Breakdown/Recovery

catherinef
catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
edited March 2016 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Quick question, our car has Manufacturers recovery as standard for the next 4 years.  Obviously when we tow (for a small amount of the year) this won't cover the caravan.

Does the club Breakdown service offer a cost effective package for just when we are towing?

Comments

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #2

    Good question catherine - I looked into it with my Skoda which was covered likewise with the RAC - and went for the other clubs caravan breakdown policy with the RAC Arrival.  I haven't checked out the new car yet - but I am guessing it will work with the new car too. 

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited March 2016 #3

    I'm in the same boat as you, my previous car was and this car is under new warranty with breakdown cover through Landrover, who will assist with caravan but only to near an approved repairer of the car. I had to take out Greenflag Mayday to cover all options so I now have a choice who to call on depending on the circumstances.

    The good thing with Mayday Green Flag is my wifes car needed breakdown cover also so the second car premium was a big reduction on the overall cost.

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited March 2016 #4

    Thanks for the reply, was a bit worried my request made me sound like an idiot.

    We have an Audi, so I'm guessing it will be RAC like Pippa's Skoda?  Will have a look at RAC Arrival.

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited March 2016 #5

    I've done a little digging and I may need to call Audi Assistance tomorrow. It looks as though they use The AA for cover.  I've found a PDF document online that refers to an option to call in the event of a mechanical breakdown for caravan/trailer cover.  

  • Rob2CathDavies
    Rob2CathDavies Forum Participant Posts: 145
    edited March 2016 #6

    Hi, check the small print of your Audi Assistance.  We used to have a VW , and VW assistance covered the caravan too, if the fault lay with the VW car.  In fact we had car and caravan recovered home, no problem, after a breakdown.

    However if the caravan causes the problem, e.g wheel sheared off etc., we would not be covered, so we take out basic CC Mayday for this (£38).

    Same situation with our current car Honda Assistance includes the caravan if the car is the problem.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582
    1000 Comments 250 Likes Photogenic
    edited March 2016 #7

    You also need to check out what happens if the caravan is on a site and you are away for the day. Will they return to the site to pick up the caravan and recover both?

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,685 ✭✭✭
    1,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited March 2016 #8

    Hi, check the small print of your Audi Assistance.  We used to have a VW , and VW assistance covered the caravan too, if the fault lay with the VW car.  In fact we had car and caravan recovered home, no problem, after a breakdown.

    However if the caravan causes the problem, e.g wheel sheared off etc., we would not be covered, so we take out basic CC Mayday for this (£38).

    Same situation with our current car Honda Assistance includes the caravan if the car is the problem.

    But also check the small print with regard to any limitations on trailer size to be recovered.  I also have three years VW assistance on my Touareg, but buried in the small print is a clause which says they will not recover a trailer over 7m in length.  Because we  have a TA van of overall length 7.9m, I had to take out Mayday just to be on the safe side when towing.  In addition, based on a neighbours experience when he was rushed into hospital whilst they were on site in the van, I have also opted for the 'Extra Care' bit which provides a chauffeur in the event of the driver being incapacitated.  It was only a small amount of money and again, gives peace of mind - well, mainly for my wife who has never towed in her life.

  • Runrig
    Runrig Forum Participant Posts: 186
    edited March 2016 #9

    I couldn't get a definitive answer out of Mercedes as to whether they would recover a caravan or not. The basic AA breakdown cover provided with a bank account certainly didn't and the cost to include was ludicrous.

    The basic MAYDAY at £38 is remarkable value IMO. Dare I say it, a no brainer.

    When the Merc cover runs out, will probably upgrade to the MAYDAY extra care cover to compensate. Add spouse & any car ( we have a few ) for £30 more. bargain.

  • catherinef
    catherinef Forum Participant Posts: 647
    edited March 2016 #10

    I paid the £70 yesterday and took out the Mayday Assistance and Recovery for extra piece of mind.