Well that’s my five month holiday gone for a burton,

[ivorantony]

ivorantony

I also endorse those who are pleased you two are OK.

Is your insurance covering the repatriation incorporated into the vehicle insurance or is it a separate policy? I have a reason for asking.

Geoff

They will repatriate on my existing policy, But decided not to at this moment, I’m currently replacing flooring and making good the wiring
Have pushed out the back and have the ns rear door locking,
Tomorrow heading for some DIY supplies to seal and screw everything in sight so we can drive her back albeit slowly,
It would take 3 to 4 weeks to get her back with the likely scenario of many missing personal items when it arrives in the UK,
So one thing I have plenty of is time, so decided to do it this way,

 

[Figaro]

Just be sure it's safe to drive if you think the chassis is twisted, wheel alignment may be affected and brakes compromised ?
Good luck

 

[jongood]

They will repatriate on my existing policy, But decided not to at this moment, I’m currently replacing flooring and making good the wiring
Have pushed out the back and have the ns rear door locking,
Tomorrow heading for some DIY supplies to seal and screw everything in sight so we can drive her back albeit slowly,
It would take 3 to 4 weeks to get her back with the likely scenario of many missing personal items when it arrives in the UK,
So one thing I have plenty of is time, so decided to do it this way,

Each to their own but I think I would be tempted to rent a van and buy a load of boxes and get your stuff back that way and
Let the guys with liability insurance sort the Mh out.

I would be too worried about potential for components that have been stressed in a way they were never designed for failing and causing you more problems.

 

[ivorantony]

Having spent 50 years in the motor trade I quite capable to do this, you raise a valid point but the damage to the chassis is restricted to the chassis extended under the garage and not the main chassis rails,
I have already pulled the two cross chassis inserts back into line,
But I thank you for your concern

 

[Al n Val]

From reading ivorantony posts he seems a pretty capable fella and I for one believe he’ll have the confidence and knowledge to get the vehicle back home.

He’s obviously confident himself or wouldn’t be attempting it

I say well done to him and good luck

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[ivorantony]

Just to be clear if after a test drive I’m not happy then it will be repatriated to the UK,

 

[John Barrett]

O haven't read all f this thread,but please note the famous judgement made many years ago when the Judge said:
"You are entiltled to be placed in the position you were in at the moment before the accident"..
That includes your planned holiday...
I'd get on to it!!!!

 

[PaulW2]

Maybe get yourself on a Santander-Portsmouth ferry? Much less driving distance

 

[Phileas Dog]

Yes unfortunately I’m aware of that possibility, needless to say she is full of personal stuff at the moment, I will endeavour to travel back with her if possible,
I will strip out the garage today to see how extensive the damage is to the chassis while I’m waiting for the insurance to contact me,

We’ve recently been repatriated from Greece, only took out what we could carry as hand luggage to take on the plane. No problems at all with breakdown company, didn’t look like anything had been touched, nothing missing, didn’t even look as if anyone had been inside, but took 5 weeks to get home.Was in storage nearly 4weeks, waiting for Breakdown company to collect
The problem, we needed a DPF sensor, “ not available in Greece for at least 5 weeks”
We had asked in Greece if part could be sourced from UK, told not available.

Back in UK
Breakdown took it to our local MH repairers in UK part ordered, and replaced, back to us in 3days, cost £250.
Absolute nightmare, arranging accommodation flights taxis etc, to get home. holiday/travel insurance LV excellent to deal with, got reimbursed quickly.
MH breakdown, cover with our Comfort policy, company Call Assist, repatriation cover £10,000, exceeded to get MH back to UK and had to pay the excess
Check your breakdown cover, and don’t travel without, repatriation costs very expensive
.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Your very brave doing that but if your on the spot so you know the situation with your van. We all wish you the best of luck with that. It's a pity you can't drive it to Morocco . They would have it fixed in a couple of days.
I think in retrospect you saved the Megane drivers life. If he had hit the barrier at the speed he was doing he would most probably have rolled his car over. It's only a small consolation.
Please post some pics of your repairs and keep us all informed of your journey home.

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[Brains]

They will repatriate on my existing policy, But decided not to at this moment, I’m currently replacing flooring and making good the wiring
Have pushed out the back and have the ns rear door locking,
Tomorrow heading for some DIY supplies to seal and screw everything in sight so we can drive her back albeit slowly,
It would take 3 to 4 weeks to get her back with the likely scenario of many missing personal items when it arrives in the UK,
So one thing I have plenty of is time, so decided to do it this way,

Blimey!
Rather you than me!

But well done of you can get it back on the road.
The local duct tape supplier will be rubbing his hands with glee!

