Speaking to one of my neighbours and he was telling me the problems his Son is having regarding an insurance payout...........

Short version,

His Son was taking his car to Drive around Europe, Drove onto the ferry parked and locked up the car.

Then went up deck for something to eat, during the crossing the sea got a bit choppy,

So before the ferry arrived at the port of call he went down to his car, only to find that during the bad crossing another car had moved and banged into his causing damage to the rear quarter panel.

So neither the Ferry company or the other vehicle insurance companies are accepting liability, they are trying to make out that it was an unforseen accident and putting it down to an Act of God .........

Just something i never thought about until he mentioned it. and the only reason the subject came up was because i was telling him i will be taking my car to Ireland next month .........

Might take the wife's car instead ....

If you could prove neglegence - ie if his handbrake was not applied firmly then he may have a case. Was any other car damaged or did any other cars move about? 

He did say a few other vehicles had moved , but he never went into detail ........

when ever I have been on a ferry or seacat, my vehicle has always been strapped down. Whoever strapped the other vehicle down did not do a proper job = ferry company liable.

My understanding was that all vehicles have to be strapped - to avoid vehicles being tossed to one side of the boat and a roll over occuring

I'm crossing the channel in the summer for the first time, I'll ask god for calm seas, or at the very least for the loading doors to be closed propperly!

 

When I bought my last car, (Maserati 3200) I went to Belfast to buy it and came back on the ferry over to Stranraer, all they did was chock the o/s/f wheel, I asked if it should be strapped down, and according to the guy who was chocking the wheels said, no, they only chock the wheels unless they know it's going to be a rough crossing, then they'll strap them down.

Sounds like they can't be bothered to do them all! 2003 Vogue 4.4V8
1991 Retro-style Mini

Mind just lock your doors by key not remote, choppy crossing could set your alarm off .... But if anyone know's better feel free to jump in .......

A friends company Passat was badly damaged coming back from the outer isles and the ferry company said "act of God".

Turns out they were responsible as they should have strapped all the vehicles down as the weather got worse.

Ian

used cross channel ferries since 1985 on very regular basis traveling to germany. the only time i have ever seen cars straped in was on a hover craft in the early 90s

all tht time i have never thought about cars being straped and i have endured some stupidly bad crossings (the kind that make you feel sick hours after getting to dry land)

the company usualy tell you to put hand brake and engage gear

did the other car driver do that i wonder

act of god is a bit of a cop out though 02 Range Rover HSE Zambezie silver 4.4

I thought they stopped the ferries if the seas are too choppy or is that just across the channel? I have been stuck a couple of times at Calais when the seas were too rough.

Bring back the hovercraft I say

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cyq0M4WhW9s