Roadworthiness and Breakdown Cover Validity

Parkleton

Hi everyone,

I was double checking my breakdown cover this morning, and the policy documents state that in order to ensure the company (Emergency Assist Ltd) attend the breakdown, "The vehicle must be maintained to a good state of mechanical and electrical repair and is of a Roadworthy Condition". "Roadworthy condition" is defined by them as:

"the Vehicle has been maintained in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, holds a current UK MOT certificate where appropriate and there are no known faults with the Vehicle"

My car has a known electrical fault, where sometimes warning lights come on the dashboard even though there is no fault. The ABS light is on permanently, and despite this it always passes the MOT as my mechanic knows it is a fault. The only way to solve it would be to completely re-wire the car, which isn't worth it due to the age and value of the car. Otherwise, the car is serviced every year and problems are fixed as they come up.

So my question is - would this mean my breakdown cover would not be valid should I need to call someone out in the future? There is nothing available on the company's website so I can understand this more, but if it is an issue I'd rather pay more for different breakdown to make sure I'm covered!

glentoran99

Parkleton wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I was double checking my breakdown cover this morning, and the policy documents state that in order to ensure the company (Emergency Assist Ltd) attend the breakdown, "The vehicle must be maintained to a good state of mechanical and electrical repair and is of a Roadworthy Condition". "Roadworthy condition" is defined by them as:

"the Vehicle has been maintained in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, holds a current UK MOT certificate where appropriate and there are no known faults with the Vehicle"

My car has a known electrical fault, where sometimes warning lights come on the dashboard even though there is no fault. The ABS light is on permanently, and despite this it always passes the MOT as my mechanic knows it is a fault. The only way to solve it would be to completely re-wire the car, which isn't worth it due to the age and value of the car. Otherwise, the car is serviced every year and problems are fixed as they come up.

So my question is - would this mean my breakdown cover would not be valid should I need to call someone out in the future? There is nothing available on the company's website so I can understand this more, but if it is an issue I'd rather pay more for different breakdown to make sure I'm covered!

interesting... Isnt that illegal,

Parkleton

I checked online when I was told - all I could find that was if a light appeared or stayed on then it should be checked by a mechanic or qualified person, but there was no guidance about what should happen after that.

shaun_from_Africa

Parkleton wrote: »

I checked online when I was told - all I could find that was if a light appeared or stayed on then it should be checked by a mechanic or qualified person, but there was no guidance about what should happen after that.

If an ABS light is illuminated, the vehicle should fail the MOT.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/611019/mot-inspection-manual-classes-3-4-5-and-7.pdf

3.4
Reason for Rejection

A warning lamp:
a. is missing
b. does not illuminate
c. indicates a fault

fatrab

You'd only run into difficulties if you called them out more than once and the recovery agent noted the same fault relating to the ABS on both occasions.


I also thought that the ABS light being on should be an MOT failure. I'd be looking at buying a better (safer) car if I were you, not a better breakdown policy.

Car_54

If you breakdown, you'll be attended by a recovery operator who also works for a dozen other breakdown companies. The driver will neither know nor care about the fine print of every company's Ts and Cs.

Parkleton

Thanks for replies everyone!

With regard to the ABS - It has a history of electrical faults; I bought the car off my Aunt in 2015 and so I still use the same mechanic. He is aware of the issue, and has checked the ABS, which works, and says the issue lies in the wiring rather than the sensors or the ABS system itself. It was mentioned to me again when I went to Kwikfit for a routine repair, so I think I'll take it in for some reassurance as to whether the fault is indeed electrical, the sensor or the ABS itself.

fatrab

Parkleton wrote: »

It was mentioned to me again when I went to Kwikfit for a routine repair, so I think I'll take it in for some reassurance as to whether the fault is indeed electrical, the sensor or the ABS itself.

I wouldn't advise taking it to a fast-fit centre for this type of work. A specialist auto electrician, or local specialist for your make of vehicle would be advisable.

Noree

Sounds like your technician is unable to determine the actual ABS fault and I would not take his word. He should be failing the vehicle but seems to be keeping you sweet. Unfortunately what goes around comes around and he could find himself is trouble.

I would go somewhere that can actually help you and not play down an ABS fault.

Look for a credible and reputable garage in your area. They are about, everywhere! Find one that!!!8217;s part of a code of conduct as it can be favourable if you seem hard done by.

I have mentioned it before elsewhere on this forum, but trustmygarage.co.uk is a good place to find an approved garage. Much better than any goodgarage scheme approved places. You just pretty much pay a fee with goodgarage, whereas trustmygarage approved centres are properly checked.

Hope that helps.

And as Car 54 says above, its highly unlikely a recovery guy would pick up the issue and report it and then refuse to take your vehicle to a garage. They!!!8217;ve got enough on their hands and wouldn!!!8217;t care less.