Member Storys : A Stray Trolley, a Cracked Bumper, and a Lesson in Excess Fees, Would Your Current Policy Have Helped? Ours Didn’t.

Let me tell you about the day a cheap camping trolley taught me a £750 lesson.

It was one of those weekends you look forward to all year me and the family were at a local VW meet up festival, our pride and joy parked up in the camping field. I’d spent weekend before polishing the van, packing the essentials, and making sure everything was perfect.

Saturday morning, I popped to the festival shop for supplies. the usually food snacks and beers. I grabbed a trolley, loaded it up, and headed back to the van.

The Moment It All Went Wrong

I parked the trolley next to the van while I unlocked the door. Then, out of nowhere, a gust of wind caught it. Before I could react, the trolley rolled straight into my front bumper with a sickening crack.

I stood there staring at the damage, a deep dent and cracked paint on my classic VW. My heart sank.

“No Problem, Insurance will cover it… That’s what I thought. But when I called my insurer, I got the bad news:

  • Yes, I was covered for accidental damage.
  • BUT my excess was £750.
  • And because the repair was classed as cosmetic, it wouldn’t affect the van’s ability to drive, so no courtesy vehicle either.

The repair quote? £680. Less than my excess. Which meant the entire cost came out of my pocket.

What I Wish I’d Checked

  1. Excess Amount – I’d chosen a higher excess to save £40 on my premium. which I now massively regret.
  2. Optional Add-Ons – Some policies offer “low excess” or “protected excess” options. Mine didn’t.
  3. Agreed Value Cover – If the damage had been worse, would I have got the true value of my van? Probably not.

The Lesson

Saving a few pounds on your premium can cost you hundreds later. If you’re heading to festivals, campsites, or anywhere your van might be at risk of knocks and scrapes, make sure your policy works for real life not just the cheapest quote.

Would Your Current Policy Help?

Mine didn’t. That’s why I switched to a specialist broker who actually understands campervans and festivals.

https://www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/introducer/motor?int=11089

 

You can also get another discounted quote form Adrian Flux too. Adrian Flux are happy to offer all members of the Campervan Festival up to 15% discount off their insurance quotations. We have a professional and friendly dedicated owners club team

that will be happy to assist you with your quotations. Give the team a call on 03443 819969

and mention Campervan Festival Guide to receive your discount.

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