Car Breakdown Discussion

faddy

1+1=3 wrote: »

Slightly suspicious that 4 posts over the last 2 pages, all saying how great AutoAid are, are all from first time posters. company employees?

But they're not all saying that are they? Especially AUDITOR...

SpideressUK

Gimmoo wrote: »

Been with AutoAid for several years, but only just had cause to use them. Very happy indeed. Recovery vehicle turned up within half an hour. Very competent, efficient and friendly driver. Delivered vehicle to garage of my choice. Only downside is that AutoAid would not cover cost of transporting us back home so we were stranded at the garage! MSE website should make it clear that AutoAid only deliver to ONE destination. Therefore, if they take your car to the garage, then it's up to you to get yourselves home from there. Otherwise highly recommended - especially at that price.

From what I understand most companies with "onward travel" only deliver you/your car to one destination. That is why I use a garage within walking distance of home.

timbo58

Another +1 for autoaid here and despite my classic bike policies having 'free breakdown' and driving a brand new car I still renew year on year.
I've used them once to be recovered on a classic bike, - the free bike repair/recovery told me they couldn't attend for 4 hours (on a B road with my GF at night) Autoaid's agent (sos bike recovery who were also excellent btw) turned up in 30 minutes or so, recovered us home and I was repaid within 14 days in full, the premium has risen £2 in 5 years.

AA & RAC? you must be joking!

smudger1964

I have joined these people http://www.startrescue.co.uk/annual-breakdown-cover
Havent had to use them yet for a breakdown but the reviews seem very good and the prices are good too and you dont have to pay when you breakdown and claim back the money either like some

melbury

I tried to phone AutoAid today as we had a puncture on the way from home from a hospital appointment.

I only have a PAYG mobile and each time I phoned just got a message saying "all of of advisers are currently busy."

Haven't considered this before, but could be a problem if you only have a bit of credit on your mobile (which I normally do).

I will endeavour to get some useful numbers written down, as I believe you are permitted to contact somebody direct without going through AutoAid themselves. Can anyone confirm this please?

My OH certainly gave his heart a good test this afternoon - first the treadmill at the hospital and then changing the wheel and having to put lots of air in the spare with a foot pump:(

Norman_Castle

I can't find it on their site but I beleive you can find your own mechanic. This says "In case you need help arranging assistance".
http://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/about_us/contact_us.php
If you find info on their side please add a link to it on here.

0800 numbers are free from giffgaff mobiles. Not sure about other providers.

melbury

Norman_Castle wrote: »

I can't find it on their site but I beleive you can find your own mechanic. This says "In case you need help arranging assistance".
http://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/about_us/contact_us.php
If you find info on their side please add a link to it on here.

0800 numbers are free from giffgaff mobiles. Not sure about other providers.

Thanks for the information. When I clicked on your link it does actually show a free phone number if you breakdown and yet when I phoned them earlier they said they didn't have one:(

Just phoned them to clarify about the 0800 number and apparently it is NOT free when called from a mobile phone, in fact probably dearer than using the landline number!

I have been trying to find some breakdown people to have the numbers to hand. Trouble is I am confused now - if it says breakdown & recovery, does that mean they are only interested in towing you back to their garage to fix the car?

For something small, do they attempt repairs by the roadside? Or it is only the main providers like RAC, AA, Green Flag etc that offer this service?

den169

melbury wrote
I will endeavour to get some useful numbers written down, as I believe you are permitted to contact somebody direct without going through AutoAid themselves. Can anyone confirm this please?

I emailed them about this because i know in the past you could just ring your own mechanic etc.
Got this reply
Hi ideally you need to contact our control center for recovery, at the time of needing recovery you could discuss this with recovery.
So you probably still can,But you still have to ring first.

Norman_Castle

Just phoned them to clarify about the 0800 number and apparently it is NOT free when called from a mobile phone, in fact probably dearer than using the landline number!

This depends on the provider. With giffgaff 0800 numbers are free. https://giffgaff.com/index/pricing

Unhappyexcustomer

I have no experience of their ability to get you home or repair as Iv'e just cancelled my cover with this organisation.

I joined on-line with cover starting 24 hours after paying.

You need to be very aware that THERE IS AN EXCESS OF £40 FOR EVERY CALL OUT.

This is not made very clear when choosing cover and the site lacks transparency when trying to establish what the XS is for.
Unfortunately I thought the XS cover ( under additions ) did not relate to breakdowns.
My mistake ... don't let it be yours as they even charged me a CANCELLATION FEE.
As I say they may be a very good co. when faced with a breakdown but I find it hard to trust a co. that apply conditions that are so hard to find 'at point of sale'.