How valuable are added benefits on protection policies?

Imagine you're driving alone at night in a downpour. The engine splutters and gasps its last and you pull over into a lay-by. You're not mechanically minded and the conditions mean it's impossible to be making your first attempt at fixing a car. Luckily you're a member of a well-known breakdown service. So you call them up and give them your policy number and it is good news - they're putting a cheque in the post to cover the repairs. The only problem now that you're stuck miles from home - the cheque isn't of any use right now. This analogy is an accurate reflection of the life...