Hail Storms in Italy (Lake Garda) - car undriveable

ajwhiting

After Hail storm in Lake Garda our car is undriveable. Hail stones were size of golf balls and windscreen and body work is a mess. 
Car insurance will recover but did not provide a courtesy car as that is only if the car is in for repair - who knew? Also it may take 4-6 weeks to recover!
So hail storm damage to our car meant we could not get an cover for breakdown or travel insurance either! So they are saying...
Has anyone got any advice on if we can claim anything or have similar story after car damaged by weather or vandalised?
Also how can we make sure in future we are properly covered for such an event? We had the dog with us a could not get flights and had to get trains and use Pet Taxi to get through tunnel
Thanks, Andy

Wonka_2

Your policy, and specifically the European Cover element, would have told you what was/wasn't covered. Did you have Breakdown cover and what does that say ?

It's no unusual for there to be a delay in repair/repatriation of vehicles - especially after localised incidents - but normally the occupants can be either given alternative transport or repatriated via breakdown cover. Likewise hire cars, particularly in peak season, are unlikely to be readily available.

Presumably your car is driveable if the windscreen is replaced - can you negotiate with insurance company that you get it replaced and sort the remaining damage when back in the UK ?

For future trips given your specific needs it's worthwhile sourcing a specific policy that covers your (and your pets) needs rather than relying on mainstream policies.

ajwhiting

Hi Wonka2
This hail storm hit so many cars in the region there are no windscreens for many vehicles and no recovery trucks can be booked.
Our break said not covered unless mechanical or electrical breakdown - for damage from weather or vandalism you must use car insurance.
thencar insurance says covered in Europe but must have additional insurance to get hire car as courtesy car is only for time during actual repairs.
Travel insurance useless for anything unusual!!
we are back in UK but still waiting for recovery of car 😟