Check your RAC policy as you might not be covered

wealdroam

scbk wrote: »

Seems odd Wightlink wouldn't let the car on, up here CalMac and Northlink let unaccomponied vehicles/trailers accross

Not really that strange when you consider we are talking about the most expensive per mile car ferry trip in the world. :eek:

smcaul

scbk wrote: »

Seems odd Wightlink wouldn't let the car on, up here CalMac and Northlink let unaccomponied vehicles/trailers accross

Wightlink also allow unaccompanied vehicles and trailers, but they must be able to move of their own power (not the trailers obviously, they have a shunter to do that). They do not allow broken down vehicles that can not move under their own power, this is for obvious reasons, they have a 10-15 minute window with which to load/unload the ferry, if the vehicle blocks others in then they get delayed and that has knock on effects.

Was there any reason why you could not have got the car repaired in Portsmouth and gone on as a foot passenger to get home? Would no doubt have been cheaper in the long run?

Quinny_2

smcaul wrote: »

Was there any reason why you could not have got the car repaired in Portsmouth and gone on as a foot passenger to get home? Would no doubt have been cheaper in the long run?

Thinking the same myself.

Or alternatively, starting the vehicle in gear to get on the ferry, and then knocking it out of gear to bring it to a halt under braking?

Have done that for years as an hgv driver with a dodgy clutch in order to get the vehicle back to the workshop to save on the recovery cost. Bit more difficult now as nearly all new trucks are auto.

Quinny_2

Just been looking at GF, and they cover under their European cover to the IOW.

You would have to obtain a quote to find out exactly how much it is, but discounts would be available through Quidco etc.

MrRedundant

I stopped reading at the part where the OP admitted the clutch was sticking and still set off on a long journey. Almost sounds like a deliberate ploy to get the RAC to make the journey for them when the car clearly wasnt in fit state.

Gene_Hunt_2

Spud42 wrote: »

Straight after christmas £172 is not easy for anyone to find and at the age of 42 I did not think I would have to take a hand out from my dad to pay for it but when you need to get home I guess you find a way and RAC know that too.

I think most 42 year old motorist would be able to find that sort of money. Just the price of a good night out.