You never know when your car might break down on you. There are plenty of different causes for your vehicle giving up, whether it’s a burst tyre, a faulty alternator or some sort of fuel issue. That’s why having a proper roadside breakdown cover policy in place is so essential. A standard cover plan should offer roadside assistance and towing to the nearest garage. A more comprehensive cover policy should include onward travel solutions.
Onward travel breakdown cover takes things a step further than towing to a garage, when the car’s issue cannot be repaired at a local garage on the same day. This blog will explain what onward travel actually is and why you should definitely include it as part of your support system.
What is onward travel breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover with onward travel is a much more comprehensive vehicle security solution. In simple terms, it means you can keep things moving even if your car breaks down. The average onward travel solution might include a range of different options within its framework to keep you on the move.
- Hire car. In most cases, the onward travel policy will provide you with a hire car for a specified period, allowing you to complete your journey.
- Alternative transport. There’s more than one way to make it around the country. If you don’t need a hire car, onward travel can cover the cost of a public transport alternative, including trains, coaches or bus tickets. Some policies might also cover taxi costs to a certain degree.
- Overnight accommodation. In some cases, the breakdown might not occur in a situation where travel is plausible. In these cases, the onward travel will cover the cost of some time in a hotel for you and your passengers.
It’s worth noting that not every policy is the same, so it’s important to iron out exactly what’s offered by the providers you consider. The more potential solutions the better.
Why onward travel is so important
Onward travel should be something that any regular traveller keeps in mind when securing breakdown cover. Yes, it is going to cost a little bit more than the cheapest policies, but it’s going to offer a level of support that will keep you covered in many more situations.
Peace of mind
Fear of a breakdown isn’t just about the car. It’s about being stranded with no way of moving forward. Onward travel offers the peace of mind you’ll need to feel comfortable on the road, confident that you won’t be left on the side whatever happens to your car.
Cover for longer-distance journeys
Domestic tourism in Great Britain is still very popular, meaning there are going to be plenty of cases where people travel for long distances by car. Similarly, there are plenty of people who have to travel on the roads constantly for work. Onward travel solutions keep the logistical nightmare of long-distance breakdowns at bay.
Distinguishes policies
Onward travel offerings are a sign of a more professional and customer-friendly policy provider. Breakdown cover can be a little bare bones, but if the team is offering onward travel, you can trust that they’re more likely to provide a high level of service otherwise. Knowing your life can go on while the car is being repaired is value that really stands out.
Make sure to find the right policy
If you’re looking for a breakdown cover policy, make sure to look for one that offers onward travel. The value of getting a hire car, alternative travel ticket or hotel room sorted for you in the case of an emergency will feel priceless in the moment, so it’s definitely worth making the additional investment.