AA breakdown cover

[Kwacker]

I am in the process of getting some breakdown cover, and I was wondering if any of you have used/claimed on the AA's breakdown repair cover. Apparently it will pay up to £500 towards the cost to get you back on the road. and you can claim up to 5 times a year.

It sounds almost too good to be true.

Only problem is, if I get the cover I will want the car to break down so they will pay for its repair!

Kwacker

[Roy C]

That's fine if they're not on strike.

[softtop]

I have used it, they do send out engineers to check sometimes and others they just pay up. They pay the garage direct which is also good. There is a £25 excess on each bill

[KillerJim]

There may be a clause in the breakdown cover that excludes certain car's from this cover.. I may be wrong, but I remember reading something about TVR's not being covered in regards an AA "product"

[softtop]

I have it for the TVR and many others do, there is a thing about over 10 years old I think but if you are already on it then ok.

[Zippee]

I have it on mine but haven't had the need to use it yet. Shame really as I had a new clutch last year but couldn't get the damned thing to break and leave me requiring recovery.

Very handy though and from what I've heard theres very little quibble on pay out as long as the rules are followed.

[rev-erend]

I had it when I owned a T350 .. like taking candy from a baby. £60 well spent in my book.

They did not exclude TVR when I had it ..

They pay £475 to garage direct (£25 is your excess)

Only snag with insurance is that car must be broken down .. ie won't move.

So for example - if the clutch is gone .. it's covered
but will it drive (yes) and slips .. not covered. No - cannot engage gear - it's covered.

Aircon broken - does the car drive .. yes (not covered) no the AC unit stops the fan belt from turning and car wont start .. covered.

But I'd say it's well worth the money.

My T350 clutch cost £1000 - £475 paid by the AA and the took the car to the TVR garage I specified (most local one to me).

[WOO5IE]

I have used it for a seized front caliper with no issues.

The AA patrol man didnt even have a look at it they just sent a recovery wagon.

With regards to a slipping clutch I would call the AA and say its not drivable due to a faulty clutch and get the AA to take the car to a garage of your choice. I would argue with them that a slipping clutch is not driveable. You may have to be a little careful on how you report the problem though, I wouldnt says its slipping but faulty A leaking radiator for this purpose is not also driveable.

[Nappler]

Does anyone know what their European Cover is like?.

[Roy C]

Check that your TVR isn't excluded because of it's age.

RAC European Breakdown Cover says: "The Insured Vehicle must also be less than 6 years old* at the start of the Journey (* Vehicles six years old and over may be covered on payment of an additional premium)."
I don't think they like to insure cars over 10 years old (unless you are a member of a club with a special dispensation, like the VSCC).

I'm sure the AA probably do something similar.

[Nappler]

They worked out the premium when the reg number was entered and it says year of manufacture 2000, so I would assume they would have charged any age related premium automatically.