Cost of AA renewal !! - long standing member

ChelseaGirl

I've just received my AA breakdown cover renewal. Apparently I'm now a Gold Member (whoopee... ) as I've been with them for 9 years. Only problem is that after my 15% discount, the renewal price is £53.31. If I go to the AA website as a new member, Roadside Assistance (which I always have) is just £32.
I've just called them and complained (as I have to do annually *sigh*), and they've said that I can have the Gold Membership for £32 - this apparently includes accident management (whatever that is), 48 hours of European Breakdown Cover (I don't travel to Europe), Family Associates Cover for under 17s (again, whatever that is), Key insurance. Legal Advice - Technical Advice.
I haven't committed to accepting their 'offer' and have said that I will check out other breakdown companies first.
Is this a reasonable deal or should I enquuire elsewhere? TIA x

Sstripey

ChelseaGirl wrote: »

I've just received my AA breakdown cover renewal. Apparently I'm now a Gold Member (whoopee... ) as I've been with them for 9 years. Only problem is that after my 15% discount, the renewal price is £53.31. If I go to the AA website as a new member, Roadside Assistance (which I always have) is just £32.
I've just called them and complained (as I have to do annually *sigh*), and they've said that I can have the Gold Membership for £32 - this apparently includes accident management (whatever that is), 48 hours of European Breakdown Cover (I don't travel to Europe), Family Associates Cover for under 17s (again, whatever that is), Key insurance. Legal Advice - Technical Advice.
I haven't committed to accepting their 'offer' and have said that I will check out other breakdown companies first.
Is this a reasonable deal or should I enquuire elsewhere? TIA x

From what I've read on here while researching my own case (please see above) it's standard practice for the AA to "discount" their proposed renewal fee to the level at which their policy holders suggest they should go. If you find better value cover with the RAC, try the AA with that. Best of luck!

londonTiger

dont renew, just switch between providers every year. Don't even bother to settle on the offer, unless they give you an introductory price all over again.

AA, RAC, greenflag and Autosure as someone above mentioned. Pretty sure there are more. Just switch. I'd personally switch between AA and rac, but do your research and see if the other providers are credible.

Sstripey

This refers to my previous posts in this thread, as I promised to update progress. My reply on 29th November from the AA was disappointing, perhaps predictably. It stated that discount on renewal were sometimes granted to members who telephoned about this within the cut-off period, but that this was never given in consecutive years. Well, well, well! According to many posts I have read on this thread and related ones, some of you get a reduction every year by telephoning, so that would seem to blow a hole in that argument.

The letter also denied me any refund for past premiums on the grounds that I had not telephoned to complain.

I have written back, over four pages this time, to express my opinions again, also enclosing 52 quotations from forums about what is going on with renewals. The AA's letter only answered a few of my points so I have pressed them for a proper reply. I'll keep you all posted as to any further progress.

Bogtrotter

I always get some sort of a deal year after year. The value seems to depend on the operator you talk to. However I never contact them to negotiate a better price. As soon as the renewal letter comes I get on the phone to the cancellations and tell them it's too expensive and I don't wish to renew. During the call they have always (so far) started negotiations to encourage me to stay.

The only thing is that they will change the cover slightly... for example cover just a particular vehicle or change the services a little. I suppose this will weed out a certain number of people who really want a particular cover and are just threatening to leave in order to get a discount.

Over the last few years this method has resulted in renewals 50% to 70% cheaper than the original quote. Of course you may need to be willing to carry out your threat of cancellation.

opinions4u

Sstripey wrote: »

I have written back, over four pages this time, to express my opinions again, also enclosing 52 quotations from forums about what is going on with renewals. The AA's letter only answered a few of my points so I have pressed them for a proper reply. I'll keep you all posted as to any further progress.

While you may be correct in what you have written in your tree destroying essay, the most likely outcome now is a skim of the first two paragraphs and a stock reply which, paraphrased, says "Sorry you're not happy. We can charge what we like. Take it or leave it".

Concise is king. As is taking your business elsewhere.

Sstripey

opinions4u wrote: »

While you may be correct in what you have written in your tree destroying essay, the most likely outcome now is a skim of the first two paragraphs and a stock reply which, paraphrased, says "Sorry you're not happy. We can charge what we like. Take it or leave it".

Concise is king. As is taking your business elsewhere.

Steady on, old boy! I always use double sided paper.

reeac

londonTiger wrote: »

dont renew, just switch between providers every year. Don't even bother to settle on the offer, unless they give you an introductory price all over again.

AA, RAC, greenflag and Autosure as someone above mentioned. Pretty sure there are more. Just switch. I'd personally switch between AA and rac, but do your research and see if the other providers are credible.

A more general point: my contribution to this thread seems to have disappeared - has there been some censorship? I didn't think that I was especially vitriolic about the AA and what I said about their history is available on the Internet.

Sstripey

reeac wrote: »

A more general point: my contribution to this thread seems to have disappeared - has there been some censorship? I didn't think that I was especially vitriolic about the AA and what I said about their history is available on the Internet.

You could try saying it again a different way, maybe, in the interests of making the thread complete. I've had that happen a couple of times when I didn't think I was being vituperative!

scooby75

I'm with Club Toyota. get the full lot - home start, europe, replacement car etc etc for £65 / year (up a tenner from last year but well worth it still).