The AA 'gold membership, what it is??

I spoke to someone who worked for the AA and each year when a policy is due to be renewed, they put the price up by a few quid.

I was told that 50% of people never check their direct debits or statements and the AA get the higher price then.

But 99% of the time if you phone up to queery it, they will drop it back down to last years price.

Had my renewal through from the AA today, and they want £268.15 for two of us.:eek: Neither of us have called them out for the last year.

I had the same "gold" membership card crap, doesn't seem to provide much extra. They wanted to nearly double my membership from what I paid last year (online offer is nearly half what the renewal cost)

So I phone them up saying I wasn't prepared to pay that price and after them giving me the blurb about I was covered for this and that blah blah and what great cover it was blah blah they offered me cover for the "reduced price" of £40. When I pointed out it was only £32 online she said she'd have to go away and talk to someone... spent 10 minutes waiting... she finally said it ok and would sort it out at £32.

She then went on a long sales pitch where I got barely get a word in going on about extended cover and household cover blah blah blah almost had to hang up on her.

What a pain. I'm seriously considering whether to cancel for good next year and go with an organisation less... pushy.

I don't think I will be a member much longer if this is the way they treat customers!

Like others, we were informed that we have been "upgraded" to GOLD and our premium increased from £161 to £340-ish for a family of 4 at the same address. SO, the wife rang, told them to stuff it, and they came down to £211. They also pointed out that we could get 2 days free European cover 3x a year. So, some payback then. Well, NO!!! Called them up to activate and book, having already checked cost online (£83 for 13 days travelling in France) only to receive quote of £131 - Outrageous. Asked the lady to deduct Parts & Labour and it reduced to £91. Asked her to deduct 2 days free cover and she said it had already been deducted. I asked for 2 days reduction off the £83 I was quoted online. She said I could not have both. Either I took her telephone quote or I could book online which included a 30% discount.

So, do I feel like a valued customer - like hell I do!
(1) The premium we are paying for GOLD has gone from £161 to £211
(2) At no point in my conversation was I offered European cover without Parts & Labour until I specifically asked.
(3) I could have got the membership for £211 online with a £10 Amazon voucher (probably only valid for baked beans or similar)

I will certainly be looking elsewhere next time after many decades of membership. I understand some bank accounts offer inclusive Breakdown cover, which works out cheaper, even after the annual fee.

Tread carefully, in my opinion, or you end up with some nasty stuff on your sole!