AA - is it worth renewing?

vertex

Hi all. I just got my renewal notice through from the AA (£56). I work from home, so seldom need to use the car. Occasionally I drive up to see my folks on the M4. Apart from that I don't really use it much. The only reason I would renew it is through fear of breaking down on the motorway and have to pay to be towed away - but how much would this be? Is it hundreds of pounds? I've been with the AA for 2 years now, and not needed them once. Although I bet if I do cancel it Ill break down next week! I suppose what Im wanting to know is how much - in a worse case scenario - would it cost if I did break down on the M4?

Keith

My friend was towed off the motorway and it was extremely expensive, I can't remember the exact figure. He's now got breakdown cover. Have a link http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1068773/Drivers-hit-Labour-motorway-tow-fees-rocket.html

Before renewing check you don't get cover with your bank account/car insurance.

motorguy

vertex wrote: »

Hi all. I just got my renewal notice through from the AA (£56). I work from home, so seldom need to use the car. Occasionally I drive up to see my folks on the M4. Apart from that I don't really use it much. The only reason I would renew it is through fear of breaking down on the motorway and have to pay to be towed away - but how much would this be? Is it hundreds of pounds? I've been with the AA for 2 years now, and not needed them once. Although I bet if I do cancel it Ill break down next week! I suppose what Im wanting to know is how much - in a worse case scenario - would it cost if I did break down on the M4?

Use Martins guide on the main board to get the best deal for you - you'll get it for half that i'm sure.

Hammyman

vertex wrote: »

I suppose what Im wanting to know is how much - in a worse case scenario - would it cost if I did break down on the M4?

£150 statutory recovery charge for recovery on a motorway if you're not a member of a recovery service regardless of what company did the recovery. The Police will get your car recovered regardless of whether or not you want them to if you've been there 2hrs.

ariba10

Like all insurance.

We want the cheapest when we buy it, and the best when we need to call upon it.

pitkin2020

You a money back site and you'll get it for half that, it always seems cheaper to buy a new policy than renew. There is no benefit to renew over getting a new one.

sassy_one

I have always found going with your insurance company only costs £2-3 for simple basic cover (not home cover) might be worth a check?

vertex

Thanks. I phoned up and cancelled my cover - they don't make it easy! The lady said she had cancelled it and I took note of the cancellation number. She was reluctant to give me her name, call centre location or any sort of reference which was very suspicious. Has anyone else had experience of them saying they've cancelled it, and then debiting your card anyway?

reduceditem

vertex wrote: »

Thanks. I phoned up and cancelled my cover - they don't make it easy! The lady said she had cancelled it and I took note of the cancellation number. She was reluctant to give me her name, call centre location or any sort of reference which was very suspicious. Has anyone else had experience of them saying they've cancelled it, and then debiting your card anyway?

Go to your bank and check that the dd has been cancelled. In fact all you needed to do was cancel the dd, there was no need to phone them.

Anyway, you are now free to get Roadside for £35 with a £20 M&S voucher (or Boots, don't remember which it is at the mo)

vertex

Hmm, I just looked on my online account and no DD has been setup. I must have paid on my credit card. Are they able to debit my credit card, and if so, can I tell the bank to disallow payment to them?

Oneday77

You've called to cancel and have a cancellation number it will be fine.
If they were to debit you it would be paid back straight awAy just keep an eye on it.
However you cant cancel recurring payments setup on a cc without going through the company you set it up with.
Which is what you've done.

Recovery wise shop about there are more that the AA and Rac out there