Insurance Problems - Dave Rennie

Hi, Please inform your site users of my problem as to avert my problem from happening to other 356 owners.

I purchased breakdown cover from F*** to be used when I went to the Nurburg Ring to watch the oldtimer grand prix. I purchased this cover over one week before leaving. I also had the car checked over by PR Services and Airwerks did some work and a fresh MOT. The engine was described by Mr Smith as good and strong. On arriving at my destination, just out side Nuremburg, I noticed a slight oil pressure problem. The next day I started the car and it was apparent that the car would need to be looked at, or trailered back to UK. I believed the oil pressure problem to be caused by a new oil pressure relief valve from Stoddards and after inspecting the passageway I found the valve stuck and could not free it. Stoddards gave me a tool to free the piston - which broke off.

I called for assistance around mid day on the Saturday but was told that they had no record of my policy and that I could use my credit card to get home and then claim the money back. I was only away for a few days and I have never owned or needed a credit card so I tried to ask around at the track for advise or possible local garages. No body could help and I was told to get the car home. I called the local ADAC man who had been driving past all day waiting for me to stop him. He admired the car but told me he could not work on it or know of anyone local who could. He suggested that the car be taken to his friends for storage which I declined. I called my breakdown cover assistance again only to be told they could not help but would try to sort out the problem and call me back. They did not call me back until late Sunday.

I discussed my situation with other members of the group and it was agreed that as it was a minor oil pressure problem that I may be able to get the car home driving if I took several breaks. The next morning (Sunday) I set off back to the UK, following another member of the group (Mr C King). We stopped several times on the way back to give the engine a break and to check oil levels etc. I kept the speed down low and it took almost 12hrs to get back.

I called F*** and they told me that my car should have been collected and that I need to follow the complaints procedure on my contract. I complained in writing to the first company on the list and was offered £1200 damages. I refused this amount and pursued them through the Ombudsman Service. The findings where that F*** are at fault for not passing on my details. I have been offered £200 from F*** as compensation. I have had estimates of £6000 - £13000 to repair the damage.

Please warn all site visitors that they need two policies and a credit card if they go abroad in there old 356s. That your policy is not worth the paper its printed on. Do not drive the car even a bit. I am currently awaiting another investigation through the Ombudsman after passing on 5 eyewitness statements to attest to my acting reasonably and without malice when finding I had no insurance cover whilst in Germany.

Dave Rennie (UK) LSU 442.