Breakdown cover small print warning for classic car owners
Tue, 25 Jul 2023
Classic car owners are being warned to carefully examine their breakdown cover to avoid potential pitfalls this summer.
Start Rescue is warning that many owners may be wasting money on breakdown cover that doesn't adequately cater to the unique needs of classic vehicles.
The average classic car in the UK covers approximately 1200 miles per year, with most of these miles accumulated during the summer when owners take their cherished vehicles on leisurely drives.
However, unforeseen breakdowns can occur and enthusiasts may find themselves facing unexpected towing restrictions in their breakdown cover's terms and conditions.
"We all like to ensure our cherished classics are maintained to a high standard, but problems do occur. Check the breakdown cover you are purchasing for limitations, which could be expensive if you are travelling a long way from home, especially in Europe," says Start Rescue Managing Director Lee Puffett, a classic car owner himself.
"It’s always best to have peace of mind knowing that whatever happens, you can be recovered home or to a preferred repairer if the vehicle can’t be fixed roadside or locally to the breakdown scene."
Start Rescue offers tailored classic car breakdown cover. Its comprehensive cover ensures that in the event of a breakdown, owners can be recovered home or to their preferred repairer if the vehicle cannot be fixed on-site or locally.
David Meek, Chair of the Board of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance adds: "Many standard policies will see your vehicle being dropped at a local garage for breakdown repair, which may not be suitable. Often classic car owners are very particular about who works on their vehicle and would prefer to be recovered to a specialist."
"Many classic car insurance policies include breakdown cover, but it’s always worth checking this is appropriate for your needs," says Classic car expert Simon Hucknall said
"Does the provider only offer roadside assistance when you need the reassurance of recovery if a repair isn’t possible? If recovery is offered, is it mileage-limited or just to the nearest garage? Also check that you’re covered for repairs at your home address. In short, check the small print and don’t assume that all policies are the same.”
It's also worth checking the following:
- Check for towing limitations and consider upgrading to Nationwide recovery and Home Assistance for greater coverage.
- Verify the countries covered in your European breakdown cover, particularly if planning to visit multiple countries.
- Review the number of call-outs you can claim during your policy, as some low-cost policies offer only one call-out.
- Check the claim cost limits, as certain policies may have a cap on the amount covered for assistance, which could prove costly in the case of international breakdowns.
