AA or RAC?

rkh001

Both hubby and I drive old cars and therefore need this sort of breakdown cover. I called the AA out about 5 times last year. But because I have been with AA ever since I have been driving, I feel nervous about changing over to RAC who are a little bit cheaper.

Any advice?

rkh

halloweenqueen_2

I thought I would do this - when the rac cover came through there weren't as many benefits as I got with the AA, to get the same it would have cost me quite a bit more, so I cancelled and went back to the AA. However I think there is a much cheaper alternative out there - I seem to remember something that Martin spoke about on one of his programmes, not sure if it was green flag or national breakdown, might be worth doing a search for it.

rkh001

I see what you mean Halloweenqueen. The AA had sent a renewal quote of £176.50. Just rang them and asked why the internet price is a lot lower (about £127.00) than what I have been quoted. He promptly reduced it to £128.00 - saving of about £50.00. Goes to show, worth asking the question.

rkh

anniestar

We were with the AA but due to the rudeness of the person when I was attempting to renew and upgrade we went to the RAC. Never regretted it and now that we discovered this site we have used our Tesco clubcard vouchers to "pay" for our membership.We also feel the need to be members of an countrywide rescue society as our car is very old and we are totally rubbish with regard to car problems(to call us clueless would be a HUGE compliment)

Anastacia

Autoaid - details are on this site.

I paid £32 in June which cover purchaser & husband/wife (not partner i notice)for 12 month recovery/roadside repair in ANY vehicle. If you breakdown you call them & a local pick up & mechanic come to sort you out. You get a bill from the local mechanic & pay it & then claim from autoaid. I received my cheque within a week. I mentioned it to the mechanic & he says he uses it too ( i assume when he is on hols he doesnt take his tool kit with him), they are the best. So far i have hafd two recoveries in twop differnt cars, one claim for £186 & one for £45. Money is back from them before you have to pay the cc bill.

Can speak highly enough about them, just one more of the excellent things i have found on this site.

Jolinar

I used autoaid and will never do so again here's the link to my thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=267543

I've used both the RAC and AA in the past and found them both to be very good.

rog2

Annie, The AA is no longer the organisation that it was 10 - 15 years ago. I have been with the AA for 25 years, but am seriously considering changing. I rang them, last year, for some legal advice, only to be told that they no longer offer this. Also, my membership included European Cover - now they tell me I must do that separately. In short, they are now just a financially orientated operation and your highly commendable loyalty to them will not be reciprocated. I see no reason not to change if a cheaper alternative is available.

barnaby-bear

rkh001 wrote:

Both hubby and I drive old cars and therefore need this sort of breakdown cover. I called the AA out about 5 times last year. But because I have been with AA ever since I have been driving, I feel nervous about changing over to RAC who are a little bit cheaper.

Any advice?

rkh

I have swapped every year back and forth to get the new rather than renewal price usually online discount rather than phone,
https://www.quidco.com you'll get £15/20 back from RAC/AA

by far the cheapest way for RAC is using
tesco deal vouchers - every tesco pound worth 4 so for £20 get £80 worth of membership plus make sure you search for nectar/promo codes to get points

Green flag are cheaper but they use local garages, it's patchy and wasn't good they are on quidco too though.

I really am cheap. Personally I've preferred RAC over AA slightly but much of a muchness.

livinginhope

We had been with the AA for years,but after following Martin's advice,we went with GEM auto assist,cost us 92/year for joint personal membership,so ANY car you are in is covered,the vehicle age doesn't matter and the size restrictions mean almost anything is included.We had need to call them out a few weeks back,came in 23 mins fixed car in an hour,brilliant service would recommend them to everyone.
Forgot to add that this cost includes home start and relay plus for the 2 members on any car.

newleaf

I can recommend Green Flag (used to be National Breakdown).
https://www.greenflag.co.uk

pudding06

rkh

i'm with the aa and my oh is with the rac. when he broke down in a really difficult and dangerous place in rush hour the police asked who he had rang rac or aa, when he said rac they said thank god - theyre much better and prompter!! so i wouldnt worry about changing.

also i've had green flag european and uk breakdown and both were excellent when i broke down in my old car. ( and they were very cheap at the time)

Pudds