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Main Section => Welcome to our virtual Pub Meeting ... => Topic started by: Genem on November 09, 2019, 03:52:02 PM

Title: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Genem on November 09, 2019, 03:52:02 PM
Who are providing the best roadside recovery service at the moment ? RAC service is poor and expensive, others don't accept older vehicles.

Any good examples out there ?

Thanks !
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: geoff on November 09, 2019, 03:57:51 PM

 Are you looking for more than that included in classic car road insurance offered by RH etc ?
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Simon K. on November 09, 2019, 03:59:30 PM
I have UK & European cover included with my Land Rover insurance, trouble is I've never broken down and had the opportunity to test the response yet.

I know a couple of others have had good experiences when being recovered from our Welsh trips. Ask Tomster who he is covered with, as he had no problem one very wet day being recovered from Wales to Evesham.

Simon.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on November 09, 2019, 04:04:14 PM
Had Britannia for a few years, much cheaper than AA  who i dumped after ridiculous price hikes..only needed Britannia once, with a Morris minor, they seemed efficient enough and are ok with old motors....
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Genem on November 09, 2019, 04:26:09 PM
Are you looking for more than that included in classic car road insurance offered by RH etc ?

Thats a good point, I've not gor recovery on my current policy.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: milesr3 on November 09, 2019, 04:43:23 PM
When I stopped my Mercedes service plan, which included breakdown cover, I took out a policy covering the wife and I regardless of vehicle for £55 from AutoAid. Having no spare wheel or even a jack could be inconvenient...

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/car-insurance/breakdown-cover/#bestbuys

I also got free RAC breakdown cover (and a £20 fuel voucher) with the £55 classic insurance policy bought via confused.com.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: winchman on November 09, 2019, 04:55:07 PM
Our Fleet is covered by the AA no age limit and its each family member, so even covered if out with friends not in your car, been very good value
Series classic insurance (£114) comes with free RAC inc home start
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Peter Holden on November 09, 2019, 04:56:21 PM
I am insured with Peter James and it includes brakdown cover

Peter
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Worf on November 09, 2019, 05:04:26 PM
Britannia for me also. Covers me in any vehicle, whether it is mine or not.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: 109+1 on November 09, 2019, 06:42:23 PM
I am also looking as RAC price rise was nearly 40% up, told them politely were to go.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Wittsend on November 09, 2019, 06:58:20 PM
Britannia for me also. Covers me in any vehicle, whether it is mine or not.

 :ditto
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: OilyRover on November 10, 2019, 10:15:28 AM
I use Asda breakdown cover,which is Britannia Rescue in disguise.
I haven't broken down for so long I don't know whether they're any good or not,but they're a lot cheaper than the RAC.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: w3526602 on November 11, 2019, 05:12:21 PM
Hi,

I mis-fuelled my S2TD. Called out Brittania.

They arrived in a medium sized 4x4 with dolly. Thet hadn't been told about the caravan.

Half an hour later, an HGV recovery truck arrived. S2 up on the back, caravan on the hook, two GSD in the S2.(they returned their dinner).

A very expensive mistake. I had to pay for a mechanic to stand around, chatting to his mates, while an SU pump drained the tank, Then I had to pay for the disposal of 10 gallons of mis-fuel. And refuel the tank with the proper stuff. Not much change from £100.

Next time I will phone for a taxi to bring me three new Jerry cans,  a new can containing a gallon of new fuel, and a syphon hose. At least I will have something to show for my money.

602
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: oilstain on November 11, 2019, 06:02:00 PM
I've got AA with my Lloyds bank account, used once this year, recovered the Discovery, so far, so good :cheers
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on December 06, 2019, 09:56:13 AM
As an update, just had a renewal from Britannia, they now want virtually £150  :shakeinghead !..hence "not likely'!'.. I'm going elsewhere this time!
I recall on the old forum in its last days , there was a thread of the same topic wherein someone had been using  a basic recovery service that was very reasonably priced, around £50 per annum,... any ideas what that may have been ?
I'll see if i can get into the old forum and find it anyway...

As an update i looked on the olde forum and found it...Start Rescue ..aparrently a couple of the guys on here have used, i will check them out..
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: milesr3 on December 06, 2019, 10:18:46 AM
There's also Autoaid breakdown - I have them on my daily drivers.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Dormy on December 06, 2019, 11:10:22 AM
As an update i looked on the olde forum and found it...Start Rescue ..aparrently a couple of the guys on here have used, i will check them out..

We have been with Start Rescue for quite a few years for our eurobox and motorcycle (the L/R's included with the classic insurance). We haven't needed to use it for a good while but SWMBO did need it 2 or 3 times with previous cars. Can't fault the service, arrived promptly (30 - 45 mins) and either got her going (x2) or recovered the car (x1).

