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Is Vehicle Recovery Covered by Your Car Insurance?
To find out if your vehicle recovered is covered by your car insurance largely depends on the type of insurance you have and the specifics of your policy. While some policies include vehicle recovery as standard, others might require you to add it on as an extra.
So, before you find yourself in a tricky situation, it’s worth taking the time to understand your car insurance policy. In this article, we’ll delve into the details to help you figure out if your car insurance does indeed cover vehicle recovery.
What is vehicle recovery?
Having a basic understanding of vehicle recovery will help you decipher whether your car insurance policy covers it. Vehicle recovery, simply put, is a service that involves the removal of a vehicle from a place it shouldn’t be. It may be because it’s broken down, involved in an accident, or even illegally parked.
A vehicle recovery service would come to your location, usually with a tow truck, to hoist and transport your stranded vehicle to a safe locality or directly to a garage. It’s a crucial service though not always considered until you’re stranded at the side of the road in the pouring rain.
It’s not just for accidental situations either. Let’s say your car’s engine gives up on the middle of the motorway. There’s no garage in sight and you’re stuck amidst the swirling traffic. A vehicle recovery service in such instances acts as a lifesaver.
Another scenario might be when you’re off on a vacation, and you’ve parked your vehicle in a ‘No Parking’ zone unknowingly. Your vehicle might get towed away to a car pound, and it’s here that vehicle recovery can bail you out.
You see the significance of vehicle recovery isn’t confined to just breaking down or being involved in an accident. But the question remains: does your car insurance cover it? Carry forward to the next section to find out how you can determine this based on your insurance policy specifics.
Types of car insurance coverage
Having understood what vehicle recovery is, it’s imperative to dive into the types of car insurance coverage to clarify which one may or may not include vehicle recovery. In the UK market, you’ll come across three main types of car insurance: Third Party Only, Third Party, Fire and Theft and Comprehensive.
Third Party Only, the most basic level of cover, caters to the cost of damage caused to others in an accident that was your fault. However, it will not cover costs for your own vehicle.
Moving up, there’s Third Party, Fire and Theft. Just as you’d expect, this type covers the same as Third Party Only, with an added bonus. If your car is stolen or damaged by fire, you’re covered. But again, breakdown cover isn’t implicitly included.
The last type, Comprehensive, is, as the name implies, the most extensive level of car insurance available. Over-and-above covering third party, theft and fire, this caters to any other accident-related damages to your own car – whether it was your fault or not. This type of cover tends to include a greater number of services, but even here, vehicle recovery isn’t guaranteed.
Each of these policies comes with its own considerations, and it’s critical to not assume that the most expensive policy will cater to all your vehicle needs. Consequently, you should meticulously study the fine print before deciding.
Inclusion of vehicle recovery will vary from insurer to insurer. Some might include it as standard, others may offer it as an add-on. It’s always beneficial to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm what’s included in your policy and if they provide a vehicle recovery service. After all, shaping your policy to match your car usage and particular personal needs can add real value. A stern understanding of what each type of car insurance cover offers you builds towards that aim.
Does car insurance cover vehicle recovery as standard?
The question at hand: “Does car insurance cover vehicle recovery as standard?” is one that puzzles many UK policyholders. The short answer? Not always. It’s crucial to note that there are no hard and fast rules that apply universally to all car insurance policies. Different insurers offer different levels of cover, and the inclusion of vehicle recovery can vary significantly.
A common misconception is that if you’ve opted for comprehensive car insurance, you’re automatically covered for vehicle recovery. While comprehensive insurance is the highest level of cover and includes a range of mishaps like accidents, fire, and theft, it does not always feature breakdown recovery as standard.
That being said, some insurance providers may indeed offer vehicle recovery as a standard feature within their comprehensive policies. In such cases, you’d most likely find an enhanced level of cover to include additional protection such as Home Start or Onward Travel cover.
In most situations, vehicle recovery is more likely to be viewed as an optional add-on, and if you want it, you’ll need to tick an extra box (and often pay a little more) to ensure it’s included in your policy.
Turning our attention to Third Party Only and Third Party, Fire and Theft policies, the chances of vehicle recovery being included as standard are unfortunately slimmer. These insurance policies focus on covering damages and losses to third parties. Therefore, extras like home start, roadside assistance, or vehicle recovery are not typically counted as standard.
Regardless of your car insurance type, it’s always key to carefully scrutinize the policy details before you commit. Remember to take the time to discuss with your insurer about what your policy includes, inquire about any addons, and always read the fine print. By doing this, you’ll make certain you’re getting exactly what you want from your cover.
As you delve further into the ins-and-outs of car insurance, the importance of understanding what your specific policy includes and excludes can’t be understated. Know your coverage, know your rights, and invest in the protection that aligns with your needs.
Optional extras for vehicle recovery
When considering car insurance, vehicle recovery is not always packaged into your policy. This level of coverage is commonly found within optional extras that you can add if required. While these extras might increase your premium, they offer an additional level of security and comfort. Now, let’s dive deeper into these optional extras.
