Breakdown cover?

[Geordie Oldie]

I was just thinking were I to break down a long way from home I would be stuck.

 

Did a compare the market search, I would like me to be covered for all vehicles so if I broke down in my lasses car it would help.

 

It is relevant that my bike is 25 years old which some cover excludes.

 

What do others use and how much do you pay?

 

Cheers, John.

[Simon Davey]

My insurance provides limited breakdown cover, but it seems sufficient. 

My bike is 19 years old. 

 

Following with interest. 

[husoi]

For one bike you're better off with included in the insurance policy.

Make sure you read all the t&C's because the cheaper option usually only covers 10 miles rescue and you're stuck again in a different location.

 

I've used green flag and they are really good.

When the shadow burnt the VR they just pick it up and dropped at my door.

Most the brokers will tease you with a rubbish breakdown cover and will add another £50 or £100 quid for a decent one.

Age of the bike also plays a role. not all covers are valid for older bikes.

[Ian Frog]

I was recommended Gem`s by someone on here (who used to reside in Rennie`s wardrobe I believe).

Gems cover the person rather than the vehicle and so far I haven`t used them in anger but the nationwide coverage and the fact that it doesn`t matter what vehicle I am in/on is reassuring.

Cheers

Ian

[RideWithStyles]

some bank accounts have them as part of the policy if you have one that is above the basic, worth a check.

[Capt Sisko]

One thing that's worth checking if you regular 'long way from home' type rider is what exactly does the recover to home bit consist of. With some it is literally a door to door service, same breakdowwn truck and you sit in the cab with the driver, bike on the back. Others however pass you through a chain of recovery agents with each one not being allowed to go 100miles from their base. OR You're expected to fund bus, taxi & train tickets home (which they may repay you for, eventually), whilst your bike turns up several days to week later. As with everything insurance, check, double check and even then watch your back.

Edited April 15, 2024 by Capt Sisko

[Nick the wanderer]

Hi, 

I had aa cover for the last 2 years, roadside and full recovery. I got it on a 2 year fixed price thing for £89 a year, this covers my bike and my van. The renewal just came through, they want £140 this year for the same thing.

Gem offers the same cover for just under a hundred pounds so I'll give them a go this time l think.

Breakdown cover is one of those things you never want to need so it's a bit of a gamble. Saying that if you have it it's better than nothing and does give you a starting point and some peace of mind.

Let us know if you find anything, mines due in May.

[Gerontious]

I don’t have an immediate answer. Older bikes are often tricky. The devil hidden in the small print.

However, it can sometimes be best to go with a specialist - you might pay more, but when your bike is something of an outlier then this is mostly just part of the landscape you inhabit.

 

Carole Nash have always dealt with insuring older bikes. There are other insurers that do the same, for example Footman James. And their comprehensive policies normally include full rescue services. Both at home and in the EU. Not simply roadside. Or carriage to the nearest garage. But they will take you home and if necessary pick the bike up from your home and deliver it to your designated garage at a convenient time.

 

it might be that the ease of dealing with a specialist who covers all eventualities goes some way to offset the higher premium cost.