Break Down Cover exclusions

RS2OOO

I made a complaint to MoneySuperMarket and for some odd reason they didn't answer the question but sent me here for advice!

I Googled "Classic Car Breakdown Cover" and MoneySuperMarket came up in the search results specifically for classic cars.

I obtained a quote, read the terms, conditions and cover very carefully and then went through to the provider and accepted the policy.

On reading the small print within the policy documents it states that cars over 16 years old are excluded from cover, so the policy is not suitable for my needs and I've therefore initiated a cancellation. My car is 51 years old and this information was provided at the quote stage.

Having re-quoted and gone through the various quotes individually I have noticed that most of the providers exclude cars over a certain age (ranging from 10 years to 16 years).

I contacted MoneySuperMarket to complain that I had been quoted for cover that specifically excludes my car and that they might want to update their criteria. They responded with the following:

"I am sorry it would be a case of going through the list of provider to see which would cover you, it's not something I would know.
Here at MoneySuperMarket we compare rates and prices of many different products and services, we are unable to offer any advice or guidance for you. However, you may find more help and advice on MoneySavingExpert.com with their extensive online forums and editorials."

Why they have sent me here to resolve the issue I don't know.

forgotmyname

Does the 16 year limit actually apply to the policy you purchased?

I know the RAC had an age limit when buying the cheaper packages but when taking out the top premium package that exclusion did not apply.

One policy booklet to cover many variables.

MEM62

Your issue could be that you are using the wrong search criteria. You say that you Googled "Classic Car Breakdown Cover" but are cars over 45 years old not classed as "Antique"?

RS2OOO

forgotmyname wrote: »

Does the 16 year limit actually apply to the policy you purchased?

I know the RAC had an age limit when buying the cheaper packages but when taking out the top premium package that exclusion did not apply.

One policy booklet to cover many variables.

Can't be certain without contacting the provider, but going through the exclusions in the various policy booklets they state an age limit. Its not always listed in the exclusions section, sometimes listed in the "what is not covered" section.

RS2OOO

MEM62 wrote: »

Your issue could be that you are using the wrong search criteria. You say that you Googled "Classic Car Breakdown Cover" but are cars over 45 years old not classed as "Antique"?

There is no formal definition of a classic car. Typically its a blanket application to vehicles over 20 years old.

Generally speaking, pre-1950's cars are known as vintage cars.

The log book for vehicles over 40 years old (on a rolling date) state "Historic Vehicle" under taxation.

The Money Super Market page for Classic Car breakdown cover does not specify age, but the quote form does ask vehicle age whether you're requesting "Personal Cover" or "Vehicle Cover"

https://www.moneysupermarket.com/breakdown-cover/classic-car/

The vehicle I want cover for isn't an exotic sports car or anything of the kind, just a Ford Escort that happens to be getting on a bit.

MovingForwards

I have basic cover with the RAC and they came out when my classic broke down last year arranged recovery etc, absolutely no issues with it being a car from 1971.

RS2OOO

Interesting you say that Moving Forward because the whole idea of the quote is because I was thinking of cancelling the "free" breakdown (and other chargeable extras) that come with my current account, but the policy wording for that breakdown makes no exclusions for vehicle age, only that the current account benefits are £20 per Month and I've never used any of them.

nick74

Generally speaking where the breakdown cover is on the driver rather than the vehicle then they don't care about the age of the vehicle. I have AA cover on any car I'm driving or a passenger in through my current account and they don't make any restrictions on vehicle age.