Why doesn't my breakdown recovery service cover punctures?
I sustained a blow out in my Jaguar XF from a large pothole on a country road that was unavoidable because a large vehicle was coming the other way. I called National Breakdown who declined to assist on the basis that I didn't have a spare wheel (the puncture was too big for the latex solution provided with my car). I subsequently checked the small print and discovered that they should have attended if the car was not fitted with a spare wheel as standard. I made a complaint, which was rejected on the grounds that I had not had a breakdown but an accident (there was no other damage to my car and no other vehicle involved). I wrote again saying that a puncture should be covered and requested a copy of the recording of my call for assistance. I have not received a reply after several weeks. Do I have any likely recourse to get my recovery costs reimbursed?
Asked on 8 June 2013 by DK, Cheltenham

This is Catch 22. Manufacturers have stopped fitting spare wheels to most cars partially as a weight and CO2 saving exercise, but mostly for the cost saving. But some of the recovery operators sometimes regard a puncture as an 'accident' and they do not cover you for 'accident' recovery. So before taking out breakdown insurance for a car that does not have a spare wheel, you need to establish if recovery is covered in that circumstance. If it is and you don't get it, either take the matter up with the Financial Services Ombudsman or sue for breach of contract.
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