Another advantage I have found is the extra-paid cover for Europe. When the renewal is due, we make a decision then whether we will be taking the car or M/C on our euro trip that year (the L/R is covered anyway). You can switch the extra premium from one to the other (it's the same price) or not have it at all.

Dormy
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on December 06, 2019, 11:28:29 AM
Thanks gents...Start do what they call a 'classic car' breakdown policy,  I don't have any modern cars at all so that sounds like it'd do me, and seems to be about 50 quid (unless there's any crafty catches).... I'm covered by the other lot until Dec 31st so will set up a Start  policy within the next week or two..
I'm never going to Euroland anyway so don't need cover for that, which you don't seem to be able to opt out of  on some it seems.. ??? I think the Brittania one has it , want it or not !
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Grandadrob on December 06, 2019, 06:44:28 PM
Before you get carried away with prices, check the small print.
1.  If you need recovery, where to they recover you to...    nearest local garage, or home or a destination of your choice.
Be careful because that nearest local garage will charge you storage from minute one.
Does that recovery include passengers/dog and trailer/caravan.
Does that recovery include recovery following an accident..............most don't.      I have Direct Line insurance on the D3, which does.............and was the cheapest too !
I use RH on the Series which includes good recovery.

I once got recovered in the middle of the night with trailer and two dogs. The Britannia truck had had one careful owner, the other six were all £$%^&
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Sheepman on December 06, 2019, 07:43:48 PM
I use Asda which uses local garages, I had a starting motor seize on my Ranger they collected it within the hour and took it to my local garage - could’nt fault this, don’t know about classics......
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Genem on December 07, 2019, 10:34:59 PM
Hi,

I mis-fuelled my S2TD. Called out Brittania.

They arrived in a medium sized 4x4 with dolly. Thet hadn't been told about the caravan.

Half an hour later, an HGV recovery truck arrived. S2 up on the back, caravan on the hook, two GSD in the S2.(they returned their dinner).

A very expensive mistake. I had to pay for a mechanic to stand around, chatting to his mates, while an SU pump drained the tank, Then I had to pay for the disposal of 10 gallons of mis-fuel. And refuel the tank with the proper stuff. Not much change from £100.

Next time I will phone for a taxi to bring me three new Jerry cans,  a new can containing a gallon of new fuel, and a syphon hose. At least I will have something to show for my money.

602

Last time I did that the garage were kind enough to lend me a couple of empty 25Lt plastic drums, a washing up bowl and an adjustable spanner. 30 seconds work to remove the bottom of tank bung, then a minute or two to drain the tank. Took the residue home to run the mower for a year or two... Cost Nil.  #localgarage
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Wittsend on December 07, 2019, 10:47:43 PM
Worth just checking you can move your tank drain bung.

You should really drain the tank and inspect inside every few years anyway.
Get some copper grease on the threads.

 :-\
Draining or syphoning on a modern car is not possible.
Most/all have an anti-syphon sphincter in the tank neck and/or a device to stop the fuel flowing out when the vehicle turns turtle  :shakeinghead
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: angello on December 10, 2019, 03:25:50 PM
There's also Autoaid breakdown - I have them on my daily drivers.

^ THIS

I've had AutoAid for many years and cannot fault them, even from right back in the days when you paid the recovery yourself and claimed back the cost! They're still breakdown 'insurance' but it's much more conventionally accessed now - you ring the number, the breakdown company arrive. Simple. Extremely effective and outstanding value for money.

I use them for all my classics and moderns for me and Mrs Angello and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on December 10, 2019, 05:27:53 PM
I'll bear the autoaid one in mind too, I've got a few weeks left before the other one expires...
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: milesr3 on December 10, 2019, 05:34:02 PM
AutoAid is quite comprehensive for £60.

https://autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AutoAid-1216-V3-0.pdf
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: OilyRover on December 10, 2019, 06:41:17 PM
AutoAid is quite comprehensive for £60.

https://autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AutoAid-1216-V3-0.pdf

I like the part that says if they can't repair it or recover it they'll refund your bus fare home.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 28, 2020, 08:35:10 AM
Just to resuscitate this topic, as I really should sort one of these asap,  I was going to take up one from Start rescue as discussed, I was unpleasantly surprised to see that they've massively hiked the price from when I last looked from £53 up to £74 !
The Autoaid one seems to have remained at 60 quid for the equivalent cover so no contest there then..
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Peter Holden on March 28, 2020, 08:50:23 AM
When considering your normal insurance look at what is on offer there.
I pay about £120 per year through Peter Best for my agrreed value unlimited mileage insurance, it seems quite a bit but it includes full europe wide brakdown cover, looking at the figure quoted for Autoaid I reckon my insurance costs about £60

Peter
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 28, 2020, 09:31:30 AM
Indeed some insurances include recovery, the one I have doesn't tho and not anywhere near renewal, so a seperate recovery is my only option at the mo..the last time I needed one was probaby 4 / 5 years ago, and that wasn't a LR, but it's reassuring to at least have something, particularly as a number of my local old mates who would normally have been available in a bind, have retired and moved far afield !
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Big-chris on March 28, 2020, 11:46:34 AM
Footman James now use the RAC on their policies of inclusive cover, don’t think it’s euro cover anymore, will have to check that...

