The AA - unimpressed.
Discussion
There was a thread on this recently but I don't know where it's gone.
Recently had my renewal letter through for my AA membership - for roadside, home start & relay, and joint membership it came to £206.50. This seemed a lot of money, so checked on their website.
The exact same thing on their website comes to £138.25
Rang them to investigate.
Listening to their menus was like ringing Orange - "if you are thinking of leaving the AA..."
. Spoke to somebody who put me straight through to their "retentions" department On hold for a couple of minutes, and then before I really gave any details I was told that she would "talk to her supervisor" - what about I have no idea! After about 10 mins on hold she told me they could do it for £144.something.
I queried why this was still more than the web price. She just said "Mmmm, well we've put that through for you". I said, "What, at £138.35?" - "No, at £144.??". When pressed she said it was because I was getting lots of extras - 2 extra "free" callouts per year, offers, etc.
Basically the stuff on the website that comes under the heading "loyalty rewards for AA members".
These consist:
So, just a warning. I am sure all the breakdown companies are as bad as each other, but don't assume your DD renewal will be black and white, they are playing the "mobile phone operator" game where you have to barter with them or they will screw you to the wall.
Still toying with cancelling my cover and defecting to RAC or Green Flag. Last tiem I called them I didn't get an AA guy anyway! Who knows, the "retentions" dept might give me more money off
Recently had my renewal letter through for my AA membership - for roadside, home start & relay, and joint membership it came to £206.50. This seemed a lot of money, so checked on their website.
The exact same thing on their website comes to £138.25
Rang them to investigate.
Listening to their menus was like ringing Orange - "if you are thinking of leaving the AA..."
. Spoke to somebody who put me straight through to their "retentions" department On hold for a couple of minutes, and then before I really gave any details I was told that she would "talk to her supervisor" - what about I have no idea! After about 10 mins on hold she told me they could do it for £144.something.I queried why this was still more than the web price. She just said "Mmmm, well we've put that through for you". I said, "What, at £138.35?" - "No, at £144.??". When pressed she said it was because I was getting lots of extras - 2 extra "free" callouts per year, offers, etc.
Basically the stuff on the website that comes under the heading "loyalty rewards for AA members".These consist:
- AA Legal Helpline - got that with my car insurance
- AA Technical Helpline - doubt they can tell me anything the internet can't
- 15% discount on AA service & repair - which I will never use
- 2 Additional call-outs Free - didn't realise there was a limit! And hardly "free" if I have to pay an extra £70!
- Best deals on AA insurance products - which are uncompetetive to begin with
- £60 off Virgin wines - Yes, I choose my breakdown cover based on free booze...
- 30% discount on Fuel assist - not likely to misfuel as I don't have and have never had a diesel car
- Free Glass' Car valuation - don't need the AA to tell me my cars are worthless!
So, just a warning. I am sure all the breakdown companies are as bad as each other, but don't assume your DD renewal will be black and white, they are playing the "mobile phone operator" game where you have to barter with them or they will screw you to the wall.
Still toying with cancelling my cover and defecting to RAC or Green Flag. Last tiem I called them I didn't get an AA guy anyway! Who knows, the "retentions" dept might give me more money off
NiceCupOfTea said:
There was a thread on this recently but I don't know where it's gone.
This one?http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Or the other ones?
I'm paying around £188 for Relay and Home Start with the AA, (Member since 1977)....but that's for four...Me, Mrs WR and two lads.....I don't think that's too bad, (less than £1 pw each).....but I will query next renewal.
Whenever I HAVE used them been 100% happy, prompt, polite and always got me on my way.........
Whenever I HAVE used them been 100% happy, prompt, polite and always got me on my way.........
It's not just the prices that are a piss-take with the AA.
In my brother's car going down the M1, had literally gone about 2 junctions before his car broke down. Called the AA, and after an hour and a half waiting, they turned up with a big flat bed transporter. Preceeded to drive us to the next junction, where they dropped us off at a service station, and told us to wait for the repair man. So we had to wait another 30 minutes for a repair van to come out and have a look at it.
Once he had discovered that the car was f
ked (technical term) he told us that my brothers level of cover only allowed a tow to the nearest garage (which was closed due to the time) or back home. He then told us that home was actually too far away according to their rules, so it would have to be towed to a garage, and because there wasnt one open, we would have to leave the car at the service station until it could be towed.
He then got in his van and drove off - leaving us with a fked car, stood in a service station. Thankfully, the service station manager didnt mind us leaving the car there overnight (the AA bloke had already driven off at this point, so it was a good job it was ok.)
Got home thanks to a lift from a mate, and my brother checked the terms in his agreement, which stated he was entitled to a tow home from anywhere in the UK. He complained about this not being the service he received, he got an apology letter, but no refund.
st service from a st company.
In my brother's car going down the M1, had literally gone about 2 junctions before his car broke down. Called the AA, and after an hour and a half waiting, they turned up with a big flat bed transporter. Preceeded to drive us to the next junction, where they dropped us off at a service station, and told us to wait for the repair man. So we had to wait another 30 minutes for a repair van to come out and have a look at it.
Once he had discovered that the car was f
ked (technical term) he told us that my brothers level of cover only allowed a tow to the nearest garage (which was closed due to the time) or back home. He then told us that home was actually too far away according to their rules, so it would have to be towed to a garage, and because there wasnt one open, we would have to leave the car at the service station until it could be towed.He then got in his van and drove off - leaving us with a f
ked car, stood in a service station. Thankfully, the service station manager didnt mind us leaving the car there overnight (the AA bloke had already driven off at this point, so it was a good job it was ok.)Got home thanks to a lift from a mate, and my brother checked the terms in his agreement, which stated he was entitled to a tow home from anywhere in the UK. He complained about this not being the service he received, he got an apology letter, but no refund.
s
t service from a st company.soad said:
NiceCupOfTea said:
There was a thread on this recently but I don't know where it's gone.
This one?http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Or the other ones?
Doesn't say anywhere that it's an introductory offer.
RAC show the same thing at £107.63. Green Flag site isn't helpful and can't see how to add more than 2 cars. Would rather have me+wife covered rather than the cars.
It's not so much the taking the piss with the pricing and hoping nobody will check, it's them acting like they're doing me a favour giving me "loyalty benefits" (which I don't want) and charging me half as much again for the benefit!
I think I will probably get rid. And that is after 12 years with them.
miniman said:
EU_Foreigner said:
Getting Green flag free as part of my credit card. Cancelled RAC, nice saving 
Right up until you break down 
OP - get yourself signed up with Britannia Rescue.
fk that! I have enough of that when I get insurance!I want personal cover, not car cover. RAC seem to do that so will go with that I think.
Not sure why mine is so expensive though, just relay/homestart for 2 people
They do this to me every year. Load the premium with everything I didn't have last year and post me the renewal for silly money.
A two minute phonecall and insistance that they match the online price or I walk does the trick every year.
I can see why they do it, given that many people don't even open their post or check their bank statements, but I do agree that it's a bit of an insult to try and blag existing customers.
A two minute phonecall and insistance that they match the online price or I walk does the trick every year.
I can see why they do it, given that many people don't even open their post or check their bank statements, but I do agree that it's a bit of an insult to try and blag existing customers.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff