Towing with A-Frame

I have been using my A-frame for about 2 years now but never been happy with the third party insurance with the C&MC, 
never been able to find a better way, maybe a separate cover when towing on the car which again I have not been able to find. 
When you think of the replacement costs of these 2 vehicles it becomes eye watering (a new Bourton & VW Polo), in fact we have now stopped taking the car with use until I can sort this out. 
My van insurance renewal is due in about 3 weeks so help with this would be appreciated.

If there is a more satisfactory cover, I couldn't find it.

As I understand it (??) the "toad" is regarded as exactly that, a towed vehicle . . . or a trailer to all intents, as far as insurance companies are concerned.

Dare I suggest that it's far cheaper for the insurance companies to insure toads only on a third party risk, and could that be the simple answer?

Adrian Flux has been very understanding and supportive of unusual insurance requirements for some members. They began as specialist insurers for kit cars, and still appear not to rely entirely, and unwaveringly upon what the computer tells them.

Worth a phone call??

Adrian Flux have quoted me £89 full cover to tow a wee camping trailer ( collect the trailer next month ), not sure if they cover A frame tow cars, worth a call.
Boaby

Trailer cover is included in the Comfort Policy. Not sure about an A-frame towed car.

PLOUGHLIN wrote:Trailer cover is included in the Comfort Policy. Not sure about an A-frame towed car.

Is that with the Mh cover Peter, is it full cover or 3rd party
Boaby

According to the policy wording fully covered provided attached to MH or with hitch lock or wheel clamp otherwise.

I have just insured the new to us Smart car with Sheila’s wheels and whilst it is been towed behind the WXL with an A Frame is is insured fully comprehensive

And this is an email I received from Caravan Guard today regarding my insurance policy when I questioned the policy about A Frames

Dear Mr Lenthall

Thank you for your time on the phone today. As discussed please find a summary of our conversation below.
When you are using your motorhome to tow your vehicle on the A-Frame, no cover would be in force for any damage to the vehicle or the A-Frame.
However, public liability cover is in force which would provide cover for any third party damage, that was a direct result of the A-Frame and/or vehicle becoming detached from the motorhome whilst it is in transit. 

If you have any further queries, then please feel free to contact our friendly and knowledgeable team any day of the week on 01422 396777, or simply reply to this email.

Is the premium reasonable Chris?

It has to be comparatively high as the level of risk is considerably increased.

Thanks for the info.

It was £188 including protected no claims bonus ( 9 years +) and this year for the first time I took legal cover as it’s the first time I will have towed, well we  will do when the A Frame is fitted that’s for a 2013 Smart Fortwo cdi

Thanks Chris.
That sounds pretty good to me! 

We tow a VW Up with our 2020 Bourton, the Bourton is insured with Comfort and the 'Up' is insured by General Accident.  Comfort are aware that a towbar has been fitted to the Bourton and treat the car being towed as a trailer when it is on the A frame.  All importantly General Accident underwriters have confirmed the 'Up' is fully covered comprehensively when it is being towed on the A Frame.  The A Frame is electronic braking (Towmaster fitted by LNB in Bristol) and I supplied the brochure to General Accident as reference in order they understood fully.  I now have it in writing from the insurance company that the car is fully covered when being towed this way.  i like you was worried about the loss of a car worth quite a bit of money.

I have found it easiest to hire a car from enterprise when using our van is too difficult they collect and return you when hire complete.  It takes away all the problems.

gef wrote:I have found it easiest to hire a car from enterprise when using our van is too difficult they collect and return you when hire complete.  It takes away all the problems.

This all depends on where you are , we tried to do this one year and never managed to hire one

Same here Chris.

Their adverts are very misleading - there are lots of places on their "won't deliver" list, which is not much use when you're in the van.

Thank you all for your replies, I think the answer maybe with the car insurance, find a fully comp insurance while towing the car.

I always wonder why people in Motorhomes tow cars -seems obvious to me -buy a caravan!

CJ1949 wrote:I always wonder why people in Motorhomes tow cars -seems obvious to me -buy a caravan!

There are numerous reasons and varying opinions but, ultimately, it's individual choice.

CJ1949 wrote:I always wonder why people in Motorhomes tow cars -seems obvious to me -buy a caravan!

Simple.
You can use a motorhome like a caravan, but you can't use a caravan like a motorhome. 

Gromit wrote:

CJ1949 wrote:I always wonder why people in Motorhomes tow cars -seems obvious to me -buy a caravan!

Simple.
You can use a motorhome like a caravan, but you can't use a caravan like a motorhome. 

Lots of advantages/disadvantages between both 
So cherry pick you can forget & leave a caravan in winter but not wise to do that with MH in 
 bit of a pain when storage is 20 miles away. Lets not forget the cost difference,
or have you tried reversing a motorhome with a car on an A frame? Good luck with that one.

Caravans are purpose built for towing safely, cars are not

I would rather tow a car with 4 wheels on the ground than a caravan with 2 wheels on the ground and shaped the same as as a large box

CJ1949 wrote:Caravans are purpose built for towing safely, cars are not

Why does it bother you so much that others have a different way of doing things?

Some of us tow a toad - you don't!

So what? 

FreelanderUK wrote:I would rather tow a car with 4 wheels on the ground than a caravan with 2 wheels on the ground and shaped the same as as a large box

I had a number of Twin axle ( funny it had 4 wheels) caravans over the years never had any problems towing very stable on the road. Never had problems touring a 2 wheel one either.
The A frame is not legal in many countries personally think better to put the car on a trailer that got brakes.

Agree with Gromit. Why all the angst? If folk want to tow on A-frames, then let them. Our only possible concern over what they do is if they break the law.

All the A-frame conversions I have seen marketed include modifications to ensure the car brakes operate when required. It is a legal requirement for trailers over 750kg.

I chose to trailer my Smart as the modifications necessary for proper fitment of the A-frame, voided much of the car warrantee.