How to Find the Best Breakdown Cover: A Complete Guide 

Choosing the best breakdown cover can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but understanding your needs and comparing the different providers will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind during long road trips or simply need basic assistance for your daily commute, this guide will walk you through the best options, the average cost of breakdown cover, and how to save on your policy. 

What Is Breakdown Cover? 

Breakdown cover is a type of insurance that helps you when your car breaks down on the road. Depending on the policy you choose, it can include roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, and even cover for emergencies like flat tires or dead batteries. Understanding what services you need and how often you’re on the road will determine what kind of breakdown cover is best for you. 

Who Offers the Best Breakdown Cover? 

Several major companies provide breakdown cover in the UK, each with different levels of service. Here are some of the top contenders for the best breakdown cover in 2024: 

• AA: Often regarded as the best all-round provider, the AA offers 24/7 roadside assistance and a range of coverage options. They have an extensive network and quick response times, making them a reliable choice for motorists. 

• RAC: Another popular option, RAC offers comprehensive coverage with added benefits such as a fault report service to help diagnose the issue. They also cover cars, vans, and even motorbikes. 

• Green Flag: Known for their affordability, Green Flag is ideal for those looking for more budget-friendly breakdown cover without sacrificing service quality. Their recovery options are flexible, and they cover roadside assistance across the UK and Europe. 

• Admiral: Primarily an insurance provider, Admiral offers breakdown cover as an add-on to car insurance. They provide competitive rates, especially for bundled policies, which we’ll discuss later. 

• Start Rescue: A lesser-known option but gaining popularity for its low-cost cover and positive customer reviews. Start Rescue offers different levels of breakdown cover, including European cover. 

How Much Does Breakdown Cover Cost? 

The cost of breakdown cover can vary widely depending on the provider, level of coverage, and whether you’re looking for single or multi-vehicle protection. On average, the cost for basic breakdown cover starts around £30 to £50 per year, with more comprehensive policies costing £70 to £150 annually. 

Here’s a breakdown of the typical cover options: 

• Roadside Assistance: The most basic form of breakdown cover, where your car is fixed on the spot or towed to a nearby garage if necessary. 

• Vehicle Recovery: Offers to tow your vehicle (and you) to your home or destination. 

• Home Start: Includes assistance if your car won’t start at home. 

• Onward Travel: Provides accommodation or a hire car if your vehicle can’t be fixed right away. 

You can also purchase European breakdown cover, which tends to cost more but is essential for those who frequently drive abroad. 

Should You Get Bundled Cover or a Separate Policy? 

When finding the best breakdown cover, one of the key considerations is whether to bundle it with your car insurance or purchase a separate policy. 

Bundled Breakdown Cover: 

• Cost-Effective: Bundling breakdown cover with your car insurance or even your bank account services can be cheaper. Many providers, such as Admiral and Direct Line, offer discounts when you take out multiple types of insurance or services together. 

• Convenience: Having both your car insurance and breakdown cover with the same provider means dealing with fewer companies, which can simplify the claims process and save time. 

Separate Breakdown Cover: 

• Tailored Services: Buying breakdown cover separately allows you to tailor your policy specifically to your needs. It also enables you to compare the best breakdown cover providers to find the best deal. 

• Switch Flexibility: When your breakdown cover is separate, you can easily switch providers to get a better deal without affecting your car insurance. 

In many cases, bundling can save money, but it’s always worth comparing prices and services. Some bundled policies may not include all the features you need, so it’s essential to review the details carefully. 

How to Save on Breakdown Cover 

If you’re looking for the best breakdown cover at a reasonable price, there are several ways to save: 

• Compare Prices: Use price comparison websites to look at the rates and services of different breakdown cover providers. Sites like Compare the Market or MoneySuperMarket can offer deals exclusive to online shoppers. 

• Look for Discounts: Many providers offer discounts for new customers, online sign-ups, or for switching from another provider. Always check the provider’s website or ask if there are any promotional offers available. 

• Annual vs Monthly Payments: While it may be tempting to pay for breakdown cover monthly, it’s often cheaper to pay for the full year in advance. This can save you up to 10-15% depending on the provider. 

