RAC - Is there anything I can do?

Glitterari

I expect this is probably in the wrong section, so please move it if it is, but as DFW is my 'base' I thought I would post here initially as I know everyone on here is full of brilliant advice.

Story:

March 05 I purchased some basic RAC cover for the year online and paid using my credit card. I knew that it was up for renewal in March this year and I was expecting them to send me a renewal pack, which I never received if they did. I thought it would not be renewed unless I say so.

Yesterday, got my credit card bill for the month and found out that they took money for this years membership, that was back on 24th March. I was annoyed as when I renewed my car insurance I took out breakdown cover with the insurance instead so I have no need for this RAC cover.

So I phoned them last night, spoke to a couple of people in an Indian call centre with v english sounding names and said I wanted a refund as I never requested for the renewal. In the end they said I couldn't have a refund because I had to reply within 14 days to cancel the renewal (even though I stated I hadn't received it - which I hadn't) and the 14 days was up. Was also told that when I signed up for it online over a year ago I apparently agreed to the money being taken off each year unless I tell them otherwise...which quite frankly I cannot remember that bit so long ago!

All they would do was cancel the policy and that would create a 'credit' on my account that could be used for someone else or myself if I take up cover with them again. This credit is for 11 months cover, as I've already had one month's worth of cover.

Is there anything I can do - I don't know anyone who would want to use the credit and give me the money and I know I won't be going back to them. I would much rather have the money that's left back. But the 'computer says no'.

Any advice would be v appreciated.

C x

blt

This happened to a friend of mine a few year's back. She wrote a letter to the customer care team stating that she and all her family members would not renew in future if the money wasn't recredited to her cc. They paid up!

Emmzi

Agree with BLT. Have a strop, but have it in writing. They can't prove you got renewal papers, so why should you have to pay?

Glitterari

Thanks for the responses guys - I did think I would need to write to them about it.

I will do. Thanks again

Carly

houseboatdream

Hi

I had exactly the same problem with the AA earlier this year. I sent the renewal docuemtns back to them (didn't copy the letter - big mistake!!) and at first they refused to refund. They alleged that they never received them back.

I wrote to the chief executive of the AA, had to write three times (they just ignored the first two letters, recorded delivery) and threaten them with referral to the Financial Services Ombudsman. They paid up - full refund to credit card.

I have learnt that this is the danger of a "continuous authority" on a credit card, its very hard to cancel.

By the way, Tesco breakdown insurance you can cancel at any time giving 7 days notice.

Good luck and keep at them,

Houseboat.

xmaslolly76

Rac are normally pretty good but you need to speak to the customer care team based in bescot 01922 721313 i believe this is the switch board number they are alot more flexible and have more authority than there indian counterparts.