Policy Wording

This insurance is underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. who are a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Assistance S.A., and are responsible for all service provision. Their address is The Quadrangle, 106-118 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1PR. Registered Number FC008998. Please note that Swinton Group Limited is not the underwriter or service provider for this product.

Inter Partner Assistance S.A. is authorised by the Commission Bancaire, Financière et des Assurances (CBFA) in Belgium and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the UK.

AXA Assistance operates the 24 hour motoring assistance helpline. This insurance is effected and is subject to the Laws of England and Wales. In the event of a breakdown or accident anywhere in the UK, but within the territorial limits, your insurance policy automatically entitles you or your authorised driver to request assistance from your Breakdown policy, operated by Inter Partner Assistance S.A. and a network of Vehicle Rescue Agents approved by Inter Partner Assistance S.A.

Call 0800 015 5083*

To obtain emergency assistance, contact the 24 Hour Emergency Breakdown Helpline. (Your telephone calls to and from us may be recorded).

You should have the following information available upon request:

• The Vehicle’s Registration Number
• Your Name and Home Postcode
• Your Policy Number
• The Make and Model of the Vehicle
• The Colour of the Vehicle
• Your location
• An indication as to the nature of the problem

In the event of a breakdown on the motorway you can use the nearest SOS Emergency Telephone Box. Ask the Police to contact the 24 Hour Emergency Breakdown Helpline on the above number. Be prepared to provide the additional information together with the number of the SOS Emergency Telephone Box.

Only by calling the Emergency Helpline number, will you be able to claim for the services provided.

*Although most calls on 0800 lines are free, some mobile phone service providers do levy a charge. Calls may be recorded to help improve our standards of service and accuracy of information

This document sets out the terms and conditions of your Swinton Breakdown Cover and it is important that you read it carefully, together with your membership card, which shows the level of cover you have chosen.

Each section of cover confirms what is and is not covered. There are also general exclusions that apply to all sections of cover and general conditions that you must comply with for the policy to operate.

DEFINITIONS applying to this Policy

Wherever the following words and phrases appear in bold in this document and membership card they will always have these meanings:

1. We/Us/Our/Inter Partner Assistance

Inter Partner Assistance SA, The Quadrangle, 106-118 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1PR. Registered No: FC008998.

2. You/Your/Driver

The policyholder or any person driving with your permission and/or any passenger in the insured vehicle (number of passengers not to exceed manufacturer’s recommendation).

3. Vehicle(s)

Vehicle means the private car, motorcycle or light commercial vehicle which, under 3,500kg in gross weight and 5.1m in length, is insured under your policy, details of which have been provided to Inter Partner Assistance and for which the appropriate premium has been paid and received by Inter Partner Assistance.

If your vehicle breaks down whilst towing a caravan or trailer we will recover your vehicle together with the caravan or trailer providing your vehicle does not exceed the above weight and length dimensions, including the load. You must carry a serviceable spare tyre and wheel for your vehicle, caravan or trailer.

4. Your home

The UK address last noted to Swinton or Colonnade as your permanent residence or place where your vehicle is normally kept.

5. Breakdown

Immobilisation of the vehicle as a result of mechanical breakdown, accident, act of vandalism, fire or attempted/recovered theft, flat tyre, lack of fuel, flat battery, loss or breakage of vehicle keys, occurring within the UK (or Western European territorial limits if the appropriate premium has been paid) during the period of cover.

6. UK

Great Britain, Northern Ireland the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.

7. Period of cover

The period stated on your membership card.

The cover detailed under each section will only apply if it is shown on your current membership card. Cover is subject to the General exclusions and General conditions detailed in sections E and F.

If you suffer a breakdown involving your vehicle please call the Inter Partner Assistance 24 hour emergency telephone number shown on your membership card.

