to provide evidence of servicing when making a claim.
- Exclusions: This cover typically excludes parts subject to general wear and tear (such as tyres), motorbikes, caravans, and imported vehicles.
Cost and Usage:
The 'Garage Parts and Labour' cover can often be added to your policy for an annual fee, typically around £82.99, although prices can vary. You can use this benefit up to five times per membership year. It is essential to thoroughly read the terms and conditions on the RAC website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding coverage, exclusions, and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does RAC cover a car if it breaks down?
Yes, the RAC specialises in providing cover for vehicles that break down. Their services include roadside assistance, towing, and repair contributions.
What is home start breakdown cover?
Home start breakdown cover means the RAC will attend to your vehicle if it breaks down at your home address, such as on your driveway or outside your house.
Does the RAC offer breakdown repair cover?
Yes, the RAC offers 'Garage Parts and Labour' cover, which contributes up to £750 towards the cost of parts and labour for repairs at an RAC-approved garage.
Does RAC cover at home?
Yes, if you have a breakdown cover level that includes 'home start' (like 'Extra' or 'Complete'), the RAC will cover breakdowns at your home address.
What's the difference between breakdown cover and car insurance?
Breakdown cover is a specific service for when your car stops working. Car insurance typically covers damage to your vehicle, third-party claims, and theft, but usually does not include breakdown assistance unless it's an add-on service.
Can I add home start to my existing RAC policy?
Yes, in many cases, you can add 'home start' as an optional extra to your existing RAC breakdown cover policy.
In conclusion, the RAC offers a comprehensive range of breakdown cover options to suit various needs. Whether you're concerned about breakdowns at home or the cost of repairs, understanding their 'home start' and 'garage parts and labour' cover can provide significant peace of mind and financial assistance when you most need it.
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