• Family and Multi-Car Discounts: If you have more than one car in your household, look for family or multi-car discounts. Many providers offer reduced rates if you need cover for more than one vehicle. 

• Evaluate Your Needs: Don’t pay for features you don’t need. If you only drive locally, for instance, you might not need a comprehensive policy with nationwide recovery. Similarly, if you rarely travel abroad, European cover might be an unnecessary expense. 

• Consider Cashback Offers: Some banks and credit card companies offer cashback or rewards when you purchase breakdown cover through their services. This can be a great way to save a little extra. 

• Automatic Renewals: Beware of automatic renewals, which often come at a higher price. Set a reminder to shop around for a better deal when your policy is up for renewal. 

The best Breakdown cover 2024

Finding the best breakdown cover doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by identifying your needs, comparing providers, and looking for discounts or bundled deals that can save you money. Whether you opt for a basic roadside assistance policy or a more comprehensive vehicle recovery and onward travel plan, there’s a wide range of breakdown cover options available to suit every budget and driving habit. 

Remember to regularly review your policy and ensure it offers the right level of protection for you. With the right breakdown cover in place, you can drive with the confidence that help is only a phone call away in the event of a roadside emergency. 

Employee engagement in the UK has hit a concerning 10-year low, with only 10% of employees feeling engaged, compared to the global average of 23%, according to workplace consultants Gallup.

This is particularly alarming for the UK financial services sector, which faces significant challenges as generational shifts approach.

By 2025, Gen Z will make up a quarter of the workforce, while one-third of financial advisers are expected to retire within the next three years.

To navigate this transition, firms must improve their employee engagement and management practices to attract and retain the next generation of advisers.

Disengaged employees have 37% higher absenteeism and 18% lower productivity

As Gallup highlights, Gen Z has zero tolerance for poor management leading to disengagement. If it’s not working for them, they move on.

Indeed, the consequences of low engagement are substantial. Gallup research shows disengaged employees have 37% higher absenteeism and 18% lower productivity.

Disengagement also drives high turnover, as employees leave for more fulfilling roles, increasing recruitment costs and damaging customer service. Ultimately, low engagement threatens a company’s reputation and profitability, making it a critical business risk.

Despite businesses collectively spending £257bn annually on engagement initiatives – a figure comparable to the National Health Service budget – many still struggle to make progress.

Gen Z has zero tolerance for poor management leading to disengagement. If it’s not working for them, they move on

So, why are these efforts not yielding significant improvements?

Executive coach and former head of Vanguard UK distribution Neil Cowell and I have wrestled with this issue. Having worked with Neil for over a decade, including placing 14 key people into his team at Vanguard, we’ve gained valuable insights from both leadership and recruitment perspectives.

A pressing concern that must be addressed is the rise of “quiet quitting” – a trend that has gained momentum post-pandemic as employees reassessed their work-life balance.

Quiet quitting refers to employees doing the bare minimum without leaving their jobs. Alarmingly, Gallup reports that six in 10 employees now fall into this category.

This trend should serve as a wake-up call for businesses to rethink their workplace culture, recognition systems and communication practices.

Quiet quitting refers to employees doing the bare minimum without leaving their jobs. Six in 10 employees now fall into this category

While many leaders turn to “Taco Tuesdays” and “Beer and Pizza Fridays,” the real issue runs deeper. To address disengagement, leaders must cultivate a culture of trust, communicate clear visions and show genuine care for their teams.

When employees feel supported and valued, they’re more likely to go above and beyond. Leaders who provide feedback, foster collaboration and challenge their teams create an environment where engagement thrives.

The benefits are significant, with Gallup research showing high engagement can boost profitability by 21%.

However, many organisations continue to struggle in making meaningful progress. Substantial investments in engagement programmes often fall short because they rely on superficial approaches that lack authentic leadership.

High engagement can boost profitability by 21%

Employees can quickly sense when these efforts are merely box-ticking exercises, which only deepens disengagement.

