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It really is worth checking exactly what cover you have with any policy bought through a bank, insurance company, etc. as you're very unlikely to have the full monty.  Even when you have got the cover, you can get easily fooled as I was some five years ago on 1st April when my car - parked under a light in supposedly secure parking area with two security guards - got broken into. Fortunately, it was parked right below (17 storeys below!) my friend's flat (we'd been on a course together that day and I was staying with her with my son so we heard the alarm, went on the balcony and shouted down - she called the pollis whilst son and I went tanking down - the little s*d ran off - fortunately dropping what he'd nicked in the process and I found my windscreen and rear nearside passenger door window smashed. Cops arrived and we soon found ourselves pelted with bricks and other stuff from the high rise so cop grabbed keys off me and we all piled in anyhow to shift the car and us out of danger!  Very, very scary!

Because it was broken glass, I rang the insurers RAC Direct at that time, gave them the RAC member no. By that time it was about 10.30 on a Sat night and long waiting times so they said they'd get someone to take me to a glass repairer who might be able to do something in 4 hours. When the guy came to take me and son there, he refused as he was not prepared to leave me and son in a car we couldn't take refuge in in that area. We ended up dumped in front of a glass place on an industrial estate at 3am to wait till it opened at 7am, but at least it was a bit safer and the guy stopped off at a service station 5 mins up the road to let us visit the loo and get coffee and sandwiches - he also told the guy on duty at the station and every so often he popped out to where he could see us which was very sweet of him.

I think the coffee and food knocked some sense into me and, having charged mobile up again, rang the RAC breakdown no. (I'm a full member.) They didn't understand why I'd not called them in first place and then it came out: I'd done what everyone would normally do with a glass issue and RAC Direct (Aviva) hadn't noted that I already had full cover and refused me recovery. One hour later, we were being recovered (after a quick call to the filling station to say thanks). They sorted everything out, including phoning home to my elderly parents, changing the ferry booking and recovery on the island - thankfully I could drive my vehicle on/off ferry or would have had to pay enormous return trip bill.

It's worth noting that towing to home or garage or where you're staying is limited to 10 miles unless you have recovery - check your t&c! But I wouldn't take out breakdown cover with an insurance company or bank ever again in case I found myself in a similar situation!

Hi guys

new to the forum but im finding it most usefull. dont know if this helps but a lot of banks offer free car recovery with accounts. also libbtyloo i see that you have just aquired a canyon 8. ive seen other sprayway tents and im thinking of buying the 6birth version. how do you find the material of the outer? also im finding it difficult to find a stockist any ideas?

many thanks Aunt Em

libbtyloo

MyRAC premium went up this year, i went on web site and knoecked off alot of money so rang them up and they matched the price!

We have the joint policy coveres everything apart from "at home" £36 x 4 monthly payments £144 well worth it touch wood!!! Got onward travel and got hotel stay etc

friends broke down on 7 bridge and cost them loads tobe towed to brean, got friend to come home with them who had cover and they towed home.

Quote: Originally posted by Aunt Em on 07/5/2011

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Hi guys

new to the forum but im finding it most usefull. dont know if this helps but a lot of banks offer free car recovery with accounts. also libbtyloo i see that you have just aquired a canyon 8. ive seen other sprayway tents and im thinking of buying the 6birth version. how do you find the material of the outer? also im finding it difficult to find a stockist any ideas?

many thanks Aunt Em

 

libbtyloo

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hi we once arrived on the star camp site near alton towers, went to check in came to move car to our pitch and would go into any gear. rang breakdown company who we were with, came out couldnt fix it there and then, so we then stayed for our holiday and had to ring them the day before we were due to leave and they came to take us back home on our departure day and we live in cumbria so a little bit away lol.

barbara

I have a Motability car, which has recovery as part of the deal, but not of the attached caravan or trailer which will only be towed to the nearest garage.

So, after looking at a number of companies I decided on Green Flag through the Caravan Club (saved a few pounds). Their basic will recover the car and trailer, then there's one that will tow you to your holiday site and pick you up again at the end of the holiday which seemed a very good idea to me. I also bought the bit that will provide a driver if the original driver is incapacitated. I may not need to ever use it but it's there if I do. Gives me peace of mind.

Wendy