RAC continuous c/c price query

Somerset

Unfortunately I had a car problem and decided to join a rescue outfit to get immediate assistance. Went with the RAC (was all a bit fraught) and was quoted £145 for basic which included, I think a £125 premium as there was an immediate call out. I accepted as I needed the help - no query with that.

What puzzled me was, as the cs went through the blurb, I heard the continuous payment authority bit and I stopped him, saying I didn't want/accept/agree to the continuous authority - I just wanted to pay the £145 now, by credit card. At that point after referring to his manager, the price went up to £157 odd (I haven't had the paper-work yet, it only happened yesterday).

I asked the cs why it had gone up, I'm buying the same product, paying by the same method (c/card) ? His response was I was just buying a year's cover ??

Anyway I accepted the higher premium as I was stuck. But is this correct ? I had a look tonight at their website and when buying it says under the payment section :
In order to ensure continuous cover I authorise RAC to charge my card with the amount of my annual membership each year until otherwise instructed by me
I couldn't go any further without actually buying - so if I don't tick the above box would the premium have been increased as it was over the telephone with me last night ?

Somerset

Does anyone know whether this is standard with the RAC ?
- Buy basic product
- pay for basic product by credit card with continous authority for price A
- pay for same basic product with same credit card without continuous authority - price becomes A plus £12 ish.

forgotmyname

You should have said yes to the card payment and just made sure you cancelled it at the right time next year.

I setup continuous payment but they couldnt take any money the following year because my card had expired.

They called me and i gave them the new number, Sorted.

Somerset

forgotmyname wrote: »

You should have said yes to the card payment and just made sure you cancelled it at the right time next year.

I setup continuous payment but they couldnt take any money the following year because my card had expired.

They called me and i gave them the new number, Sorted.

I've read too many horror stories about the RAC 'losing' cancellation phone calls/letter's. Plus you can't cancel a continuous authority, only the retailer can, and the RAC have had 'issue's'. Btw a cancelled or expired card can still be charged - the c/card simply come after you for the arrears.

Still wondering if :
a) It is correct what they did - the cs rep seemed not to know what to do when I refused the continuous authority.
b) I guess they don't have to justify the additional charge. It's take it or leave it.

Might give them a call when I'm bored to see if they say it is correct. I'm just not 100% sure the guy knew his onions when I signed up.

[Deleted User]

I understand that with a continuous payment authority setup on a card, the company you are paying can still take payments from the account even when the card is expired or cancelled. As it goes off the account not the card itself. Only way to get rid of one is to close the account.

Rolandtheroadie

Signed up with the RAC for a good price with cashback and accepted the continuous payment. I'll give them a call in the morning and see how easy it is to stop the auto renew.

forgotmyname

Maybe its because my card was cancelled by the bank. Someone had tried to open a newlook account using my card number.

I am very very careful who/where i use my card. Gets limited use. I use paypal mostly.