AA or RAC Breakdown cover?
AA or RAC Breakdown cover?
Author
Discussion

JayHeal

Original Poster:

265 posts

174 months

Monday 12th March 2012
quotequote all
From peoples experience which should i choose?
Thanks Jay

joust

14,622 posts

282 months

Monday 12th March 2012
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I've always used RAC for 15+ years and found them excellent if a bit pricey for EU cover. I now get god-knows-what with my current account so no longer a member alas, but fortunately I've rarely rung them.

J

JayHeal

Original Poster:

265 posts

174 months

Monday 12th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks. After owning my noble for 6 months I thought it was about time i got some breakdown cover!!!

AMG Merc

11,955 posts

276 months

Monday 12th March 2012
quotequote all
I doubt you'd notice any difference between the two services from a technical or call out perspective.

Regarding differences isn't it the case The AA have their own vehicle fleet and the RAC doesn't, preferring to subcontract out. And doesn't the AA cover you for any vehicle and the RAC requires that you list each vehicle detail?

honestbob

316 posts

257 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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It's YOU that's covered with the AA.

I've been a passenger in a friends car that broke down. He had no cover so
I phoned and the AA came to our rescue.

F.C.

3,899 posts

231 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
quotequote all
I've used my bank account card "free membership" for AA relay a couple of times.
Bank freebie can be useful and relativly cost effective if you use all the services provided.

MrB1obby

771 posts

173 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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I've only been with RAC before. Cannot fault them whatsoever. I got it on an offer...£6 a month which covers YOU, so any vehicle you happen to be in they will come out, fix it if possible, if they can't fix it they will either take you to a garage or home.

The one time I had to use it, they were with me in less than 25 minutes, fixed the problem and then followed me home and we sorted out the paperwork there. But to be honest, my house was only about 5 miles away from his so it wasn't a 'big' thing.

Highly recommend RAC.

Spindoctor

848 posts

223 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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I've been with the AA for a long time. Called them out for the Noble once last year when a tyre valve blew out while driving. Was a Sunday afternoon - the guy turned up within 10 mins. I said that was fast, he said he'd taken the call instantly and raced to me because he was so excited about seeing a Noble. Real petrolhead and very decent guy. Had to take him for a pax ride once it was sorted. He fell in love (with the Noble, not me) and said he was going home to tell his g/friend that he was selling his 400bhp Corsa and saving for a Nob.

Its not the company that matters - its the individuals that work for them.

joust

14,622 posts

282 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
quotequote all
AMG Merc said:
Regarding differences isn't it the case The AA have their own vehicle fleet and the RAC doesn't, preferring to subcontract out. And doesn't the AA cover you for any vehicle and the RAC requires that you list each vehicle detail?
You can chose - with the up-to-three-cars covering anyone that happens to be driving them. In that respect I think RAC is more flexible than AA depending on your requirements.

Hollowpockets

5,909 posts

239 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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Always used RAC and they've been great, got the TVR recovered to Coventry from Aberdeen twice and one short distance recovery.

Recently switched to AA as it came free in Uk with my house insurance. Hope to never need it!

Blu3R

2,380 posts

222 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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RAC here. Only used them once in the last 6 years and that was for a puncture on the motorway (tyre was knackered by the time I'd stopped and no spare). They were very good, no complaints. I'm also covered personally, not just for a/some car(s).

I have a friend who works for RAC, if anyone wants to sign up PM me.

mgbond

6,749 posts

255 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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AA for me, they also do the parts break down cover that allows you to claim up to 5 times a year at £500 a pop. It covers almost everything more than a warranty. The only issue is that you have to have called them out for a claim.

I have used this many a time on the Noble and they have covered a fair few bills for me wink

Bondy

mr2turbo300

406 posts

266 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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I switched between the two of them a couple of times because of cashback, and the RAC never paid without loads of calls, the AA paid no probs every time. These days, I ring the AA when they send me an inflated renewal, tell I'm leaving and they knoeck it back to the intro deal.


RobP

2,097 posts

264 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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mr2turbo300 said:
I switched between the two of them a couple of times because of cashback, and the RAC never paid without loads of calls, the AA paid no probs every time. These days, I ring the AA when they send me an inflated renewal, tell I'm leaving and they knoeck it back to the intro deal.
+1 really don't know why they bother, as I do this every year. I guess they are just hoping that folk are too busy to query.

AMG Merc

11,955 posts

276 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
quotequote all
I flip over to The RAC when I have enough Tesco vouchers as they do a £1 = £4 multiple on the fee smile

rjo64

209 posts

208 months

Tuesday 13th March 2012
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Always been with the AA. Have had to use them 3 times already this year!! Have had a few drivers go the extra mile to get the car fixed. Cover including home start and comes with our Lloyds platinum account for £17 a month this also includes travel and phone insurance.

Lecher24

197 posts

170 months

Monday 17th June 2013
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AA member for 20 years, (had a TVR previously so lots of experience...!) and the service when it mattered was always spot on. Having said that, they are bloody expensive for short term European cover so I have just bought Green Flag cover for Le Mans.. £28.

AMG Merc

11,955 posts

276 months

Monday 17th June 2013
quotequote all
I've found each to be as professional and helpful as t'other. I see-saw between whichever of them offers me the cheapest deal year on year. Just tell each what the other offered and they'll do you a deal wink

Remember to order a low-loader flat-bed if you need transporting and always go for Relay or equivalent - an excellent service I've only needed with the Nob due to the dreaded, and long since fixed, melting throttle cable condition.

2.5bluenob

1,620 posts

199 months

Monday 17th June 2013
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rjo64 said:
Always been with the AA. Have had to use them 3 times already this year!! Have had a few drivers go the extra mile to get the car fixed. Cover including home start and comes with our Lloyds platinum account for £17 a month this also includes travel and phone insurance.
Be careful how many times you call, from memory five times in two consecutive years and you get raped!
That happened to me.

mgbond

6,749 posts

255 months

Monday 17th June 2013
quotequote all
2.5bluenob said:
Be careful how many times you call, from memory five times in two consecutive years and you get raped!
That happened to me.
This is true, I get charged a sur charge of £60 every year but then I call up and get it waived.