Who can repair my motorhome?

Anyone taking out insurance for their treasured and expensive motorhome should pause a moment to reflect on my experience. Four years ago, we bought our first motorhome, prior to which we became readers of MMM so, when the day came to take charge of said motorhome, I insured it with one of the specialist insurance brokers featured in the mag. I could not use my maximum no claims on the motorhome as I was using it on my car so paid the full premium.

During the next three uneventful years, I stayed with the same broker and paid my insurance premiums in full on the renewal dates. This year my insurance premium became due so we added our electric bikes to the comprehensive policy and continued our travels around the UK.

During one of these trips, we had a collision with a car, which caused damage to the offside of the motorhome. I contacted the insurance company, which filed a no-fault claim that was accepted by the third-party insurance company.

I sat back to await repairs to our motorhome. We were given access to a portal on the insurance company’s website to track our repair. The first company the insurance company referred my vehicle to declined the work as it said it was beyond its scope.

After a further three referrals were declined by the repairers (all nonmotorhome specialists), I decided to go on the internet and try to find specialist motorhome repairers. Armed with a list of 10 companies who had excellent reviews, I again contacted my insurance company only to be told by the call centre operaters that it didn’t have an account with these any more, or similar.

At this time my vehicle has been referred to a further eight repair centres, which have declined to carry out the repairs because they are not equipped to carry out the job. Many weeks on I am still waiting for my motorhome to be repaired.

I will keep you informed as and when progress is made. The insurance company use a third-party call centre, which place repairs with approved repairers that must also have an account with the insurance company.

Up to date, I have supplied the company with 33 motorhome repairers, none of whom has been suitable to the insurance company.

I have stated that I am prepared to travel to get the job done and, as the vehicle has only suffered cosmetic damage, I am prepared to wait until spares are sourced.

Looking through MMM, I spotted an advert for AW Marine who claims to be able to make and supply motorhome body parts, even ones not available from the manufacturers. After an email, it provided prices with a request that I provide a few measurements so that it can verify it is using the correct mould. Very impressed.

Ken

ED Ken did not want to name the insurance company. We suggested other repairers to try and asked Ken to keep us informed. If readers have similar experiences, let us know, as most insurers use approved body repair centres for such claims.