Car Pound Cops

[Simpo Two]

A woman's car broke down so she called her recovery company to recover it. But the car's MOT has lapsed so they say they can't collect it because it's not roadworthy. Isn't the whole point of a recovery service to collect cars that aren't roadworthy? Furthermore if it's going on a trailer why is it relevant at all? The car won't be on the road!

[Dave _]

Simpo Two said:

A woman's car broke down so she called her recovery company to recover it. But the car's MOT has lapsed so they say they can't collect it because it's not roadworthy. Isn't the whole point of a recovery service to collect cars that aren't roadworthy? Furthermore if it's going on a trailer why is it relevant at all? The car won't be on the road!

Because that is one of their terms and conditions

For example

The AA said:

Really important details that might stop us from helping you:

Your vehicle must have valid MOT, tax and insurance to be eligible for cover, unless exempt.

[Simpo Two]

Can't argue with that, but is there an actual practical mechanical reason?

[RacingStripes]

To stop people abusing their service.

[Simpo Two]

RacingStripes said:

To stop people abusing their service.

OK, in that a car without an MOT is more likely to break down? That makes a glimmer of sense.

[RacingStripes]

Its more that people with cars that are off the road using the recovery services as car transport to get them to a garage, pretending its just broken down. Limiting it to cars with an MOT, and therefore cars that are likely roadworthy before the breakdown, cuts off a load of people that try and use it as free transport.

[E-bmw]

RacingStripes said:

Its more that people with cars that are off the road using the recovery services as car transport to get them to a garage, pretending its just broken down. Limiting it to cars with an MOT, and therefore cars that are likely roadworthy before the breakdown, cuts off a load of people that try and use it as free transport.

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

This is exactly the reason for the clause in the Ts & Cs.

[Downward]

What if the car was on the way to the MOT ?

[Mr Squarekins]

Downward said:

What if the car was on the way to the MOT ?

The terms and conditions still apply. When they signed, they accepted them.

[Simpo Two]

E-bmw said:

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

This is exactly the reason for the clause in the Ts & Cs.

Although, don't I recall a discussion here where it was thought 'MOT' and road worthiness are different things?

Anyway, in this instance the T&Cs win.

[Oceanrower]

Simpo Two said:

Although, don't I recall a discussion here where it was thought 'MOT' and road worthiness are different things?

I do. Many times.
And they are…