Warranty Direct sham

monkeybo99

I'd be grateful if someone could offer advise (and also to let people know not to use Warranty Direct)

We have a landrover discovery 3, which we have had since new, and has always had land rover servicing. Its now 4 years old with 44k miles on. It has been used as a mummy wagon for schools runs and i dont think it has ever seen any grass.

After the 3 year manufacturers warranty ran out, we took out a policy with warranty direct.

2 weeks ago, whilst returning home, it made a loud clattering noise and stopped so i pulled over on an A road and got a taxi home.

It had been serviced (by Landrover) 2 months beforehand.

Apparently the crank shaft has broken (!) and we need a new engine which will cost £15k including labour, which in itself is unbelievable.

Warranty direct asked the Landrover garage to strip the engine before they will make an assessment, which we have to pay for. (£500)

They then sent an assessor who filed a report to WD. Obviously they didnt like the report, so sent a second assessor out. (which ended up being the same assessor) who then changed his report to say that because the car was driven after a sudden failure, the lack of oil caused the damage, (no oil light came on, in the split second from the bang to me pulling over!) their policy no longer covers it and so wont pay out.

Looking at their policy, it clearly states that all engine parts are covered.

It seems they have a clause that will help them wriggle out of any situation. Looking on other forums, this isnt a unique case either.

For the record, DO NOT USE WARRANTY DIRECT.

What would be the best thing to do? Financial Ombudsman, ask to see the report, or cry into a bowl?

Thanks in advance.

motorguy

Thats terrible!

Clearly they dont want to pay out on this.

Not sure how you'd progress. Have you sight of the first report? Any scope for a fully independent report? Sounds like this one is biased.

Also, i'm sure your wife stopped the car immediately, and I would guess by the time the lights come on the damage has been done, so is that not something that could be argued?

I would definitely being pushing this, but you are going to be up against the no doubt massive collective that is the Warranty Direct claims department who are well skilled in payment avoidance.

Foxy-Stoat_3

And how did you actual DRIVE it with a broken crank shaft?

You probably came to a halt by rolling from the road to the side of the road, which is a reasonable course of action following a break-down.

sootytorques

You need to get your own inspection done, RAC or AA would hold the most weight.
Also ask to see copy of first inspection.

colino

As above, get it inspected and get a lawyer. Crankshaft failure, either due to an allegedly faulty batch, more likely a design defect, is not at all unknown with the 3. Some people report the crankshaft shells "picking up" turning in their housing and blocking off their oil supply. The bearing then very quickly overheats, grabs the crank and fractures it. Armed with your LR service history I'm sure the vast cost is being denied by WD hoping you will take the trouble of chasing LR direct.
Best of luck.

monkeybo99

Thanks for your quick responses. Our local LD garage is being quite helpful and has said that they will get an independent expert in. (guess they will try and push for WD to cover the cost)

All go the AA/RAC route as well and keep you up to date.

Thanks again.

CTcelt1988

Its disgusting how companies like Warrantry Direct can get away with not paying out.

DUTR

CTcelt1988 wrote: »

Its disgusting how companies like Warrantry Direct can get away with not paying out.

Because mugs take up the policies in the 1st place, when I have done the maths I can never see a time when it is worth having, pay them lots of money to perhaps give you some back when required.

portly1

Foxy-Stoat wrote: »

And how did you actual DRIVE it with a broken crank shaft?

You probably came to a halt by rolling from the road to the side of the road, which is a reasonable course of action following a break-down.

I would imagine that it was an auto. If manual, the sheer fact of the crank failing it should have brought the car to an abrupt halt.

portly1

CTcelt1988 wrote: »

Its disgusting how companies like Warrantry Direct can get away with not paying out.

They promise the earth and deliver nothing. I spent a couple of nights reading through their policy before telling them that it was a fairy tale. There were far too many restrictions in the policy, and in my opinion they were never going to pay out.

The last time I had one of this type of policy was from Car Care via the CSMA. A quarter of the price of WD and very few conditions.

Now I always stick with manufacturer backed warranties by extending them year on year.