Section A: Local recovery within the UK

What is covered:

a. If your vehicle is immobilised as a result of a breakdown, we will arrange and pay for a vehicle rescue operator to come to the place of the breakdown for up to one hour in order to try and restore the vehicle’s mobility.

b. If your vehicle cannot be made roadworthy at the place of breakdown, we will arrange for your vehicle together with the driver and up to six passengers to be taken to a suitable local garage, within 20 miles, for it to be repaired at your cost.

What is not covered:

a. A breakdown at or within a one mile radius of your home.

b. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

Section B: UK recovery
(when the appropriate premium has been paid)

What is covered:

If your vehicle cannot be made roadworthy at the place of the breakdown, and cannot be repaired the same day at a suitable local garage, we will arrange and pay for any one of the following:

1. Nationwide recovery service

For your vehicle together with the driver and up to six passengers to be taken to your intended destination or home anywhere in the UK and then at your request, for your vehicle to be taken to a garage of your choice within 20 miles during one complete journey, for it to be repaired at your cost.

2. Overnight accommodation

Bed and breakfast expenses for one night only, limited to a maximum of £40 per person (£250 for your whole party).

3. 24 Hour UK hire vehicle

A hire vehicle of up to 1100cc for a period not exceeding 24 hours. You will be responsible for the return of the hire vehicle and the collection of your repaired vehicle.

Please note: We will choose the most appropriate solution from one of the above options.

4. Emergency driver within the UK

If, during the journey, the driver suffers accidental bodily injury or illness, which means that he or she cannot drive and there is no-one else, able or qualified to drive the vehicle, we will provide, and pay for, a driver to complete the journey or return the vehicle and passengers to the intended destination. You will need to provide some form of medical certification before we provide this benefit.

5. Message service

We can get a message to a person you have chosen, if your journey has been delayed as a result of a breakdown (you can request up to two messages per breakdown).

6. Medical assistance in the UK

If you have to go into hospital after an accident in the UK we can arrange, at your cost, a medical transfer to take you to a hospital near your home. A doctor must give permission before we do this.

What is not covered:

a. A breakdown at or within a one mile radius of your home.

b. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

Section C: Home recovery
(when the appropriate premium has been paid)

What is covered:

a. In the event that your vehicle is immobilised as a result of a breakdown, at or within one mile of your home, we will arrange and pay for a vehicle rescue operator to come to the place of breakdown for up to one hour in order to try and restore the vehicle’s mobility.

b. If your vehicle cannot be made roadworthy at the place of breakdown, we will arrange and pay for your vehicle together with the driver and up to six passengers to be taken to a suitable garage, within 20 miles, for it to be repaired at your cost.

What is not covered:

a. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

£10 compensation

If we agree to provide assistance in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands and our nominated agent is unable to attend the Insured Vehicle within one hour of your call to us, we will pay £10 as compensation, provided that:

i. the delay was not caused by circumstances beyond our control and

ii. you submit a written claim to Inter Partner Assistance for the compensation.

The cover in this section will only apply if it is shown on your current membership card.

In addition to those detailed in the UK section, wherever the following words and phrases appear in bold in this document and membership card they will always have these meanings:

Journey

A return trip or trips in your vehicle between your home in the UK and your destination abroad, within the territorial limits, which does not exceed 31 consecutive days or no more than 183 days in total during the period of cover.

Cover is applicable for all countries belonging to the EU including the following:

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and dependent Islands.

WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY

Please do not attempt to solve the problem yourself. In the first instance contact Inter Partner Assistance immediately using the contact numbers below.

DIALLING FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES +44 1737 815032

When calling for assistance please have the following information available, as this will help us to help you:

• Your location
• Motor insurer (accident only)
• Policy number
• Return transport details
• Vehicle details

Section D: European cover

D1. Before travel abroad starts

The benefits shown under section D4 below also apply in the UK providing that the breakdown happens during your journey.

D2. Roadside assistance and towing

What is covered:

a. In the event that your vehicle is immobilised as a result of a breakdown, we will arrange for a vehicle rescue operator to come to the place of breakdown for up to one hour in order to try and restore the vehicle’s mobility.

b. If your vehicle cannot be made roadworthy at the place of breakdown, we will arrange and pay for your vehicle together with the driver and up to six passengers to be taken to a suitable garage, for it to be repaired at your cost.

c. Labour charges and/or replacement parts up to £200 for immediate emergency repairs which are necessary to make your vehicle secure following the theft or attempted theft of the vehicle or its contents.

