The worst winter in 15 years is hitting Britains cash strapped motorists where it
hurts most in the pocket - as car breakdown reports soar by more than 500% according to breakdown provider RescueMyCar.com. With the cold weather set to stay those car owners that saved themselves some cash earlier in the year by cancelling or not renewing their breakdown cover policy are now being stung by roadside rescue and repair costs as the snow and ice plays havoc with vehicles nationwide. According to RescueMyCar.com, one of the UKs fastest growing breakdown cover organisations, claims resulting from breakdowns over the Christmas break are five times what they were before the cold snap, forcing many drivers to rethink their insurance strategy. RescueMyCar.com spokesman Craig Astbury explained: As the recession hit we saw many motorists cutting back on their breakdown cover but that move is proving to be false economy as the cost of rescue without it can soon add up to several hundred pounds. We have seen an 500% increase in claims resulting from Christmas holiday breakdowns, the RescueMyCar.com director went on. So you can only imagine how many people out there are being forced to pay their own breakdown bills after choosing not to take out cover. It makes Christmas very expensive for some. Top of the list of breakdown causes is, predictably, the flat battery as the cold destroys already overloaded cells and puts extra stress on other vital engine components, while starter motors and even frozen brakes have been reported. And with breakdown cover available for as little as 22.90 from RescueMyCar.com, the numbers are not stacking up in favour of driving without it.