At least a fifth of the UK's drivers have no form of breakdown cover, according to research by Prudential car insurance.

Almost three quarters of British motorists have broken down at some point and 61 per cent of those with breakdown cover have had to wait over an hour at the side of the road for assistance.

A quarter of people have broken down three to five times and some unlucky drivers, four per cent, have broken down over ten times.

But despite this, 16 per cent still refuse to take out cover for their car citing the expense of the policy as their top reason.

"Brits seem to be suffering from apathy behind the wheel. Fourteen per cent don't have breakdown cover because they think it will never happen to them and one in ten (12 per cent) just never get around to buying it," said Phil Southgate from Prudential.

Having your car serviced regularly and checking the oil, water and tyre pressure before you make a long journey are some ways drivers can help prevent unnecessary problems, according to the insurer.

"An over-heated engine is the third main cause of breakdown (nine per cent) and this can be easily prevented by taking a few basic precautions. However, modern cars are increasingly complex making repairs almost impossible for most drivers highlighting the need for breakdown cover."