ASSISTANCE ON MOTORWAYS

On many European motorways or auto routes, particularly in France, the police will answer the emergency telephones. They will arrange for a recovery vehicle to tow you off the motorway either to a local garage or perhaps to a motorway service station, without reference to Inter Partner Assistance. They may ask you to pay for this assistance on the spot. If this happens you can either get a receipt and claim back from us or call Inter Partner Assistance and they will try and persuade the recovery agent to accept their guarantee of payment. Inter Partner Assistance will then arrange any other assistance you may need.

What is not covered:

a. The cost of paintwork and other cosmetic items.

b. Any amounts for making the vehicle secure once you have returned to the UK.

c. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

D3. Delivering replacement parts

What is covered:

a. If replacement parts are not available locally to repair the vehicle following a breakdown, we will arrange and pay to have them delivered to you or an agreed location as quickly as reasonably possible.

What is not covered:

a. The actual cost of replacement parts and any customs duty. This must be paid to us using a credit or charge card, or at our discretion, any other payment method.

b. Any amount if the replacement parts can be got locally.

c. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

D4. Loss of use of your vehicle

What is covered:

If during your journey your vehicle is immobilised or made unroadworthy as a result of a breakdown and will take at least 8 hours to repair, or has been stolen and not recovered within 8 hours, we will arrange and pay for any one of the following:

a. To transport you, your passengers and luggage to your intended destination, and then return you to your vehicle once it has been repaired, or, for a driver to bring your vehicle to your holiday location once it has been repaired.

b. The cost of hiring an alternative car while your vehicle is being repaired up to £70 per day and £750 in total.

c. B&B expenses up to £30 per person (£500 in total for your whole party) while your vehicle is being repaired, provided your original accommodation has been pre-paid and you can’t get your money back.

Please note: We will choose the most appropriate solution from one of the above options.

Note, we cannot guarantee that hire cars will always be available and we are not responsible if they are not available. We will do our best to arrange a vehicle of equivalent size but no guarantee can be given that there will be tow bars, bike racks, roof boxes or other accessories included.

Hire cars are provided subject to you meeting the conditions of the hirer. In most parts of Europe, hire cars are not permitted to cross national frontiers or be brought back to the UK.

What is not covered:

a. The cost of fuel or lubricants you use in the hire vehicle.

b. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

D5. If you become ill or injured and can’t drive

What is covered:

a. As long as you have medical proof that you can’t drive, and no-one else in your party can drive you home, we will pay for a qualified driver to bring you, your passengers and your vehicle home.

What is not covered:

a. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions

D6. If you can’t use your own vehicle to get home

What is covered:

If following a breakdown your vehicle is still not repaired or roadworthy when it is time for you to return home, we will pay for suitable transport to get you, your passengers and your luggage home, and up to £150 towards alternative travel costs in the UK while you wait for your own vehicle. We will also pay for:

a. Transporting your vehicle to your home or your chosen repairer in the UK.

b. OR the cost of a single rail/sea ticket (or an air ticket if the rail/sea trip would take more than 12 hours) for you to go and fetch your vehicle once it has been repaired or found.

c. AND any storage charges (up to a total of £100) while it is waiting for repair, collection or transportation home.

What is not covered:

a. Any costs and expenses you would have incurred anyway for travelling home.

b. Loss or damage to personal possessions left in, on or near the vehicle.

c. The return of your vehicle to the UK if we believe that the cost of doing so would be greater than the market value in the UK.

d. The return of the vehicle to the UK if repairs can be completed locally and you are either unable or unwilling to allow this to happen.

e. Anything mentioned in the general exclusions.

What is not covered:

1. Any breakdown that happens during the first 24 hours after cover is taken out for the first time, except for benefits shown under Section A, which are available immediately.