Firstly, your options may include Roadside Assistance. This service provides help if your car breaks down while you’re on the road. Whether you’ve got a flat tyre, an empty petrol tank, or a more serious mechanical issue, roadside assistance can afford a solution, getting you moving again without the need for a full recovery service.
Next, there’s Home Start, also known as ‘at home’ cover. This covers you if your car won’t start or breaks down at or near your home. Many drivers overlook this, assuming that standard breakdown cover will help them even within a certain radius of their home. However, standard cover often doesn’t operate near your listed address.
Onward Travel is another added benefit. If your car can’t be fixed swiftly by the roadside, Onward Travel cover helps continue your journey. Depending on your policy, it could provide a courtesy car, overnight accommodation, or cover for public transport costs.
Finally, there’s National Recovery, which brings your car, you, and your passengers to any single destination in the UK if a breakdown occurs.
Here’s a quick summary:
| Optional Extra | Description |
|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance | Provides help in case of breakdown while on road |
| Home Start | Covers breakdowns at or near home |
| Onward Travel | Helps continue journey if roadside fix is not possible |
| National Recovery | Brings car, driver, and passengers to a single UK destination post breakdown |
Sure, your comprehensive car insurance might provide some level of vehicle recovery. However, remember these options are not always included as standard. Always make sure you’re aware of what’s in your policy by reading the fine print or discussing with your insurer directly.
What to do if your car insurance doesn’t cover vehicle recovery
Sometimes, car insurance might not accommodate vehicle recovery. You’re left thinking, “What can I do?” Don’t stress. Many alternatives are available that ensure your vehicle’s monitored in the event of a breakdown.
Check with Your Manufacturer
First, investigate with your manufacturer. Several car manufacturers include a form of breakdown cover as part of their vehicle’s warranty. It’s typically a standard feature for new cars. However, it might also apply to certified used cars. Ensure this warranty has not expired. You might be surprised at the level of coverage available.
Explore Other Providers
If you’re not offered coverage through warranties, examine breakdown coverage providers. They provide policies separate from your car insurance policy. These breakdown coverage providers are well-equipped for vehicle recovery situations, and offer services such as:
- Roadside Assistance
- Home Start
- Onward Travel
It’s recommended you comparatively shop. Look at different providers. Find policy details, limitations, and prices before making your choice.
Consider Adding to Your Existing Policy
Another option involves speaking to your current car insurance provider about adding vehicle recovery to your policy. They may offer it as an optional extra, or bundled with similar services or add-ons. Incorporating vehicle recovery might increase your premium, but remember, it’ll save substantial hassle if your vehicle breaks down.
To summarise, if your insurance doesn’t cover vehicle recovery there are alternatives:
- Explore the warranty with your manufacturer.
- Consider a separate policy with a breakdown coverage provider.
- Check in with your current car insurance about additional options.
No need to panic if vehicle recovery isn’t under your car insurance. Research these options, understand the pros and cons, and pick what fits you best. Remember, the goal remains the same—to ensure your car’s covered if, and when, it breaks down. There’s no wrong answer, only the choice that best supports your specific situation and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my car insurance doesn’t cover vehicle recovery?
If your car insurance doesn’t cover vehicle recovery, you can check whether your car manufacturer provides a breakdown cover as part of the warranty. Alternatively, you can consider independent breakdown coverage providers or look into adding vehicle recovery to your existing policy.
Are there separate breakdown cover providers I can explore?
Yes, there are dedicated breakdown coverage providers offering various packages that include the recovery of your vehicle in the event of a breakdown. Do conduct extensive research before opting for a service to ensure it suits your needs.
Can I add vehicle recovery to my existing car insurance?
Possibly, yes. Some insurance companies offer the option to add vehicle recovery to your policy. However, it is prudent to check with your insurance provider for specifics as offerings may vary company to company.
How can I ensure my car is covered in case of a breakdown?
Researching well, understanding the terms of your existing insurance policy and exploring additional coverage options like warranties from car manufacturers or services from breakdown coverage providers, can help ensure your vehicle is covered in case of a breakdown.
Or in one of my clients cases, the car “dealership”, Auto Zone Cars in Coleraine, didn’t cover anything and blamed the customer for problems that they caused.
Why is it important to have vehicle recovery coverage?
Vehicle recovery coverage guarantees assistance in the event of a vehicle breakdown. Without it, you could face high out-of-pocket expenses to recover your car, which could affect your finances considerably. Coverage ensures peace of mind and saves unforeseen costs.
Summary
So, you’ve got a few options if your car insurance doesn’t cover vehicle recovery. It’s worth checking with your car manufacturer or exploring separate breakdown coverage providers. You might even consider adding vehicle recovery to your existing policy. Remember, it’s all about understanding what’s best for your unique situation. Don’t get caught off guard with a breakdown. Make sure you’re covered. Do your research, weigh your options, and make an informed decision. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.