I also use the RAC for my other cars on a joint personal policy with her in doors, you in whatever car you are in, got roadside and national relay, and a free upgrade this year of either home start or replacement keys, all for £81 which I don’t thinks a bad price really for the peace of mind..

I like the RAC because on the three occasions I have ever called them out they actually listened to my diagnosis of the fault on the car in question, once with the series and a couple of times in someone else’s car, one of the three incidents, instead of sending a man with a van to confirm “yes the cam belt has snapped I can’t fix it you need recovery” they just sent the truck straight out to me in under an hour..

Not the same experience with the AA, they use to insist the man in a van came first to try and fix or diagnose the issue! one occasion a piece of brick had gone through the radiator of my automatic Mercedes 4x4 on the M1!! 1hr 45 for man with van to arrive, after a 30 second inspection only to say “this is the fourth time today I have been sent to an obvious none repairable call, happens all the time” then 2 1/2hour wait for the big yellow taxi, it was a busy Friday afternoon but they could have saved us all some time, luckily or not! I managed to pull into a service station before I called them out...
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Gres on March 28, 2020, 12:21:55 PM
I had need of Autoaid a few weeks ago, not the LR I hasten to add. They were taken over a couple of years ago and prices have steadily crept up, but remain good. They are now part of some other national recovery group whose name I have forgotten.

We needed a three leg rescue, they forgot to book the second leg and left us stranded for 5 hours at a services.

Whist we eventually got home thanks to the efforts of one of the actual vehicle recovery companies, there has been no follow up, including the weeks preceding the current issues.

We have been with Autoaid for 20 years or more, used perhaps half a dozen times within the family and this was the first and hopefully only incidence of them dropping the ball.

quote author=angello link=topic=1176.msg15450#msg15450 date=1575991550]
^ THIS

I've had AutoAid for many years and cannot fault them, even from right back in the days when you paid the recovery yourself and claimed back the cost! They're still breakdown 'insurance' but it's much more conventionally accessed now - you ring the number, the breakdown company arrive. Simple. Extremely effective and outstanding value for money.

I use them for all my classics and moderns for me and Mrs Angello and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
[/quote]
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Gibbo103 on March 28, 2020, 02:01:17 PM
I use RAC but pay with Tesco club card points which cuts the cost by 2/3. I have personal cover for myself, wife and two sons. We all have classics as well as moderns. Service is sometimes slow, but there are lots of benefits. When my sons car (Rover 75 auto)broke down recently, they came out  but could not sort the auto box fault.my son then found an ex rover garage some fifteen miles away who have the relevant t4 textbook. The RAC came back out and took the car to the garage for diagnostics. They also provided a hire car free for three days when my other son broke down in his MG midget on his way to Devon as well as recovering his car.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Ndrwdz on March 30, 2020, 10:45:58 AM
Just to resuscitate this topic, as I really should sort one of these asap,  I was going to take up one from Start rescue as discussed, I was unpleasantly surprised to see that they've massively hiked the price from when I last looked from £53 up to £74 !
The Autoaid one seems to have remained at 60 quid for the equivalent cover so no contest there then..

I've just looked at the StartRescue page, and I can't see where you get £74 from. It looks like £49 for standard cover.
Have I missed something?

Andrew
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 30, 2020, 12:13:22 PM
Well when i typed it in £74 is what came up, I'll have another look...
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 30, 2020, 12:18:53 PM
Ok well this is what i get...obviously the 10 miles from home limit is effectively useless, so the next level of recovery is indeed 74quid,   when this was discussed some weeks ago that one was £53...if you've got a link to a different version they do,  please post it !
ps, the initial one I saw called itself "classic car".. I don't see this coming up now, again if you can post a link please do..
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Ndrwdz on March 30, 2020, 12:23:43 PM
OK, Looks like your price is 'personal cover in any vehicle' whereas mine was for 'vehicle cover, regardless of driver'.

Andrew
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 30, 2020, 12:26:56 PM
Maybe thats the one to go for then !..I'd think that a named "one only" driver would be the cheapest, I'll try the other one..does it call itself classic if you do that then, or is there a different search for that  ???
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Ndrwdz on March 30, 2020, 12:31:13 PM
There's a classic car option which is aimed at any car over 20 years old.

