Summertime is convertible time. The time of year when the seasonal licence plates are screwed on and driving pleasure of a special kind is enjoyed. It is not without reason that the elaborately restored collector's items in particular are the dream of every car enthusiast: a neat fabric roof, polished paintwork and the unique feeling of the wind blowing through your hair.
But what if the joy is spoilt by damage to the car? After all, you are not immune to accidents, scratches and other damage, even in a collector's car. We explain what you need to bear in mind when insuring seasonal vehicles - and how to act correctly in the event of damage.
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Save money with seasonal licence plates
Many convertible drivers opt for a seasonal licence plate because tax and insurance are only incurred pro rata for the selected period of use. The period can be set individually - a minimum of two months and a maximum of eleven months. Convertibles are normally only driven in the warmer months between April and September during the calendar year. In order to save money on taxes and insurance while the vehicle is in the garage for the winter, the premiums are adjusted to the actual period of use.
Convertible top damaged: partial or fully comprehensive cover?
A special feature of insurance cover for convertibles is the roof. Anyone who leaves a convertible with the top down unattended risks a reduction in cover due to gross negligence, depending on the situation. It is particularly critical if the doors, windows or soft top are left open for a long period of time or if valuables are left visible in the interior. Basically, the roof - although the real eye-catcher on the car - is its biggest weak point. A fabric roof is too quickly slashed or damaged. Sudden rain or hail can cause damage to the interior too quickly.
Whether damage to the convertible top is insured depends heavily on the cause and the contract. If the soft top is damaged in connection with a burglary, partially comprehensive cover may apply. Purely wilful damage or self-inflicted accidental damage, on the other hand, is typically a case for fully comprehensive cover. In the event of storm, hail or flooding, partially comprehensive cover is usually considered - the details can be found in the respective contract.
Accident with convertible. What to do?
Of course, an accident involving a convertible is particularly annoying. No driver likes to see their favourite car damaged. This makes it all the more important to act purposefully and intelligently when damage occurs. This starts with reporting the accident. Procrastinating too long often leads to the loss of claims. The process also harbours many pitfalls: communication must be clear, data protection must be complied with and claims must be settled quickly.
If another road user has damaged your convertible, you should not leave the settlement to the other party's insurance alone. Particularly in the case of collector's vehicles, special equipment, high-quality soft tops, depreciation and loss of use, it is worthwhile carrying out an independent examination of the claims.
Don't risk any reductions from the other party's insurance company - have your accident free of charge and without obligation by our regulation specialists.
Appraisal, loss of use and reduction in value: these claims should be checked
If your convertible has been damaged in an accident, it's not just the repair that counts. Especially in the case of collector's vehicles, depreciation, loss of use, expert costs, towing costs and the correct assessment of the vehicle condition can also be decisive. fairforce.one checks your claims free of charge and supports you in initiating the settlement in a structured and clean manner.
Convertible accident: Why collector's cars need special attention
For restored convertibles and classic cars in particular, an up-to-date Valuation report particularly important.
Restoration invoices, photos, condition notes and a comprehensible vehicle history help to prove the actual value in the event of a claim. This is because market value, replacement value and restoration value can differ significantly - and it is precisely these differences that determine the amount of the settlement in an emergency.
The steps to a fair settlement are so simple that they can be initiated directly from the scene of the accident.
fairforce.one: Support after the convertible accident
This is how the clean damage report works with us:
- Your favourite convertible or classic car has been damaged in an accident.
- Call us free of charge on 0800 - 30 111 60 and get a specialist on the phone or report the damage to us with just a few clicks HERE online.
- Only certified specialists with a proven track record will take care of your request.
- We will get back to you on the same day and agree the best course of action with you individually, point by point.
- You have your back, the fairforce.one network is committed to your best possible regulation.
Frequently asked questions about accidents with convertibles
What do I have to do after an accident with the convertible?
First secure the scene of the accident, document the damage with photos and exchange contact details with all parties involved. The police should be called if it is unclear who is at fault, if there are injuries or if there is major damage.
Does the insurance pay for damage to the convertible top?
This depends on the cause of the damage. In the event of theft, storm or hail, partially comprehensive cover may apply. In the case of self-inflicted accidents or vandalism, fully comprehensive cover is usually responsible. In the event of an accident that was not your fault, the other party's liability insurance will usually settle the claim.
Is an open convertible top grossly negligent?
If you leave your convertible unattended with the top down, you risk a reduction in insurance benefits depending on the situation. It is particularly critical if valuables are visible in the vehicle or the car is left open for a long period of time.
Why is a valuation report useful for convertibles and classic cars?
In the case of restored convertibles, classic cars or collector's vehicles, an up-to-date valuation report can help to prove the actual value of the vehicle. This is particularly important for repair costs, replacement value and possible depreciation.
How does fairforce.one help after a convertible accident?
fairforce.one supports you in reporting the damage quickly and cleanly, having claims checked and initiating the next steps in the settlement process - particularly helpful when it comes to valuable vehicles, appraisals, depreciation or loss of use.