2. The cost of replacement fuel or for any spare parts required to restore the mobility of your vehicle or for any costs incurred as a result of the unavailability of replacement parts.

3. Labour costs of more than 1 hour for roadside assistance.

4. If we consider that a locksmith, bodyglass or tyre specialist is needed, we will try to arrange these for you but you will have to pay for their services, unless your vehicle is covered under section D2c.

5. The cost or the quality of repairs when your vehicle is repaired in any garage to which the vehicle is taken.

6. Any costs for vehicles, which have not been maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

7. Any call out or recovery costs incurred in the UK following a breakdown where the police or other emergency service insist on immediate recovery by a third party.

8. Assistance or Recovery if your vehicle is partly or completely buried in snow, mud, sand or water.

9. Damage or costs incurred as a direct result of gaining access to your vehicle following your request for assistance.

10. Consequential loss of any kind arising from the provision of, or delay in providing, the services this cover relates to.

11. Transportation of horses or livestock. Onward transportation of any animal in your vehicle shall be at our discretion and solely at your risk.

12. Any costs for vehicles that have broken down or are unroadworthy when cover was taken out.

13. The costs incurred in obtaining a spare wheel or tyre for roadside repair where you are unable to provide a serviceable spare wheel or tyre. (Other than for vehicles which do not carry a spare wheel as part of the manufacturer‘s standard specification).

14. If your vehicle has been modified for, or is taking part in, racing, trials or rallying.

15. Any cost recoverable under any other policy of insurance or under the service provided by any motoring organisation.

16. Recovery where your vehicle is carrying more occupants than a driver and up to 6 passengers or a greater weight, than for which the vehicle was designed, or where the vehicle is being used unreasonably on unsuitable terrain.

17. Recovery or Assistance where the vehicle exceeds 3,500kg gross vehicle weight or 5.1 metres in length including any tow bar.

18. Recovery or assistance where your vehicle is being used for the carriage of people for hire or reward, unless we have agreed this with you.

19. Any claim arising from the driving of your vehicle with your consent by: any person who you know does not have a valid UK driving licence or is not keeping to the conditions of their driving licence.

20. Any claim arising from an inadequate repair or attempted repair previously carried out during the course of the same trip.

21. Recovery costs following a road traffic accident or other incident normally covered by a motor insurance policy.

22. Any loss or damage caused to your vehicle, or any loss or expense arising from or contributed to by:

1. ionising radiation or radioactive contamination from any nuclear fuel or from any nuclear waste which results from burning nuclear fuel; or
2. the radioactive, toxic, explosive or other dangerous properties of any nuclear machinery or any part of it.

23. Loss or damage caused by war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution or military power.

24. Any loss or damage caused by riot or civil commotion that happens outside the UK.

25. Any mobile phone and/or telephone costs incurred.

1. Your vehicle must be permanently registered in the UK and, if appropriate, have a current MOT certificate. It shall at all times be maintained in a good mechanical and roadworthy condition and be regularly serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

2. If we arrange for temporary roadside repairs to be carried out following damage to your vehicle, or we provide recovery to your nominated destination, we shall not be liable to provide further assistance in respect of the same incident or insured event.

3. No benefit shall be payable unless you contact us via the emergency telephone numbers provided. You must not seek to contact any agent or repairer direct.

4. You are responsible for the safety of your vehicle and its contents and, unless incapacitated, or by arrangement with us or our agent, you must be in attendance at your vehicle at the estimated time we advise that assistance can be expected.

5. Your policy number must be quoted when calling for assistance and the relevant identification produced on the demand of the repairer, recovery specialist or other nominated agent of Inter Partner Assistance.

6. You will have to pay the cost for the recovery or repair vehicle coming out to you if, after requesting assistance to which you are entitled, your vehicle is moved, recovered or repaired by any other means.

