Car Insurance - courtesy car included, theft not covered

kenzie123

Hello
Just wanted to check something before I purchase some car insurance - feel like I have a good price via Compare the Market, however on reading the details, it says under the 'Courtesy Car' section - Provides a courtesy car for a set amount of time while your car is being repaired following an accident, subject to availability.
But not covered is 'if the car is stolen'

Does this just mean that a courtesy car isn't provided if the car is stolen, but in general the policy will cover us if the car was to be stolen, i.e we'd get some money back?
I can't see anywhere else in the details where this is mentioned, just under the courtesy car section, and then underneath, it does mention I'd be covered if items from the car were stolen.

Any guidance here appreciated!

thank you

[Deleted User]

Yeah, they will pay out if the car is stolen, but you won't get a courtesy car.

MalMonroe

The point to note here is in bold - "Provides a courtesy car for a set amount of time while your car is being repaired following an accident, subject to availability."

In my experience there is never a courtesy car available. In any circumstance. Repair or theft. 

The only time a courtesy car WAS available was when my car was recalled for some work to be done on the airbags. However, when I read the Ts and Cs on the agreement for borrowing the car, I decided not to bother since the charge for any damage incurred to said courtesy car whilst in my possession was £250. I wasn't prepared to sign that document. Not that I don't trust my own driving but I don't trust other drivers! They can keep their courtesy cars.

If no courtesy cars are available (I've been driving for over forty years and there never has been one available) you definitely don't get any refund whatsoever and in my opinion, you're much better off without one (courtesy car that is).  

Drive with great care and remain alert at all times. Hopefully you won't need to make any claim. 

Aretnap

Courtesy car cover generally comes in three levels

(1) Bog standard policy - your insurer doesn't provide one themselves, but if if your car is being repaired the garage will give you a courtesy car (if they have one spare) as part of their usual customer service. You insurer is only promising to use a garage that does normally supply courtesy cars. If your car isn't in the garage (eg because it's been stolen or written off) there'll be no courtesy car.

(2) Called something like "Guaranteed hire car" - the insurer will provide you with a car (usually a small runabout) for a fixed time if yours is undriveable, regardless of the reason. So if your car is stolen or written off you get a car for a couple of weeks while you shop for another.

(3) Called something like "Guaranteed hire car plus" - same as 2, but the insurer will provide a car which is roughly equivalent to your own. So if your car is a large estate car, they'll provide a large estate car, not a Ford Ka. You may want this option if you have a large family or need a big car to carry tools around for work - or if you just don't like the idea of driving a small runabout for a fortnight.

It sounds like the policy you're looking at is of type 1. That means no courtesy car if your car is stolen - but theft itself will still be covered. 2 and 3 may be optional add-ons that you can pay extra for.

csgohan4

bare in mind some have caveats. I've seen insurers not provide if you are at fault for the accident or your call is written off and irreparable, then no courtesy car or you have to give it back.

I know Direct line have a 21 day car hire irregardless which is handy. But sadly no longer with them as they are not competitive this year