£250m Saved Combining Breakdown And Insurance Cover

Britain's motorists could save £250 million on breakdown cover by extending their existing car insurance to include breakdown cover, according to one insurer.

Figures from Liverpool Victoria found on average a driver could save nearly £40 a year if they combined their car insurance with roadside recovery rather than joining a motoring association directly.

The annual cost of keeping a modest family car running can add up to an estimate £2,500 a year considering fuel prices, new congestion charges, changes in vehicle tax and paying over the odds for breakdown cover.

Nigel Snell, head of external affairs at Liverpool Victoria, said: "We recognise that Britain's drivers who join motoring associations directly do receive a valuable service.

"However, millions of motorists could save significantly by extending their existing motor insurance policy to include breakdown cover, rather than joining a motoring association directly."

Liverpool Victoria's breakdown policy includes a call to friends or family on behalf of the motorist, a relief driver if necessary and priority treatment for more vulnerable drivers.