7. If your vehicle breaks down whilst towing a caravan or trailer we will recover your vehicle together with caravan or trailer providing your vehicle does not exceed 3,500kg in gross weight and 5.1m in length, including the load. You must carry a serviceable spare tyre and wheel for your vehicle, caravan or trailer.

8. You will have to pay any toll or ferry fees incurred by the driver of the recovery vehicle, unless your vehicle is being recovered to your home on the Isle of Wight.

9. We are not responsible for any actions or costs of garages, recovery firms or emergency services carrying out work or acting on your instructions or the instructions of any person acting on your behalf.

10. We shall be entitled to request all reasonable assistance from you to conduct proceedings in your name for Inter Partner Assistance’s benefit to seek reimbursement from a responsible Third Party following payment of a claim made under any cover provided by this insurance.

11. You shall carry a serviceable spare tyre and wheel for your vehicle and any attached caravan or trailer. (Other than for vehicles which do not carry a spare wheel as part of the manufacturer‘s standard specification).

12. We reserve the right to nominate a suitable garage equipped to undertake repair, at your expense, rather than recover an immobilised vehicle, where effective repairs can be completed within 8 hours.

13. If we arrange for temporary roadside repairs to be carried out to your vehicle, you are required to then immediately arrange for any permanent repair that may be necessary.

14. If your vehicle needs to be taken to a garage after a breakdown, it must be in an easily accessible position for a recovery vehicle to load. If this is not the case you will have to pay for Specialist Recovery charges.

15. You will have to pay for parts, components or other products used in the repair of your vehicle.

16. We will not arrange for assistance where your vehicle is considered to be dangerous or illegal to repair or transport.

17. Inter Partner Assistance shall not be responsible for more than two claims made against the Service during any 12 month period which arise from a common identified fault.

18. Inter Partner Assistance shall not be responsible for more than FOUR claims against the service during any 12 month period. (Joint policyholders can make up to seven claims with no more than four against one vehicle.) Once the maximum number of claims has been reached, a referral service will be offered with all Costs charged to you.

19. If you are covered for breakdown by any other insurance policy or warranty you must tell us.

20. If your vehicle is taken to a garage for storage you are responsible for paying any storage fees not covered by your motor insurance policy.

21. Should you be unwilling to accept our decision or that of our agents on the most suitable form of assistance to be provided, we will pay not more than £100 for any one breakdown towards your preferred form of assistance.

22. The parties to this insurance are you and us and any person or company who is not party to this insurance policy has no right under the Contracts (Right of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this insurance policy but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party that exists or is available apart from that Act.

23. Any reduction in cover will only be allowed at renewal of the cover.

24. You may cancel your Swinton or Colonnade breakdown insurance policy at any time. If you cancel your policy within 14 days of the latter of either:
i. the inception or renewal date
ii. the date from which you receive the contractual terms and conditions;
you are entitled to a proportionate return of your premium. After 14 days, no part of your premium will be refunded or returned to you.

25. If we cancel your Swinton Breakdown Cover for any other reason, we will write to you at your last known address confirming that your Swinton Breakdown Cover will end 7 days after the date of the letter.

We make every effort to provide you with the highest standards of service. If on any occasion our service falls below the standard you would expect us to meet, the procedure below explains what you should do.

Complaints procedure

You can write to the Quality Manager, who will arrange an investigation on behalf of the General Manager, at: Inter Partner Assistance S.A., The Quadrangle, 106 118 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1PR or telephone 0870 609 0023.

If it is impossible to reach an agreement you have the right to make an appeal to the Financial Ombudsman Service, South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, Docklands, London E14 9SR or telephone 0845 080 1800.

In addition Inter Partner Assistance is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The FSCS is a safety net for customers of financial services firms. Further information can be obtained from www.fscs.org.uk

Our promise to you:

• Acknowledge written complaints promptly
• Investigate quickly and thoroughly
• Keep you informed of progress
• Do everything possible to resolve your complaint
• Use information from complaints to continuously improve our services

Data Protection Act

Details of you, your insurance cover and claims will be held by us for underwriting, processing, claims handling and fraud prevention subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.