Courtesy car...but no accident?

The_stingemeister

My car is at a garage, looking at 2 weeks because of waiting for parts. It wasn't in an accident, and didn't technically break down. It was driveable, but serious damage would of occurred if driven any longer. No offer from garage for a courtesy car. So I'm asking the good people here am I entitled to a courtesy car from my insurers? By the way I have comprehensive insurance.

The_stingemeister

Also I have looked at the policy booklet and there's nothing there about this. 

Sandtree

The_stingemeister said:

Also I have looked at the policy booklet and there's nothing there about this. 

There's your answer... if your policy is mute then there is no cover.

As standard then no, you'd only potentially be entitled to a courtesy car if you were claiming off of your own insurance for accident, fire or theft related damage. Even then there are normally conditions to it such as using their approved repairer and subject to availability.

If you will get a courtesy car or not is something to agree with the garage before deciding which garage to use but there is no such thing as a free lunch and normally the courtesy car results in a slightly higher labour rate.

The_stingemeister

Maybe I should of called the AA when I was 5 miles from home, and with all the warning lights on dashboard coming up, claimed it was "broken down" and not safe to drive any further. May of got a courtesy car then 

400ixl

Your motor general insurance is for the result of an accident, they do not provide services for general issues. 

You may have more chance on a breakdown or 3rd party warranty, but still unlikely with those insurance products.

Is the car under the manufacturers warranty and with a main dealer awaiting a part? If this is for a recall notice you may be able to get a manufacturer concession, otherwise its at the goodwill of the dealer / garage.

The_stingemeister

400ixl said:

Your motor general insurance is for the result of an accident, they do not provide services for general issues. 

You may have more chance on a breakdown or 3rd party warranty, but still unlikely with those insurance products.

Is the car under the manufacturers warranty and with a main dealer awaiting a part? If this is for a recall notice you may be able to get a manufacturer concession, otherwise its at the goodwill of the dealer / garage.

No it's over 5 years old and not with a main dealer. Lesson learnt, go to a garage that will provide a substitute vehicle. But then again, when first taken to a garage you don't know that they're going to take 2 or 3 weeks.

400ixl

I doubt you will find many (if any) non franchise garages that will provide a courtesy car for more than a day or two whilst any work is actually happening. Main dealers where it is an under warranty repair would be the main exception.

Unfortunately the way it tends to be I'm afraid.