In the event of a breakdown involving a fully-laden MPV carrying up to eight people, the recovery vehicles used by the two leading operators can only accommodate five people and although the remainder won't be left stranded, they will have to foot the bill for a taxi. And fleets which purchase breakdown cover on a pay-on-use basis could be charged significantly more for an MPV breakdown than a normal car, if more than five passengers are involved.

Green Flag is already moving to address the situation following adverse publicity on BBC TV's Watchdog programme, while Mondial Assistance does not place a restriction on the number of passengers, but the AA and RAC's basic policies both cover only five people.