Are you protected by your UK breakdown cover?

David Smith, Insurance Product Manager at the Caravan and Motorhome Club explains the importance of checking that your motorhome or campervan is protected by your UK breakdown cover.

The one thing you definitely don't want whilst eagerly anticipating another summer of travelling, is to be stranded by the side of the road, staring helplessly at a broken-down motorhome or campervan.

For more than 40 years, we have worked in partnership with Green Flag to provide our members with MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover. 

However, many of our members haven't yet converted from their current provider, despite our set pricing, three levels of coverage, and the product being specifically tailored for caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.

Some people are loyal to their brand and have the "I've always used who I know." opinion. Some people simply don't see the benefit of switching, saying, "I've never needed to use it, what's the point?" And many people are pleased with their current breakdown coverage which is conveniently packaged with their bank account, insurance policy, or even their new car. 

We understand that no-one wants to be examining policies and prices when they could be organising their upcoming holiday, checking out a new accessory, or perhaps considering a brand new motorhome or campervan? However, are you certain that you are protected from all contingencies and potential problems that come with a breakdown?

Because not all breakdown cover is the same.

And we don’t want you to have to learn this the hard way, if your motorhome or campervan breaks down on the hard shoulder of a motorway or whilst you’re en-route to a site.

Here are a few things to think about, to check if you are properly covered if you breakdown:

• Have you got a large motorhome, or a vintage campervan?
  Even if you’re satisfied that your breakdown policy covers your motorhome or campervan, ask yourself if there are any limits on the outfits they cover. Some have length and/or width limits. Some have weight limits. Many have age limits. With our MAYDAY UK product there are no limits on vehicle size, weight, or even age. You might want to check if your breakdown product offers the same.
  
  
• Having a run of bad luck?
  Unfortunately, breakdowns can happen. Additionally they can occur more frequently if your vehicle is older. Does your policy have a limit on the number of callouts you can make? If you decide to renew and you require the service, will your price go up? MAYDAY doesn't increase prices based on previous callouts, you’ll pay the same price as everyone else, with the same cover, at renewal. If you have MAYDAY cover, you’re covered any time, day or night, 365 days a year, as many times as needed (as long as it’s not for the same problem that you’ve not fixed from a previous callout).
  
  
• Prepare yourself for the UK weather?
  The likelihood of mud, floods and even snow almost any time of year is one of the ‘joys’ of living in Britain! Therefore, unlike many other breakdown products, MAYDAY will not charge you extra for any type of specialist lifting equipment, should the circumstance you find yourself in, require it.
  
  
• Can’t wait for that holiday?
  The worst-case scenario occurs when your motorhome or campervan breaks down when you're halfway across the country on your way to a well-deserved holiday to your favourite spot. Of course we'll come out, but what happens about your holiday? This is where 'Dual Recovery' cover by MAYDAY comes in. You have the option of having MAYDAY take you and your vehicle back home if it cannot be fixed locally that day or we can take you on to your destination. Meanwhile, whilst you enjoy your break, we will strive to get your motorhome or campervan fixed. If we can’t fix the issue in the time available, we’ll come out again at the end of your holiday and bring everyone back home. Ask yourself whether your current product delivers the same?

There are many other features we’ve built into MAYDAY UK Breakdown Cover, because we've developed the product using feedback from our members. If you manage to put the wrong fuel in your motorhome or campervan, we can drain the tank and give you enough fuel to get you going again. And if you're taken ill, we can even provide a driver to get you and your loved ones back home.

All these benefits - and many more - are included as standard across all three MAYDAY UK cover levels, starting at just £80 a year.

To find out more, go to www.camc.com/MAYDAY or call us on 01342 488 717 (Mon to Fri 8am to 9pm, Sat 9am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 5pm).

Published in July 2023