Worth keeping in mind modern cycle lights are very bright and will last for several hours on 3xAAA batteries.
Rather than mucking about with smashed lights, just use bike lights!
(We towed a loaded boat trailer the length of England on cycle lights, no problem at all, probably brighter than the original lights)

 

[Widge]

We’ve recently been repatriated from Greece, only took out what we could carry as hand luggage to take on the plane. No problems at all with breakdown company, didn’t look like anything had been touched, nothing missing, didn’t even look as if anyone had been inside, but took 5 weeks to get home.Was in storage nearly 4weeks, waiting for Breakdown company to collect
The problem, we needed a DPF sensor, “ not available in Greece for at least 5 weeks”
We had asked in Greece if part could be sourced from UK, told not available.

Back in UK
Breakdown took it to our local MH repairers in UK part ordered, and replaced, back to us in 3days, cost £250.
Absolute nightmare, arranging accommodation flights taxis etc, to get home. holiday/travel insurance LV excellent to deal with, got reimbursed quickly.
MH breakdown, cover with our Comfort policy, company Call Assist, repatriation cover £10,000, exceeded to get MH back to UK and had to pay the excess
Check your breakdown cover, and don’t travel without, repatriation costs very expensive
.

I know hindsight is a wonderfull thing, but I think that I would have made some calls to the uk and tried to source the part myself, then had it courriered out express delivery.

 

[ivorantony]

That’s how we came over and it was pretty rough I swear I had sheet burns as I was dragged up and down the bed, It’s certainly an option we will keep in mind,
I have just checked and there is no availability for cabins so it’s not really suitable for two 75 year olds
I don’t mind roughing it but the missus won’t,

This is in reply to PaulW2

 

[Widge]

Blimey!
Rather you than me!

But well done of you can get it back on the road.
The local duct tape supplier will be rubbing his hands with glee!

Worth keeping in mind modern cycle lights are very bright and will last for several hours on 3xAAA batteries.
Rather than mucking about with smashed lights, just use bike lights!
(We towed a loaded boat trailer the length of England on cycle lights, no problem at all, probably brighter than the original lights)

I think I would just pick up a trailer board and wire it in, if you dont already have a socket.

 

[PaulW2]

That’s how we came over and it was pretty rough I swear I had sheet burns as I was dragged up and down the bed, It’s certainly an option we will keep in mind,
I have just checked and there is no availability for cabins so it’s not really suitable for two 75 year olds
I don’t mind roughing it but the missus won’t,

It can be quite rough at this time of year. One can check the forecasts before one decides. But without a cabin I also wouldn't consider it.

And I never do it without ensuring I have enough Stugeron! I remain dosed up throughout even when it's calm.

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[ivorantony]

I think I would just pick up a trailer board and wire it in, if you dont already have a socket.

That’s a good idea, I had to remove the towbar and socket but very simple to wire direct,
Also saves me having to source two reflectors and some where to stick the number plate,

 

[Just smiffy]

They will repatriate on my existing policy, But decided not to at this moment, I’m currently replacing flooring and making good the wiring
Have pushed out the back and have the ns rear door locking,
Tomorrow heading for some DIY supplies to seal and screw everything in sight so we can drive her back albeit slowly,
It would take 3 to 4 weeks to get her back with the likely scenario of many missing personal items when it arrives in the UK,
So one thing I have plenty of is time, so decided to do it this way,

I can fix most things but your a better and braver man then me… good luck and I hope you succeed…

 

[Beltie]

Have you told your insurance company about your plans? If not, I would not expect them to be sympathetic if you had further problems on the way home.

 

[Minxy]

Have you told your insurance company about your plans? If not, I would not expect them to be sympathetic if you had further problems on the way home.

I am also concerned that as the damaged vehicle has been 'tampered with' it could affect the insurance payout/repair costs covered.

 

[nicholsong]

Have you told your insurance company about your plans? If not, I would not expect them to be sympathetic if you had further problems on the way home.

I was going to post the same as to whether you will be covered fully comp, not just Third Party. If they agree make sure you get an e-mail which you can print off.

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[pampam]

I should think insurance will have to cover you tho as you are repatriating the vehicle?

 

[royandsharont]

So sorry to read all this thread, good luck with your plans for getting home.

I seem to recall reading too that after Brexit any insurance claims had to be made in the country of incident and in their language. I remember reading it because it made me think of any difficulties I could potentially encounter if I were the no fault victim in an RTA abroad and had to pursue a claim against the offending driver.

I don’t know if this was correct or not but worth a thought and being aware there may be other hurdles ahead getting recompense.

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

From reading ivorantony posts he seems a pretty capable fella and I for one believe he’ll have the confidence and knowledge to get the vehicle back home.

