With winter well and truly on its way, moneysupermarket.com is urging drivers to be extra vigilant and to make sure they get breakdown cover just in case they find themselves stranded out in the cold.

Breakdown cover is often available from the driver’s own car insurance provider, but it is worth comparing deals to ensure people are getting the best deal, the comparison site says.

Moneysupermarket.com claims cover is available from as little as £30.25 a year with RescueMyCar.com and £32 a year with First Call. These policies include benefits such as roadside repair and recovery to the nearest garage or any UK destination, travel and accommodation costs, and an excess of £40. Other policies from providers such as StartRescue.co.uk, The Green Insurance Company and Insurance Choice have no excess.

Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at moneysupermarket.com, said: “While there is no good time to suffer a vehicle breakdown it is especially worrying at this time of year with nights drawing in earlier and temperatures dropping. Therefore comprehensive motor breakdown cover is a must for motorists to avoid being stranded in the cold. With comprehensive cover available for such competitive prices, it really is a price well worth paying for the peace of mind that you will be rescued if your car does grind to a halt.

“No matter how well you look after your car and how carefully you drive, you cannot guarantee you will never break down. Drivers should ensure they are prepared for this, and also be aware of other, possibly less responsible drivers around them.”