14/02/2019
When considering your automotive protection needs, a common question that arises is whether established financial institutions like the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) extend their services to cover car insurance. While RBS is renowned for its banking services, understanding its specific offerings in the insurance market is crucial for motorists seeking comprehensive cover. This article delves into the relationship between RBS and car insurance, clarifying what is available and how you can secure appropriate protection for your vehicle.
Does RBS Directly Offer Car Insurance?
It's important to clarify that the Royal Bank of Scotland, as a primary banking institution, does not directly underwrite or sell its own branded car insurance policies in the same way a dedicated insurance provider would. This means you won't find an 'RBS Car Insurance' policy that is directly issued by the bank itself.
RBS Membership Services and Breakdown Cover
However, the information provided indicates a strong connection between RBS and motoring assistance, specifically through its membership services. If you are a member of certain RBS schemes or have specific banking products, you might be entitled to breakdown cover as a benefit. This type of cover is typically provided by a third-party specialist insurance provider, with RBS facilitating access to it as part of your membership package.
The provided contact number, 0345 609 0456, for RBS membership services suggests that this is the point of contact for assistance related to these benefits. This breakdown cover is designed to assist you in various scenarios:
- Roadside Assistance: If your vehicle breaks down at the roadside, help can be dispatched to your location.
- At Home: The cover often includes assistance if your vehicle won't start at your home address.
- Completing Your Journey: In many cases, breakdown cover will arrange for your vehicle to be taken to a garage and may also provide options to help you continue your journey, such as a hire car or onward travel arrangements.
Who is Covered?
A significant advantage of such membership-linked breakdown cover is its flexibility. Typically, the cover is associated with the vehicle(s) you own, meaning that even if someone else is driving your car with your permission, they will still be covered if a breakdown occurs. Furthermore, the cover often extends beyond your own vehicle, providing protection for any other vehicle you might drive or travel in. This broadens the scope of your protection considerably, offering peace of mind whether you're in your own car or a borrowed one.
Understanding Your Policy's Scope
It is vital to understand the specifics of any breakdown cover provided through RBS membership. While it offers valuable assistance, it's crucial to differentiate it from a comprehensive car insurance policy. Breakdown cover primarily addresses mechanical failures and the inability to drive the vehicle. It typically does not cover:
| Aspect Covered | Breakdown Cover (RBS Membership) | Comprehensive Car Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Breakdown | Yes | No (usually) |
| Accident Damage | No | Yes |
| Theft | No | Yes |
| Fire | No | Yes |
| Third-Party Liability | No | Yes (mandatory for driving on roads) |
| Windscreen Cover | No | Yes (often optional add-on) |
Comprehensive car insurance, on the other hand, provides a much wider range of protection. It covers damage to your own vehicle resulting from accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and often includes third-party liability, which is a legal requirement for any driver in the UK. It can also include optional extras like windscreen cover, courtesy cars, and personal accident cover.
How to Get Car Insurance if RBS Doesn't Directly Offer It
If you're looking for a full car insurance policy, you'll need to approach specialist insurance providers or use insurance comparison websites. Here's a general guide:
- Identify Your Needs: Determine the level of cover you require – Third Party, Third Party Fire and Theft, or Comprehensive. Consider any optional extras you might want.
- Gather Information: You'll need details about yourself (driving history, age, address), your vehicle (make, model, registration, age), and how it will be used (annual mileage, parked location).
- Use Comparison Websites: Websites like Compare the Market, MoneySuperMarket, or GoCompare allow you to compare quotes from numerous insurers simultaneously. This is an efficient way to find competitive pricing.
- Contact Insurers Directly: Some people prefer to get quotes directly from insurance companies, such as Direct Line, Aviva, or Admiral.
- Consider Brokers: Insurance brokers can help you find suitable policies, especially if you have a non-standard risk profile (e.g., a classic car, modified vehicle, or a history of claims).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does Royal Bank of Scotland sell car insurance directly?
No, RBS does not directly underwrite or sell its own branded car insurance policies. However, they may offer breakdown cover as a benefit through their membership services.
Q2: What kind of motoring assistance does RBS provide?
RBS membership services can provide access to breakdown cover, which assists with roadside, at-home, and journey completion needs in the event of a vehicle breakdown.
Q3: Am I covered if someone else drives my car and it breaks down?
Yes, typically the breakdown cover associated with RBS membership covers the vehicle itself, so it will be covered even if driven by someone else with your permission.
Q4: Is breakdown cover the same as car insurance?
No, breakdown cover specifically addresses vehicle breakdowns. Comprehensive car insurance covers a wider range of risks including accidents, theft, fire, and third-party liability.
Q5: Where can I get a full car insurance policy?
You can obtain car insurance from specialist insurance providers, through insurance comparison websites, or via insurance brokers.
In conclusion, while the Royal Bank of Scotland may not be a direct provider of car insurance policies, its membership services can offer valuable breakdown cover. It is essential to understand the distinction between breakdown assistance and a full car insurance policy. For comprehensive protection against accidents, theft, and liability, motorists should seek policies from dedicated insurance providers.
If you want to read more articles similar to RBS Car Insurance: What You Need to Know, you can visit the Insurance category.