He’s obviously confident himself or wouldn’t be attempting it

I say well done to him and good luck

I thoroughly reiterate these comments , and as I have no where near the skillset that the OP seems capable of, or am on the spot to assess the situation directly, I have only a few points that might be of consideration.
These are:
1.Who will officially assess that the vehicle is now, in its current state roadworthy and safe to drive under Spanish law and with what official certification?
2. Will the vehicle be complicit and road legal when being driven on the UK roads once returned, and again , under what and who's certification?
3.Will the ferry company allow such a vehicle to board and what certification will they require that in its current state it is safe for it to be transported?
Please, please don't get me wrong, as I genuinely feel for the OP in this tragic and most upsetting of circumstances , and I know that if it was me with my beloved home on wheels and pride and joy, I would want to do everything , and more, to help get her home.
But in today's ever increasing regulations of risk assessments, rule alignments and such, with the best will in the world and all good intentions, I could see a number of obstacles that could cause the OP to come unstuck at some points, or at worse, fall foul of overzealous and discerning officialdom.
Whilst it may not be in the OP's wish to have it repatriated by a third party due to issues beyond his control, it would at least be possibly meeting certain regulations, as in current roadworthyness and legality whilst on a recovery trailer, plus the insurance company will see it in its raw state ready for assessment when back in the UK.
It is a very tricky situation, but one question I think the insurance company may want to ask is WHY the recovery option was not adhered to?
It's there for a reason if it should unfortunately be needed, and I think in this case, it very might well be.
I am in no way an authority on these things, and am only expressing my opinions as to what potential pitfalls MAY lie ahead for the OP on attempting his own recovery, but I most certainly wish him and his passenger a safe progression through this most turbulent event.
I personally would not have coped anyway near what the OP has done thus far.
Good luck to you Sir in whatever you decide upon.

 

[Northernraider]

The driver didn’t appear inebriated to me, and as I was breathalysed I’m sure he was too,
I was busy clamping off a ruptured fuel pipe on the Megane that was pouring fuel into the rear of the motor home, after I had helped my wife over the crash barrier to relative safety I took the chance to isolate my rear battery, all scary stuff
I take my hat off to the emergency services, they where there in twenty minutes, but watching heavy trucks approaching while a good portion of my vehicle was sticking out into the slow lane is very unpleasant to say the least,

That's a Renault laguna not a megane.

Its important when insurance is involved to be accurate. They're good at worming out.

 

[Northernraider]

If you buy another van how would you know it's not been in a similar accident and professionally repaired?

I'd know. I've never seen a professional repair yet on a vehicle that wasn't visible

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[Widge]

Have you told your insurance company about your plans? If not, I would not expect them to be sympathetic if you had further problems on the way home.

I cannot imagine an insurance company agreeing to cover it unless it was proven to be roadworthy, i would imagine that they will insist it needs to be transported back to the UK, if it cannot be repaired locally, in fact I would think it would make sense for the insurance company to get it fully assessed first, that must be cheaper than shipping a vehicle back, only to write it off, either way I cannot imagine that they would agree to temporary repairs made by the owner to enable it to be driven. In fact you may invalidate the insurance all together.

 

[Northernraider]

We’ve recently been repatriated from Greece, only took out what we could carry as hand luggage to take on the plane. No problems at all with breakdown company, didn’t look like anything had been touched, nothing missing, didn’t even look as if anyone had been inside, but took 5 weeks to get home.Was in storage nearly 4weeks, waiting for Breakdown company to collect
The problem, we needed a DPF sensor, “ not available in Greece for at least 5 weeks”
We had asked in Greece if part could be sourced from UK, told not available.

Back in UK
Breakdown took it to our local MH repairers in UK part ordered, and replaced, back to us in 3days, cost £250.
Absolute nightmare, arranging accommodation flights taxis etc, to get home. holiday/travel insurance LV excellent to deal with, got reimbursed quickly.
MH breakdown, cover with our Comfort policy, company Call Assist, repatriation cover £10,000, exceeded to get MH back to UK and had to pay the excess
Check your breakdown cover, and don’t travel without, repatriation costs very expensive
.

You'd have been better flying back to UK yourself buying the part and flying back to Greece with it.

 

[Northernraider]

Blimey!
Rather you than me!

But well done of you can get it back on the road.
The local duct tape supplier will be rubbing his hands with glee!

Worth keeping in mind modern cycle lights are very bright and will last for several hours on 3xAAA batteries.
Rather than mucking about with smashed lights, just use bike lights!
(We towed a loaded boat trailer the length of England on cycle lights, no problem at all, probably brighter than the original lights)

And what about the indicators and brake lights

 

[Captain Yoghurtpot]

I cannot imagine an insurance company agreeing to cover it unless it was proven to be roadworthy, i would imagine that they will insist it needs to be transported back to the UK, if it cannot be repaired locally, in fact I would think it would make sense for the insurance company to get it fully assessed first, that must be cheaper than shipping a vehicle back, only to write it off, either way I cannot imagine that they would agree to temporary repairs made by the owner to enable it to be driven. In fact you may invalidate the insurance all together.

Absolutely!

 

[Northernraider]

The state of the rear end. It's absolute madness to even consider driving that back to the UK. And if the insurance company allow it then it makes a mockery of a vehicle being maintained in a roadworthy condition.

I very much doubt it will be repaired I've seen vehicles written off for much less.

Let the insurance provide a hire vehicle and then take all personal belongs out of it and leave it there to be scrapped or repatriated.

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