Watch out! No short term courtesy car cover ...

“Watch out! No short term courtesy car cover ...”

Written on: 10/12/2011

I recently needed to get a courtesy car after my own car had to remain in the garage for a few days after a fault was found during a service. To my amazement Tesco Insurance refused to provide any short term cover for the courtesy car at any price. I spoke to two separate members of staff at Tesco Insurance and got the same line that this would be 'illegal' following a change in law that required all cars to be insured in Summer 2011 and that it was the sole responsibility of the garage to provide insurance for customers. They had provided cover notes prior to that. I discussed this with Aviva (who also have a web site offering short term car cover) and they confirmed that their view was that this was nonsense. On complaining to Tesco, it was explained that their underwriter had changed recently and did not cover them for short-term insurance any longer. Thus, I have to go to another insurer to get cover for the courtesy car at higher cost. I don't think I'll be renewing with Tesco Insurance! ...