Breakdown Assistance provided by RCR

[Magpie]

Hi does anyone use the Towergate Mardon Breakdown Assistance provided by RCR as part of their boating insurance? I have been offered it as an add-on to my boat insurance for £45 - as a complete novice just buying my first boat I think it would give peace of mind a bit like the AA with a car

[DustyDave]

No, I've only broken down once and it cost £45 approx to get it fixed. Maybe I've been lucky but I've found it much cheaper so far having no breakdown cover.

 

Dave

[Boat&Bikes]

Worth every penny especially if your not very experienced with boating matters.

 

 

Ian

[Phoenix_V]

Be aware that it is a cut down version of the normal policy issued direct by RCR at far higher cost, just 2 call outs allowed per year and max 2 hrs each, no replacement parts cover and no tow you home etc

[RichLech]

I recently took out the lowest level of cover with RCR and it cost more than that so I reckon that is a bargain - go for it. It gives peace of mind, knowing that a single phone call will get you out of trouble if a breakdown should occur. Like any insurance, you hope you will never need it.

[jelunga]

Navigators and General offer free RCR retainer cover which we have

[exfire]

I took out breakdown cover thru Inland waterways breakdown assistance last year when I insured via collidge+partners.They get you an engineer and you pay and then you claim back your money. I only found this out after getting the policy. I broke down today and phoned for help. they tried their best to get an engineer but being sunday were not having much luck. As I was not in the best of places due to local youths ect they called out RCR who came and sorted out the boat at a cost of £120. Guess what I will sure go with RCR cover from now on

[Magpie]

thanks everyone all sounds like sound advice - especially as I'm a novice even though as Phoenix_V says its a cut down version of the full cover

[roggie]

I renewed our Towergate insurance with RCR add on. I thought that 2 breakdowns should (cross fingers) be enough, it was last year when we called them out once (starter battery dead - why didn't I guess that) in the last days of cover, lucky that. Like any insurance policy it depends on what type of cover you think you will need. If you have a complicated boat then perhaps replacement parts cover is useful.

[Tony Brooks]

Not so sure about the "complicated boat" thing. Unless RCR have altered their terms and conditions since I worked with them they did not cover the domestic side of things and that seems to be where the majority of complications are. I do not think they covered things like bow thrusters and I doubt they cover domestic alternators. Look at the cover this way: if a breakdown does not prevent you moving your boat to a yard where you can get the problem sorted they do not cover it. However I think they cover engine alternators because if they did not very soon the start battery would be flat.

 

When I was on their stand at shows of the few who wanted to complain most were about this very thing and it is all because they did not read and understand the terms and conditions before joining - so make sure you know what you are buying.

 

This is not a criticism of RCR in any way but an attempt to ensure people do not expect what is not promised. In fact as this year we will hopefully be travelling "up north" and a long way from home I intend to join as retained so I have a single point of contact in case I need spares etc.