To drive meaningful change, businesses need a more hands-on, tailored approach to leadership development. Leadership behaviours must align with structured engagement programmes for real impact. Strong leadership is the foundation of sustained engagement and, when coupled with thoughtful initiatives, leads to higher engagement and better organisational performance.

At the heart of employee engagement is what employees truly crave: a sense of purpose and connection. Employees need to understand how their work contributes to the broader goals of the company and why it matters.

Recognition plays a crucial role in this – not just through financial rewards but also through genuine acknowledgment of their efforts.

In about 80% of cases, when someone accepts a counter offer to stay in their current job, they still leave within a year

In about 80% of cases, when someone accepts a counter offer to stay in their current job, they still leave within a year. This underscores that employees are seeking more than just monetary compensation; they want to feel valued and supported by leaders who care about their development and wellbeing.

In conclusion, employee engagement is critical to organisational success. To make meaningful progress, companies must go beyond surface-level solutions and take a more proactive approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of disengagement.

By fostering a sense of purpose, recognising employee contributions and embracing authentic leadership, organisations can create a culture where employees are not only motivated but fully invested in the company’s success. This approach will drive sustainable growth, increase revenue and ensure a thriving, engaged workforce for years to come.

Simon Evans is director at Clearcut Consulting – Engage First

WETHERSPOON’S has unveiled its 2024 Christmas menu including a brie pizza – but some items from last year haven’t made the cut.

The pub chain’s festive range is available from November 13 until December 31 with some tasty bites and meal deals on offer.

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Hungry punters will be able to snap up a new 11 inch cheese pizza combining gooey mozzarella, brie, cheddar, blue cheese sauce topped with rocket from £9.84.

Those with less of an appetite can get a smaller eight inch portion for £6.51.

There’s also a new vegan five gold rings burger on offer from £10.43, combining a Beyond Meat plant-based patty, BBQ sauce, iceberg lettuce, tomato and red onion, topped with five onion rings.

And punters will once again be able to feast on the sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables meal with drink from £11.99.

The classic menu option comes with four slices of turkey breast, pork, apricot and cranberry stuffing, carrots, parsnips, Maris Piper mash, two pigs-in-blankets, peas, cranberry sauce and gravy.

The iconic big cheese burger is also back on menus within weeks, featuring gooey brie slices, topped with halloumi fries and blue cheese dip, all for £10.43.

Fans of a sweet dessert will be keen on the cookies and cream blondie too, which is going on sale for £4.99.

The rich chocolate brownie is packed with white chocolate and crushed cookie pieces, served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate cookie crumbs.

The Deli Deals, which include a chicken, stuffing, bacon and cranberry panini, brie and cranberry panini, small southern-fried chicken and stuffing wrap and southern-fried chicken and stuffing wrap are also back from £4.11 next month.

The Deli Deals and other festive meal options, including burgers, pizzas and roast, all come with a soft or alcoholic drink.

It’s not all good news though as some of the iconic mains and puddings on sale in 2023 have been axed this year.

Hungry punters won’t be able to get their hands on the salted caramel sticky toffee pudding or iconic mince tart.

Meanwhile, the bacon and garlic mushroom pizza isn’t available for customers to buy this Christmas.

Bear in mind, the prices of each meal above can vary between branches so you may not pay the exact same amount.

Make sure you double-check what’s on offer at your local branch and ask at the bar for prices.

Wetherspoons full Christmas menu is listed as follows:

• Sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables (with soft drink) – £11.99
• Sliced turkey breast and winter vegetables (with alcoholic drink) – £13.52
• The big cheese burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• The big cheese burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• Brie & bacon burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• Brie & bacon burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• Chicken & stuffing burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• Chicken & stuffing burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• The five gold rings burger (with soft drink) – £10.43
• The five gold rings burger (with alcoholic drink) – £11.96
• 11″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza (with soft drink) – £11.02
• 11″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza (with alcoholic drink) – £12.55
• 11″ big cheese pizza (with soft drink) – £9.84
• 11″ big cheese pizza (with alcoholic drink) – £11.37
• Any 3 small plates – £14.93
• Pigs in Blankets – £5.19
• The big cheese chips – £6.03
• 8″ chicken, stuffing, bacon & Brie pizza – £7.09
• 8″ big cheese pizza – £6.51
• Chicken, stuffing, bacon & cranberry panini (with soft drink) – £5.70
• Chicken, stuffing, bacon & cranberry panini (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• Brie & cranberry panini (with soft drink) – £5.70
• Brie & cranberry panini (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• 12″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with soft drink) – £5.70
• 12″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with alcoholic drink) – £7.23
• 10″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with soft drink) – £4.11
• 10″ southern-fried chicken & stuffing wrap (with alcoholic drink) – £5.64
• Cookies & cream blondie – £4.99
• Chocolate-Orange Espresso Martini each – £5.87
• Chocolate-Orange Martini 2 for – £9

