Safeguard Breakdown Cover
There have been a number of threads recently in regard to the issue of breakdown cover in Europe.I posted in most threads and one response form DougS prompted a closer look at Safeguards offering.
It is important to note that I was aware of Safeguard as my van insurance is due for renewal,I had got a quote from them, and the breakdown cover has to be purchased alongside the van policy.
The lady I spoke to was not only very knowledgable but was true to her word to get confirmation as to the level of cover on the policy that is provided via the AA.
She has now confirmed that the cover includes repatriation of the car AND van even when the van is not attached and this seems to be the only provider apart from RP that offers this.
I would not argue for a moment that it is equal to RP but at a cost of £65 it is still cheaper than Mayday for just UK cover and is equal to that cover level.
This means that I have the cover I need in the UK and if I do get cold feet re Europe can opt for single journey cover with RP.
One key thing that I must mention is that it appears that ADAC does NOT cover the van unless it is attached to the car and that, for me, rules them out.
Comments
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allenandjean you are totally wrong on ADAC cover they definitely cover CARAVAN NOT attached to car. I got this info from ADAC before we joined ADAC over 7 years ago otherwise why would we join? Not everything can be written into a Cover Booklet or on line it would be a mile long. You have to remember the CC is catering for Members Caravans/MH's primarily ADAC is an organisation covering many more Members of all types of vehicles.
DianneT
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I have been insured with Safeguard for many years and the breakdown covers UK and Europe. Someone mentioned to me that if you breakdown on the motorway in France, you have to use the motorway breakdown service and need to pay them at the time which is expensive
and cash? only, It seems other breakdown services are not allowed on the motorway. The other breakdown service can take over once off the motorway, you can then claim back the cost incurred. Maybe worth a check with the insurance company being used to see
if this is correct.0 -
Redwink
You are correct about only the autoroute contractors can remove vehicles form the motorway. Perhaps worth checking if various breakdown services have an arrangement with these contractors where payment is done direct but I suppose sensible to be prepared
to pay if that is the only option. Any charges should be recoverable from your own breakdown policy.David
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I'm glad that allanandjean have found what I thought, in that Safeguard Breakdown is a CARAVAN based (with included towcar) based policy that covers everything we think we need: someone to come and help us if we have a breakdown with either the car or the van and some flexibility. This is a separate breakdown policy covering UK & Europe which, along with our travel insurance and ensuring that our car cover is upgraded as required to give full cover in Europe is what we think we need.
I do accept DianneT comment that everything cannot be written down and would much prefer all policies to have a clause that states they will work with you to help you with problems on car OR caravan, ATTACHED OR NOT (I actually don't think they understand our concerns in that aspect)
My understanding is also that in France your cover only takes over once you have been removed from the motorway by the authorised contractor.
Safeguard are easy to speak to and, at the moment, their overall package of insurance and breakdown is a good price for us at a level of cover we are happy with.
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You have also got to remember the onward and return service Mayday and Red Pennant offer if you are booked into the site, a friend of mine had his van stolen a day before he was due to catch the ferry, they didnt let it spoil the holiday they made arrangements with a hotel and a static caravan. Service I would say
Paul
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Hi Diane,
I am a little puzzled about your comment. In another thread I asked users of ADAC if they could confirm that a caravan not attached to the towing vehicle was covered. ValDa sent me the english language version of their leaflet and you suggested contacting them via e-mail. I then found some info on your website which I posted in the thread and received no response from you. The info I posted was;
"Hi Diane, ValDa sent me the ADAC brocure and I have been looking at their website as well. The info states that the cover extends to an 'attached trailer' so does not match RP.Your website has the following comment;
3. ADAC coverage applies for as long as you are away from home. Trailers with no more than one axle are covered as long as they are hitched up to the towing vehicle."
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Hi allenandjean I am sorry I did not see your comment on the other thread I do not always get onto the forum every day.
I have just been all through my latest ADAC Members Handbook translation and there is no mention of the Trailer having to be attached to the car. This has obviously been revised since I first put that info on my website I will have to change it. In fact
cannot find where I got it from.I can assure you I have had confirmation that the caravan is covered on and off the car and have evidence of that.
DianneT
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Hi Diane, As you said it is not possible to cover every little permutation that arises with us pesky caravanners but, as I have now had confirmation-verbally and in writing-of the Safeguard cover AND it is cheaper that ADAC than I will be going with them.
As I said it is only suitable as I am renewing the van isurance at the same time so clearly may not suit others.
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ADAC suits us very well and has done for over 7 years now after using them 3 times over that period once for caravan and twice for the car. in 3 different countries. We insure car and caravan with the Caravan Club and would not change from their excellent
service. We too like to be covered for 12 months not up to 90 days making ADAC an excellent price at £87 by todays Euro Rate. Having the extra Medical assistance and worldwide cover is a bonus..0
