Car Breakdown Discussion

MikePJ

I've had AutoAid cover for a couple of years now, and only recently have had cause to use it. They sent a local firm out to deal with a flat battery on my car, and whilst the service I received from the technician was fine, the recovery firm was having difficulties with its credit card payment and asked that I leave them my card details so that they could charge the card when their systems came back online on Monday morning. The reclaim process seems to be deliberately a bit awkward - print form from website, fill in, post back - and they did then send me a cheque a few weeks later, which I then had to pay in. Since I only use it rarely, I don't mind this being considerably cheaper than AA/RAC, but I would warn people that there may be some faff involved.

TechnoBadger

Any views please? They seem very cheap for my 5 year old car but I could do with confirmation that if needed they'll be there for me!

mrscairns_2

Hi,
I have a UK policy with Green Flag. I am about to go on holiday to the continent for 2 weeks which I didn't expect when I took out the policy. They have qoted me £37 to upgrade to European cover for the rest of the year (till Feb 15), apparently this is cheaper than a short-term add-on.
Is this my best choice or is there a cheaper way of doing it? (stand-alone European cover?)
Thanks

AQuags1954

I have just taken out basic AA cover at £29.99 via Top Cashback and according to TCB I am due a rebate of £15.75. This makes my membership cost a mere £14.24. Barg!

steadyman

My car breakdowm/rescue & travel insurance both lapse at the end of July as we're changing to a no frills bank account.
Before we got a pay-for bank account I'd found it advantageous to have car rescue & travel insurance with the same company. On one occasion saving a row over who was responsible for a claim.
Has anyone found a company who does a reasonable deal on both policies?
I'm newly retired age 65 & my wife is 57 years. Our car is 6 years old. We would be wanting a multi-trip policy.

TracyD

Are there any breakdown services you can pay for monthly?

Or are they all pay the full amount up front.

den169

TracyD wrote: »

Are there any breakdown services you can pay for monthly?

Or are they all pay the full amount up front.

AA do monthly.

YuriGagarin

I recently received a renewal notice from RAC. I did a bit of research online and found that the precise equivalent level of cover from Green Flag was being offered at 50% below the RAC quote.
When I called the RAC they said I was not comparing like for like and in any case I would have to pay the Green Flag mechanic up front for any breakdown. I didnt believe her and it became obvious she was attempting to rubbish the competition's service and offer a derisory discount if I stayed with them.

Whats the experience of others with Green Flag who have had to call them out?

shakesmyteeth

I've been using AutoAid for 3 years now, but have only had to claim in the last month or so.

My first breakdown was 200 miles from home on motorway services.
The phone call to AutoAid took about 10 mins to get through and the recovery truck took over 2 hours to arrive.
After that it was plain sailing.

I posted my docs off to AutoAid and received my cheque about 2 weeks later.

Unfortunately I had cause to use AutoAid again when my car wouldn't start from home. This time the truck was here within the hour.

I've just got off the phone with AutoAid (13 min), just to see that they've received my claim (I did ask them to acknowledge receipt by email...they don't do that). Anyway, the cheque's in the post.

I'm in two minds as to whether I'll renew....They paid up ok, if they'd take claims online, acknowledge your claim and pay by bank transfer I'd definitely recommend them 100%

Quentin

shakesmyteeth wrote: »

......The phone call to AutoAid took about 10 mins to get through and the recovery truck took over 2 hours to arrive.
.......

Using their helpline is optional.


You can use your own choice of recovery/breakdown provider and phone them direct.