Wetherspoons isn’t the only chain or retailer gearing up for the festive period.

Côte restaurants has launched an indulgent range of Christmas meals that shoppers can get delivered to their front door.

And the range has been designed by none other than Steve Allen – Gordon’s Ramsay’s former Executive Chef.

Tesco has also unveiled its Christmas range for 2024, including pigs in blankets stuffing balls and a fancy dessert costing £20.

Meanwhile, Aldi is offering customers some quirky items this year including fudge-flavoured cheese.

M&S and Sainsbury’s have both shared their Christmas menus with customers too.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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UK Housing Market Sees Homes Selling Quicker in October 2024 

The UK housing market has experienced a notable uptick in activity this October, with houses selling quicker than in previous months. According to data from property platform Rightmove, the number of homes sold in October 2024 has increased by a third compared to the same time last year. This surge in demand is driven by several key factors, including improved market confidence, more realistic pricing by sellers, and an easing of mortgage rates. As a result, homes are moving off the market faster, signaling a more competitive environment for buyers. 

Boost in Buyer Confidence 

One of the driving forces behind the faster sale times is a renewed sense of confidence among buyers. The economic uncertainty that gripped much of 2023 has somewhat stabilised in 2024, allowing prospective homeowners to re-enter the market with greater assurance. The lingering impacts of inflation and cost-of-living increases have moderated, and while the economy remains cautious, there’s less fear of drastic interest rate hikes. 

This resurgence in market confidence has led to an increased number of buyers looking to capitalise on relatively stable conditions. The housing market is traditionally slower toward the end of the year, but the increased activity in October reflects a change in the typical seasonal pattern. Buyers seem eager to make purchases before any potential changes to mortgage rates or economic conditions in the months ahead. 

Easing Mortgage Rates Boost Demand 

Another significant factor driving the quicker sale of homes is the slight relaxation in mortgage rates. After a period of high interest rates in response to the inflation surge in 2023, rates have started to ease in 2024. While mortgage rates are still higher than in the low-interest years of the pandemic, the market has seen a dip that makes borrowing more manageable for potential buyers. 

With mortgage rates coming down, buyers are better able to secure financing for property purchases. This is especially relevant for first-time buyers and those looking to remortgage, as they now have more flexibility to act quickly. The increased affordability of mortgages has contributed to a rise in property demand, pushing homes to sell at a faster pace as buyers seize the opportunity. 

Mortgage rates are predicted to continue falling in 2025. – 

More Realistic Pricing from Sellers 

Sellers have also played a key role in driving the quicker sale of homes by adjusting their expectations. During 2023, many sellers held onto unrealistically high prices, believing that the market would continue to favor them. However, the slower market conditions earlier in 2024 forced a reevaluation, with many sellers now pricing their homes more in line with market trends. 

This shift in pricing strategy has made properties more attractive to buyers. The combination of realistic pricing and the desire to close deals quickly before year-end has created a perfect storm, with homes selling faster than anticipated. Sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate and settle for prices closer to the asking price, leading to quicker transactions overall. 

Regional Variations in Sale Times 

While the overall trend points to homes selling faster across the UK, there are regional variations in how the market is performing. Major cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham have seen particularly high levels of demand, pushing sale times down significantly. In these areas, the competition for properties is fierce, and homes are often being snapped up within days of hitting the market. 

You can see the most expensive places to buy a home in the UK here. 

