After a recent problem encountered by one of our customers we thought we’d post a word of warning for those taking out European breakdown insurance.
We strongly advise people to have cover of this type as vehicle breakdowns do happen and it really can spoil your holiday. However, you need to be aware that most insurance has some caveats and usually one of these is that the car is well maintained and more importantly has a service record. So please ensure you read the small print to check you meet the policy criteria.
Our client booked his breakdown insurance over the phone just before his holiday and no one mentioned that part of the criteria was that it had to have been serviced at least once in the previous 12 months. Believing himself covered he set off with high expectations for a great break.
When his car then broke down he made the call to the insurers and they duly towed the car to a garage and organised a hire car for him. Then the problems started… he was asked to fax in his service document.
As he serviced his own car he didn’t have one. Very abruptly the insurers attitude changed and the hire car had to be taken back immediately, leaving him stranded at the lake with no means of transport and a 6,000 euro garage bill!
We always try to offer support and help when problems like this occur and after many phone calls we were able to offer him several options to get his party home.
The owner of Beaurepaire, Bernard, offered to take him back to the ferry. Another venue Roseau also offered to assist as they had a van travelling back a few days later. However, the client decided he didn’t want to put anyone out and opted to catch the train back and leave his tackle in storage at the lake. Even then owner Bernard has offered him some free fishing when he returns to pick up his tackle in a couple of weeks.
The moral of the story though is read that small print!
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