Red Pennant or alternative?

Norfolk Hawker

Currently planning for a trip later in the year and considering breakdown cover for the caravan. We have used Red Pennant before but Green Flag and others seem to offer similar cover at a lower cost. Are there any comments from people who have used these alternatives?

eurortraveller

Beware of comparing apples with pears.

If you just want a simple breakdown service - I.e one which provides a breakdown truck to take a sick vehicle to a garage, and if you are willing to stick around on a nearby campsite or even a hotel until they get the spares and fix things, and then pay them and go on your way - then there are insurers which will cover that for car, caravan or motorhome. It helps if you are independent and self reliant and can speak the foreign language well enough to cope while all that happens.

But if you want more than that then Red Pennant does offer more- such as being taken to a pre booked campsite and maybe brought back, and having the possibility (but not certainty) of a big replacement hire car with a tow bar, and even perhaps a chauffeur to drive you home, a certain amount (but not all) towards the garage repair bill, and a greater degree of hand holding during your difficulties.

You have to read the small print of what each insurance includes and decide what you want it to include. But remember that whichever insurance you choose everything will be sub contracted to local operators Some are good. Some aren’t.

peedee

I think Red Pennant is pretty much cast iron insurance to have if the price suits you. I used to use it until I got a motorhome and then it started to get expensive and I sought out cheaper alternatives. Perhaps not so good as RP but I have never had any problem with the alternatives. I have had travel problems a handful of times, one of these was a full breakdown (battery failure) another a less serious problem (fuel leak) and another a turbo problem. I needed help with these, the rest I have mostly been able to resolve myself by limping or calling into a garage. I do accept a small element of risk with the cheaper alternatives but so far the cover I have used has been ok. I have never tried Green Flag for foreign travel. My motorhome is currently insured via Comfort, as it has been for some years and it includes Europe wide breakdown

If my memory serves me correctly the major difference between RP and the alternatives is in the provision of a chauffeur service and pet coverage.

peedee

Norfolk Hawker

Thanks for these responses. Much to think about.