Club 80-90 Forums

Hi guys. Im going travelling round europe in my 1981 T25 1.6 Aircooled devon camper this summer. Obviously im guna want some breakdown cover for this, can anyone recommend a cheap but reliable company?

Cheers. Ben.

nothing definitive but lots of opinions

http://archive.club8090.co.uk/viewtopic ... =breakdown

Do a search on breakdown, it come up a lot (no surprise there then )

Ben rhodes wrote:Hi guys. Im going travelling round europe in my 1981 T25 1.6 Aircooled devon camper this summer. Obviously im guna want some breakdown cover for this, can anyone recommend a cheap but reliable company?

Cheers. Ben.

good luck.

I had cover through my Norwich Union insurance with the RAC. Whether my experience is typical or not I don't know but I will just point out a few problems we had when we broke down in Spain.

The first problem was contacting the RAC! We had a freephone number but couldn't access it through the mobile we were using. That may have been operator error (I don't think we tried the +44 bit) but it is worth having a "responsible adult" lined up in the UK just in case you have trouble getting through.

The next problem was getting the van fixed. They wanted it towed to the local garage and wait for parts to be sourced and then we could drive it home. I'm not sure how long we were expected to wait but we declined this kind offer and asked for repatriation (which was covered). They said "can't do - cost of transport higher than value of van". Fortunately Heather is very assertive on the phone (I'm not) and told them to check the value of an old VW! They did agree and I have since learned of others with similar experience. In other words, be prepared to push for what you want.

The RAC were very helpful at all stages - with the exeption of this incident - but it is probably worth establishing EXACTLY what you get in the event of a break down.

We had fun and games with this last year. We ended up going with the AA, but even still, a few lies were required (Does the vehicle have full service history?). It cost about £130 for 3 weeks.

Most places aren't too keen. One place even told me "The chances are that you will break down".

I have a plan for next time though. Footman James gave me a quote of £320 for comprehensive insurance on a classic policy that INCLUDED european breakdown cover. This was an agreed value policy.

Good luck with it. We didn't need the breakdown cover thankfully. I had to do a carb strip and clean and put some 'gun gum' on the exhaust, but otherwise all was ok. 4444km.

Gary

Thanks for the help.

The link was good as a couple of people gave some insight into first hand experience of breaking down too. Sounds like it wont be much fun if I do break down whichever company I choose but touch wood it wont happen....!

Brittania delux £129 annualy and you get a 14 day money back guarantee so if you are not going for longer than 2 weeks you can get all your money back.
Problem is most wont cover a vehicle over 10 years old or over 100,000 miles.
Rob.

See post in General chat.
Rob.,

have a good un mate.
Did the same last year and it was quality.

I got breakdown tagged on with my insurance from adrian flux - an extra £45 for the year. I never needed it so can't comment on the service

I've just been through this - the day before departing for a 2500km round trip. The cheapest and easiest option would have been include this cover with your insurance policy (JustKampers - £75 anual cover) - however I fell foul of the 14 day rule. It must be purchased within 14 days of starting the policy! The only place I found that would cover my van (27 years old - self converted camper) was the RAC - simple procedure on the the internet. Full cover for 10 days was £90 and £190 for a year. I called them once but thankfully the electrical problem fixed itself during the call so can't vouch for their service. The AA will only cover vehicle older than 11 years if they are professionaly converted campers. Next year I will definitely be including this on my insurance policy.