Linky (https://www.startrescue.co.uk/breakdown-cover/classic-car)

Andrew
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 30, 2020, 12:33:15 PM
Ok typed my vehicle reg in, came up as land rover all correct, and then..
 This Vehicle NOT Eligible For Breakdown Cover....Wtf...
SERIOUSLY. ???
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Ndrwdz on March 30, 2020, 12:46:50 PM
Ok typed my vehicle reg in, came up as land rover all correct, and then..
 This Vehicle NOT Eligible For Breakdown Cover....Wtf...
SERIOUSLY. ???

:thud

Sorry, no idea. I've tried all the number plates I can think of and they all offer me regular or classic cover.
I guess you'll need to contact them.
Andrew
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 30, 2020, 12:47:26 PM
Feck 'em....I've now just grabbed an Autoaid policy 59 quid, as recommended by a number of you gents on here.. :cheers
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: artbeeston on March 31, 2020, 02:13:20 PM
May i suggest trying Adrian Flux for comprehensive insurance (£85 for my series 2) and for breakdown and recovery (£39) which is what i paid for the last twelve months.
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Porkscratching on March 31, 2020, 02:28:03 PM
When renewal time comes due, end of the year, I will check out the different options that include recovery certainly, at least I'm now covered.. ;)
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: BettyWhite on October 15, 2021, 10:16:12 AM
I have just renewed my Autoaid breakdown recovery policy

Total cost £74.99

The headline price is £59.99 but if you want cover for vehicles over 15 yrs old you need to pay the extra. I missed this last year so I would have been right up shaft creek if I had called them out.

Note to self, always READ THE SMALL PRINT.

If you have recovery cover with them it might be a good idea to check.

Good luck
BW
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: angello on October 19, 2021, 11:45:06 AM

The headline price is £59.99 but if you want cover for vehicles over 15 yrs old you need to pay the extra. I missed this last year so I would have been right up shaft creek if I had called them out.


Good spot! I've not seen this before and have just checked the T&Cs and sure enough, page 34 Membership Document RC under 'Vehicles', it excludes vehicles over 15 years old.... which makes it pretty useless for our Land Rovers!

Given that, I checked my renewal schedule which includes eligible vehicles 'regardless of age' - so I am covered for the older stuff and had renewed at the standard price, so it's worth checking that too....

I wonder if the exclusion of the older stuff is limited to new business policies only? I've been with them for years and it's never been a problem, but well spotted and thank you for bringing this new exclusion to everyone's attention - as you say CHECK THE SMALLPRINT!
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Genem on October 19, 2021, 12:21:58 PM
My oldest son called out RAC "Homestart" at 8am this morning, was told someone would be with him by 10am. No show. Not able to call them back, they don't answer the phone. At 12 he put a message on Twitter.... got a call to say "Get a Taxi if you need to, we'll pay....earliest anyone can be with you is 2.30."  Even if that works it'll be 6.5 hours waiting for a "premium" service ?  Lets see when they do actually turn up.

 
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: martinrh on October 19, 2021, 12:59:02 PM
I've just renewed my insurance with ERS.
It was £111 but I notice it does come with European wide breakdown cover included.

I already have cover with another policy but it doesn't seem a bad deal.

Though last time I broke down I was kindly towed out of the green lane by another club member which was definitely the best option :-)
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Wittsend on October 19, 2021, 01:51:46 PM
^^^^

Usually the only option.
Despite the fact "green lanes" are just public roads with no tarmac top many or all the recovery services won't touch you.
They've got height/width/weight issues when in mud.

That's why we don't recommend going green laning on your own. Always go with at least 1 other and a tow rope.
Tow the stricken vehicle back to the "main" road - then call out your recovery service.


 :breakdown truck
Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: BettyWhite on October 19, 2021, 02:09:12 PM
Many years ago I purchased a new Mitsubishi L200. It came with a 2 year Mitsubishi Assurance Program recovery policy. According to the dealer they would recover the vehicle anywhere in Europe, even if it was at the top of Ben Affleck! I didn't test it as vehicle didn't break down in 15 years even though it was (mis)used daily on a farm, but it was a fantastic sales pitch I would like to find out if they ever honoured it.

Good luck
BW

Title: Re: Best Roadside Recovery options for "classics" ?
Post by: Genem on October 19, 2021, 02:40:49 PM
The boy just messaged, RAC turned up just before 2.30, diagnosed air locked fuel, bled it and car now running. Boy intending to have words with the garage who serviced and MOT'd it on Friday...including a fuel filter change.

 :shakeinghead