- Almost 2 million classic vehicles and motorcycles need dedicated breakdown protection
- Check for limitations on your breakdown cover, such as restrictions on call-outs
- If you are travelling to Europe, make sure the country you are travelling to is included
Enthusiasts must check the small print of their breakdown cover as the summer classic car driving season gets into full swing, says Britain’s leading vehicle breakdown recovery provider Start Rescue.
According to DVLA statistics, there are currently 935,100 classic cars, 252,734 LGVs and 661,775 classic bikes on the road in the UK and owners could be wasting money on breakdown cover that isn’t fit for purpose.
The typical classic car covers 1,200 miles a year in the UK but most of those miles are done during the summer when owners spruce their cars up and head for the open road.
Unfortunately, they may find that in the event of a towing distance restriction in the terms and conditions, they may only have the option of being towed to a local garage near the breakdown scene that may not have specialist knowledge of classic cars. They may end up footing the bill for another tow to their home or a preferred supplier.
Start Rescue offers tailored classic car breakdown cover and unrivalled experience as Managing Director Lee Puffett is a classic car owner himself.
Lee says: “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.
“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 the classic owner a range of cover to suit their needs.”
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.”
Classic vehicle owners do have specific needs so it’s worth checking the following if you are planning a long-distance summer trip.
- Check for limitations such as only offering a tow within 10 miles of the breakdown scene. Spending a little more to upgrade to Nationwide recovery and Home Assistance means you can get your car towed to a garage further afield. With local tow cover only, you will need to pay for any additional mileage above the limit stated
- If you are planning to visit to a number of countries in Europe, check which countries are included in your cover
- Check the number of call-outs you can claim for during your policy, as some low-cost policies only provide for just one call-out
- Check claim cost limits as some policies only offer assistance up to a certain amount, which could prove to be costly if you breakdown in France, need repatriation to the UK and only have a £1,000 claim limit for breakdowns in Europe
Classic car insurance companies often offer breakdown recovery with their policies, and owners are being urged to check details of the recovery arrangements in the small print, too.
Classic car expert and Senior Contributor to Classic & Sports Car magazine Simon Hucknall said: “Many classic car insurance policies include breakdown cover, but it’s always worth checking this is appropriate for your needs. 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.”
Start Rescue has a 4.5-star rating on Trust Pilot, a five-star Defaqto* rating and recently achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for the fourth year running. Start Rescue also has a 97% recommendation rate from customers helped at the roadside.
Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is an integral part of the nation’s fourth largest breakdown and recovery service, Call Assist, which now has more than two million UK customers.
For further breakdown advice, please visit startrescue.co.uk.