Multi-car breakdown cover

Multi-car breakdown cover allows for up to five vehicles (some providers may allow more) to be covered under one policy. Having multi-car breakdown cover ensures that you and your family are all protected for a lower overall cost.

Most car insurance providers will only consider multi-car cover for family members or individuals registered at the same address as the main policy holder. However, some will consider covering vehicles belonging to children who are studying away at university.

Unlike additional driver and family breakdown insurance policies, multi-car breakdown cover is better suited to those with more vehicles registered to one address. However, some providers will have variations of multi-car cover for families and additional drivers also. When taking out a multi-car breakdown policy, ensure you check whether you are getting the correct cover for your vehicle or for additional individuals at your address.

As with standard breakdown policies, what you are covered for depends on the offer you take and the terms of the contract. There are some key cover areas to be mindful of when taking out a multi-car breakdown policy:

• Vehicle/national recovery - Allows you to select a location across the country for your car to be towed to should it not be able to be fixed at the roadside
• Roadside assistance - Your provider will send a mechanic to you should you breakdown whilst on the road. If your vehicle can not be repaired there and then, the provider will arrange for it to be sent to a garage.
• At home breakdown - If your car fails to start or is damaged at your address (often up to 100 metres away) a mechanic will be sent to you. Some providers will also offer a courtesy vehicle should yours need further repairs.

In most cases, the cover you chose will apply to all vehicles under the multi-car policy, providing they meet requirements outlined in the terms and conditions.

How much you pay for your multi-car breakdown policy will depend on the number of cars under the policy; the more cars covered under the policy, the lower the amount paid per car compared with individual policies.

The cost of multi-car breakdown policies can also vary depending on the level of cover you take out, with extra cover for things such as lost keys and misfuelling raising the premiums.

The cost of the vehicles under the policy, as well their model and age, can also affect your overall premiums as more expensive and older cars cost more to cover.