Millions of motor insurance customers in the UK are running risks with their car maintenance in a bid to save money on motoring costs, it has been claimed. Car manufacturer Ford found that one in five UK motor insurance policyholders have no breakdown cover. Due to rising road tax and fuel costs, roadside assistance cover is neglected by younger car insurance holders, with 28 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds forgoing any cover. All of this is surprising considering recent independent research from consumer group Which? revealed that one in six motor insurance customers experience at least one breakdown a year.

"It's a story we hear often but while trying to avoid the cost, many of these drivers could regret skipping basic maintenance and roadside cover" said Mike Weatherston, group service marketing manager at Hendy Ford.

Recently, Motor Codes offered drivers a checklist to follow to ensure they were not ripped off by car servicing or repair garages. Car insurance holders should be advised of the cost of repairs before they are undertaken, technicians should talk to them about the work they have carried out in layman's terms and the garage should collect customer feedback to improve, according to the self-regulatory body.