On the other hand, more rural areas and smaller towns are experiencing a steadier, though still positive, increase in sales activity. These regions have also benefited from the easing of mortgage rates and improved pricing strategies, though the demand isn’t as intense as in urban centers. As remote work remains a viable option for many, there is still a steady interest in properties outside of major metropolitan areas, contributing to quicker sales nationwide. 

Impact of New Housing Stock 

Another factor contributing to the quicker sale of homes is the availability of new housing stock. Several new developments have come to market in 2024, adding fresh inventory at a time when demand is high. These new builds, which often come with energy-efficient features and modern amenities, are especially attractive to buyers who may be concerned about future utility costs or the need for costly home renovations. 

The addition of new housing options also helps reduce some of the bottlenecks in the market by offering a wider variety of homes to choose from. This diversity in housing stock, combined with competitive pricing and mortgage accessibility, is helping to speed up transactions as buyers find homes that meet their needs more easily. 

The Role of Buy-to-Let Investors 

Buy-to-let investors are also playing a role in the quick turnaround of property sales. With the rental market remaining strong, many investors see the current housing market conditions as a prime opportunity to expand their portfolios. Lower mortgage rates and the potential for long-term rental income make it an appealing time for landlords to purchase additional properties. 

As a result, buy-to-let investors are snapping up homes that are suitable for renting, contributing to the overall speed at which properties are being sold. This has been particularly noticeable in cities with high demand for rental properties, where investors are keen to secure homes before the market becomes more competitive. 

Outlook for the Rest of 2024 

Looking ahead, the trend of homes selling faster is expected to continue, especially as we move into the final months of the year. Buyers are eager to finalise purchases before any potential economic changes, and sellers are motivated to close deals before the holiday season slows down activity. 

However, experts caution that the market may face some uncertainty in early 2025, depending on how interest rates and inflation evolve. While the current environment is favorable for quick sales, any shifts in these key factors could influence how the housing market performs in the near future. 

In summary, October 2024 has seen a notable increase in the speed at which homes are being sold across the UK. Improved market confidence, easing mortgage rates, and more realistic pricing from sellers have all contributed to this surge in activity. As the housing market adapts to these conditions, both buyers and sellers are benefiting from quicker transactions, making this an exciting time for the UK property market. 

Söderberg & Partners has made investments in four more IFA firms as it expands its presence in the UK financial advice space.

The Swedish wealth manager took minority stakes in George Square, Cheltenham IFA Ltd, Bluezone Capital Ltd, and Alexander Bates Campbell (ABC).

George Square, based in Nottingham, manages £400m of client assets with a team of 10 advisers and 10 support staff. It also has an adviser covering London from Worthing, as well as two appointed representatives in Sheffield and Newark.

Cheltenham IFA Ltd, formed in 2008, advises on £290m of client funds and employs 13 local staff.

Bluezone Capital Ltd is a London-based IFA boutique with more than £90m in AUM. It helps around 500 family units with wealth management and another 300 with mortgages and protection.

Alexander Bates Campbell (ABC) is based in the south-east of England but serves clients throughout the UK, Europe and further afield.

ABC has a directly authorised business with private client assets under management of £140m, focusing on maintaining strong client relationships over the longer term and intergenerational financial planning.

The firm has a European subsidiary providing a full range of services to private clients, with a cross-border passport for all EU countries.

It also looks after corporates with international operations, with solutions including employee benefits, payroll and HR services.

Gustaf Rentzhog, chief executive at Söderberg & Partners, said: “The UK advice market is a top strategic priority for us and we have identified numerous attractive businesses here in our search for new investment opportunities.

“Our minority stakes in George Square, Cheltenham IFA, Bluezone Capital and ABC will support the development of these businesses which have a strong track record in positive client outcomes and customer service. We look forward to partnering with them to help take these firms into their next phase of growth.”

Söderberg & Partners has itself received significant investment from its minority owners KKR and TA Associates this year.

In July it was announced that they would invest an extra £225m in the business through a new share issue. This additional funding will support Söderberg & Partners’ continued expansion, particularly in the UK and Spain.