Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.
Continue reading
At first glance, it’s easy to get mixed up between breakdown cover and vehicle insurance, because they can seem like they do a similar job. After all, they both give you peace of mind when you’re on the road, they both involve your car, and they both help when something goes wrong.
But they’re actually very different.
Continue reading
After a breakdown, you may find you need to make an insurance claim. This could be because your breakdown led to damage, you need to recover certain costs, or there’s been an accident or incident connected to the breakdown.
So, once the car and everyone in it is safe, here’s a few simple steps to making an insurance claim.
Continue reading
Breaking down is never ideal, but it can be especially difficult if you’re far from home in an area you don’t know. In these situations, knowing what to do next can help make things that bit easier. A few calm, practical steps can help keep you safe and get help on the way.
Continue reading
A key decision when buying breakdown cover is whether to choose driver-based or vehicle-based breakdown cover. Understanding the difference can help you pick the right policy for how you drive.
Continue reading
Breaking down is one of those things you never really expect to happen. You set off thinking about where you’re going, what time you’ll get there, and whether you remembered everything – then, you’re at the side of the road, hazards flashing, wondering what to do next. That’s exactly where roadside assistance can help.
Continue readingMany people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.
But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.
Misfuelling your car is an easy mistake to make. All it takes is a distraction at the pump, or you’re driving an unfamiliar rental car or a work vehicle, and the damage can be done before you know it.
What might seem like a relatively small mistake can lead to stalling, engine damage and even complete engine failure. While these are serious issues, there are some immediate steps you can take if you misfuel.
Continue reading
Your car’s engine naturally generates a lot of heat while it runs, which is why it relies on a cooling system to keep temperatures under control. Most of the time this system works quietly in the background without you even needing to think about it.
However, on longer drives, during hot weather or in slow-moving traffic, you may notice your engine temperature starting to climb. If this happens, knowing how to respond can help you deal with the situation safely, and reduce the risk of potential damage.
With this guide you’ll learn how to recognise the signs of an overheating engine, what steps to take if it happens while you’re driving, and when it may be best to seek help.
Continue reading
If your car stops at the side of the road, the most important thing is knowing what to do next. Breakdowns aren’t something anyone plans for, but there are clear, practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers.
Staying calm and focusing on those steps can help you feel more in control. From positioning your vehicle safely to contacting the right help, small actions can make a big difference.
This guide walks you through what to do; so if it does happen, you’ll feel better prepared to deal with it safely and confidently.
Continue reading
Checking your car’s oil level is a simple yet key task which will help to keep your car running at its best. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about checking your car oil.
We explain what oil does, why it’s important, how to see if your car’s running low on it, how to top it up, and much more. All this, plus our step-by step guide and expert video. Very slick!
Continue reading
Why is car tax so important? How do you renew it? What happens if you drive without valid tax? And what does it mean for your breakdown cover?
Here’s everything you need to know about car tax.
Continue reading
Why is an MOT so important? How do you book an MOT and what will be checked? Do you need a valid MOT to use your breakdown cover? We’re here to answer all these questions (and more).
Continue reading
Spring has sprung, the birds are singing, and the sun is finally putting in an appearance. But the chances are your car is still feeling (and showing) the effects of winter.
With warm weather (hopefully) just around the corner, now’s the time to give your car a good spring clean. There are plenty of good reasons to – here are seven of the best.
Continue reading
Checking your car’s coolant level is an important task to help keep your car healthy and on the road.
Our frequently asked questions, step-by step guide and expert video have everything you need to know about car coolant, how to check the level, and how to safely top it up.
Continue reading
There’s nothing worse than heading out on a freezing winter morning, turning the key… and being met with silence.
A flat car battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns during cold weather – and it can happen anytime, without much warning. Even if your battery seemed perfectly fine in recent months, winter conditions can quickly expose hidden weaknesses.
So, why do car batteries die in winter? And what can you do to prevent being stranded with a car that won’t start? Let’s look at why cold weather can prove so challenging.
Continue reading
Being able to change your car’s windscreen wiper blades is a vital car maintenance skill. The process varies from car to car but there are similarities between all of them which we’ve covered below with a step-by step guide and a handy video showing how our experts do it.
Continue reading
Winter is here and with the cold weather comes a whole lot of challenges, and not just for us drivers. Cars too will be suffering in the lower temperatures. Here are the different ways icy conditions affect your car and some handy suggestions for ways to reduce their impact.
When your MOT comes around you hope that your car passes the test without it costing too much of your hard-earned cash.
You never know if it’s going to sail through with no problems or if there are a load of defects that need patching up before you can get back on the road.
However, there are some things you can do to give your car a better chance of passing its MOT the first time. And thankfully, you’ll find them all right here…
Continue reading
The number of cars breaking down each year is on the rise, fuelled in part by the increasing average age of vehicles on the road.
Our data shows the average age of cars on British roads has risen by 42% over the past 20 years, from 6.6 years old in 2003 to 9.4 years in 2023.
They say that with age comes wisdom. Well, it can also come with the occasional breakdown…
Continue reading