Do you know what your vehicle insurance covers?
My story:
Back in late 2000 I had been out playing in the 4b with a mate after some storms we had, the track that we were traveling down was blocked by a fallen tree. So my mate been behind me threw a u turn and headed back out 2 take another track. I followed and on the way back out I hit a bit of mud going around a bend ( only mud on the whole track! ) which sent me sideways, straight into the embankment and before I knew it I was on my side. Both vehicles weren't setup for a recovery of this nature, so after a phone call 2 another mate ( about 7 pm, starting 2 get dark! ) he said know worries I be there soon.
I won't go into details of the lengthy recovery, but by about 11pm I was back on all 4's. Fired the old girl over, Sh!t this thing still drives, wonder if the local pub is still open...........15mins later I was sitting at the pub drinking a few bourbons


Next morning went 2 work, was not sure if my full comprehensive insurance covered me for off-road, even though I was in 2wd at the time, So got a work mate to ring my insurance cover saying that he just bought a 4wd and wanted 2 know if he got full comprehensive would he be covered for off road. There answer was yes as long as it wasn't an event / competion, he would be covered. So he hung up the phone, I pressed redial and made my claim.
I told them exactly what had happened and that my vehicle had been rolled onto its side. Told them exactly where I was and gave all details...... no problems.
4b went to the smash repairs for the repair work, no dram's, Got my damaged alloy bar replaced with my current ARB bar, had 2 pay $250 for the deference in price between both bars. 4b took longer than expected 2 get back as I had 2 deal with chrissy closure...... can't remember exactly how long they had it but it felt like ages.
Drove my car from the smash repair company 2 home.......about 8 k's max, do drama's all seems fine.
Drove my car to work the next day.......about 5k's max..
As I reversed into my car parking spot, there was this terrible squeal coming from under the bonnet! WTF!!!!! turned car off and popped the bonnet and done a quick visual inspection. Nothing seemed to look out of place so I decided to check oil's / water..... etc
WTF!!!!!!
Power steering - NO fluid what so ever, hence what was squealing.
Me been the simple minded person I am, assumed that because my 4b had been on its side that all fluids would be checked because been on its side they might of leaked out........
So I rang the smash repair company.....no we don't check fluids, we just repair the body work.....
Rang the insurance company,
My question was: where the fluids checked because I just pulled up at work and my power steering fluid is none existent......
There answer: No .
My reply: Isn't it common sense that fluids may leak out if a car it tipped on its side or roof.
There answer: but we don't check the fluids unless it is specifically requested from the customer at the time of the claim.
It was like hitting my head against the brick wall, I believe my insurance should of not only payed for the body to be repaired but also for the motor 2 be checked and all fluids replaced.
I should of taken the matter further but didn't want 2 get myself into a legal battle, had 2 many other things going on @ the time.
I promptly cancelled my full comp insurance.
One day I may get it again, at least I know from experience what I should be asking the insurance company: what does my insurance really cover!
So my question to you: What does your full comprehensive insurance really cover?????
Sorry, know pics of the 4b on side or the recovery, just a couple while on holidays at the repair shop.
Cheers
Todd
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