Breakdown Cover Advised Due To 'Complicated New Cars'

Britons should take out breakdown cover as part of their car insurance policies, Liverpool Victoria advised today.

The car insurance provider said that the additional protection was necessary, as the latest cars have become "more complicated" than previous models. This new complexity was reflected by driver confusion about how their cars worked: 37 per cent of those polled told Liverpool Victoria that they "don't understand" their dashboards, while 74 per cent said that they could not repair their own cars.

Additionally, just five per cent of respondents had an "excellent" understanding of their car's engine, while only four per cent said that they would be confident in making major repairs if they broke down. This would suggest that a large majority of drivers would benefit from taking out additional breakdown insurance.

Emma Holyer, spokesperson for rescue firm Britannia, agreed, saying: "There is little doubt that innovation has made driving a far more pleasurable experience, but it has made part time weekend mechanics a thing of the past. With many cars relying on complex electronics or technology, many problems now require specialist equipment, as well as specialist knowledge, to get the problem fixed.

"This means it is even more vital that motorists take out breakdown cover, so if something does go wrong with their car they are able to get back on the road as easily and quickly as possible."