continental insurance - i am confused

[catherine2]

I have read with interest other postings re insuring caravans when abroad. Both my UK car and caravan insurance policies seem to provide cover whilst abroad - why do I need to take out specific insurance for a holiday abroad then? Presumably such policies provide broader cover?

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

Check with your insurance providers that you will be covered to the same standard abroad as at home, as some companies will only cover you for basic third party.

I take out Red pennant with the C.C. as added protection against breakdown & illness as I am the only driver.

 

[catherine2]

Thanks Graham

When I rang my caravan insurance company it seems that if the the driver is taken ill we are not covered but since we both are covered to tow it is highly unlikely we will both be too ill to drive at the same time. Also, the caravan insurance does not cover the eventuality of the car breaking down and assistance with removing the caravan. However, our car insurance / RAC cover does cover this, so it looks as tho we are OK. I'll make doubly sure before we go tho.

 

[George_374300440]

If your caravan is over 7.25 meters overall length and 2.25 width the RAC will not cover you,only the caravan club red pennent and mayday service will cover you at greatly increased cost.

 

[catherine2]

If your caravan is over 7.25 meters overall length and 2.25 width the RAC will not cover you,only the caravan club red pennent and mayday service will cover you at greatly increased cost.

Thanks for that - our caravan is within the RAC's limits so it seems as though there's no point in paying more for something we already have - good news for a change!

 

[Tim2]

Hi Catharine

We have had the misfortune to suffer breakdowns in abroad 2006 and 2007 when our car could not be repaired and had to be "repatriated" by car transporter.

2006 we broke down in Belgium, fortunately on the way home. We were covered by Britannia Rescue. There European agents were very inefficient and slow left us in vulnerable positions on autoroute shoulder at night and in driving rain on 2 separate occasions. They kept us waiting for a week whilst car was supposedly repaired. The repair lasted for all of 10 miles and then finally car and caravan had to be repatriated. We were given hire cars to get us home to the UK but no hire tow cars available and the 'van had to be left to be sent home later with the car. After NUMEROUS cancellations car and 'van finally arrived home.

 

[2C3B5K4k]

Most caravan insurance policies will automatically include a limited period of cover whilst towing abroad but few will include recovery abroad. The Red Pennant cover available from the Caravan Club is excellent and comprehensive but does cost extra. Towergate Bakers offer annual European use as standard and include RAC recovery of the caravan if it is damaged and cannot be towed, the policy received the 'Expert's Choice' award in the 2008 'Caravan' magazine insurance awards for caravanners who require 'extensive travel abroad'. The Caravan Club came second followed by the Camping & Caravanning Club.

Call FREE on 0800 4961516 for more info.