UP AND up goes the cost of motoring. Servicing, repairs, petrol prices, unexpected breakdowns, not to mention the occasional parking fine.

It was only a matter of time before someone came up with an insurance scheme which will cover most of the regular costs of running a car almost a BUPA service for motoring.

In a new 'healthcare' scheme for cars, you can take care of the costs of servicing, repairing faults and passing an MOT, along with comprehensive breakdown cover throughout the UK and in Europe.

For a fixed monthly fee starting at £25, but probably nearer £40 for most of us drivers can budget for not only routine servicing but also and probably more importantly unexpected trouble.

So you can cover not only the predictable running costs which we all face, but also those nasty surprises when something goes wrong unexpectedly.

The scheme, called Motoreasy is backed by such major players as AXA Assistance, Warranty Direct and the merchant bank Singer and Friedlander, and Britain's biggest supplier of engine oil supplier, Castrol, which approves the network of garages in the scheme.

£Motoreasy boss David Gerrans, who has spent nearly 30 years in executive roles with motor giants including Rover and then Daewoo, says: "I want Motoreasy to become a badge of reassurance a trusted friend to the motorists in a world where fear of being ripped off is still rife.

"No other company has looked to provide a total service for the motorist."

If an individual motorist tried to buy all the separate elements of this package, it would costs hundreds of pounds, he says.

"Motorists are fed up with the escalating costs of running a car, and are becoming increasingly apprehensive over reports that garages are over-charging them or carrying out unnecessary work.

"This scheme has been conceived to remove the doubt and fear, and put the driver back in control."

One payment a month means that Motoreasy promises to provide a comprehensive breakdown recovery service with repairs up to £5,000. There's also £500 available to help correct MoT failures, covering both parts and labour.

Each customer's individual monthly premium depends on the make and model, engine size and annual mileage.

The age of a vehicle is not usually a worry, and the vehicle doesn't even have to pass an inspection first.

The scheme is particularly worthwhile for those cars which are at least three years old and out of warranty. In Britain, there are currently 15 million vehicles which come into this category.

£Gerrans says: "The drivers are vulnerable to high garage bills when they least expect them.

"With Motoreasy, customers can take the financial sting out of a failed MoT, a breakdown, or simply general maintenance.

"The monthly payment plan makes budgeting easy, allowing you to spread your motoring costs."

A final bonus, says Gerrans, is that when you come to selling your car, the memberhip remains with the vehicle an added incentive for the potential buyer.