SUMMER is the time to soak up the sunshine in a stunning convertible – but always keep an eye out for gathering clouds.
A sudden downpour can seriously devalue a drop-top – and, worse, the water damage may not be covered under an insurance policy.
If you’re looking around for a second-hand convertible, always ask to check all the interior electrics, such as radio, window operation, and so on – anything that doesn’t work could be a tell-tale sign of the car having been left roof-down in a quick cloudbursts.
And if you already own a stunning roadster, ensure that your motor insurance cover is adequate.
One of Britain’s top insurers, Swinton, points out that forecasters are promising another summer scorcher, and sales of convertible cars are going through the roof – some four per cent of new cars can now go topless, compared to just one per cent 10 years ago.
But Swinton says do not drop the roof it there is even the slightest chance of rain.
Car interiors, sat-nav systems and stereos can be seriously damaged if convertible cars are caught short in a shower, so Swinton’s motor insurance team is advising drop-top owners to think twice before going topless if there’s even the slightest chance of rain.
Some policies, the firm says, do not cover damage caused when a car has been left unattended with its roof down.
Chris Collings, Swinton’s insurer development director, says: “Convertible drivers need to be aware that they are taking a risk if they leave their car with the roof down.”
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