Insurance and the issues with a 'laid up' policy

[David Morris]

Hi All,

I recently renewed my insurance policy for the Javelin, but just before we entered the lock down for Covid 19.

So, there was the Javelin sitting in the garage, all ready to go, but our instructions were to stay at home! Ouch!

Obviously, my wallet rather than my head was talking and I approached my insurers, Hagerty, with a request to consider changing the policy to a 'laid-up' policy, as there didn't seem much sense in having the car fully insured for road use, if we were not allowed to use it!

Hagerty were very helpful and, by return, they organised a 'laid up' policy and a commensurate refund.

However, I hadn't realised the effect this had on me! Suddenly, I felt much more constrained by the effects of the lock down and clearly what I was tolerating quite well, before thinking about saving what was really quite a small sum, became a much wider issue! The fact that the Javelin was immobile in the garage seemed to emphasise the fact that I was effectively immobile as well!

A quick phone call to Hagerty was sufficient to put the Javelin back on the road and legal to drive for the rest of the year. After all, we are allowed to go shopping locally, and I know the Javelin is great for this! Instant mental karma!

So, I think the message is not to be ruled by your wallet, as there are, certainly in my case, spin-offs with the saving that really weren't worth the added anguish!

Keep safe and keep using the classic, even if it's only to Morrison's!

David

[Keith Clements]

I had a similar situation a few years ago and found that the laid up policy was more expensive than the on-the-road one!
You also need to check exactly what you are insured for when the car is in the garage on both types of policy.
You may find there is some small print saying that the car must have an MOT or be roadworthy and not be in bits.
A typical case might be if you (or somebody else) were working on the car and it caught fire or dropped off the lift or you may be in the process of a long restoration. Of course, the garage could still collapse because a tree fell on it or the car could be stolen. If the car is not in the garage attached to your normal residence or is parked outside or even in the drive, it may not be covered. Some policies are very clear that you are not covered if your car is parked on the road outside your house, particularly if you have declared it is garaged overnight.

You could have a large claim to make, so make sure you are covered.

[Chris Spencer]

David - You make an excellent point - if I may I will go a step further although that I have no direct connections with Hagerty apart from that they insure my own classics (clients cars are all covered under a separate specialist motor trade policy) - I'm a strong believer in the fact that you get what you pay for - Hagerty are not the cheapest insurer of classics in the market - However, having experienced first hand the superb personal service that they offer at all levels - from a claim to a swift settlement of the repairers invoice (I have undertaken 2 insurance instructed repairs on behalf of Hagerty) - its service from an insurer that in over 40 years experience of the motor trade / classic car ownership that I have never experienced from any other provider - Chris

[David Morris]

Hi Keith and Chris,

Thanks for your comments. Yes, I have used several classic insurers over the years but Hagerty's have always given me good service, with RAC roadside assistance as well.

Next year ( and it is always good to be hopeful for the future after lockdown ) I might get a combined quote from them for the two moderns we have, as I believe they insure moderns as well?

All the best and stay safe,

David

[Forumadmin]

Check but Haggerty only do Classic insurance. They are brilliant at that.