Breakdown cover: RAC, Green Flag or AA?

emuzeg

These seem to be the best 3 companies out there. All their reviews are mixed. Online with Green Flag I got a quote for basic cover of £37.10. RAC starts from 29.99 but then adds over 100 'new member fee'. Would green flag do this too?

I just want a basic package that will town me to nearest garage if they can't fix by side of road, what would you advise? What should I look out for? Loads of hidden charges and catches?

Thanks in advance!

xbrenx

We were with Green Flag years ago - when we had to call them out, they took us to one of their favoured garages, it wasn't one of our favoured garages.
Then, until recently we'd been with RAC since 2000, when renewal notice came, checked it against AA and AA was much cheaper for the same cover.
Haven't had to call out AA yet so can't compare there but with the RAC, they towed us to our regular mechanic when they couldn't fix it at the roadside.
In summary, I wouldn't use Green Flag again, it's a choice between RAC and AA (IMO)

corrag

I get the AA basic cover free with my Lloyds Current account. Have called them out twice and they have been brilliant. Once I'd run out of petrol :embarasse (but in my defence the gauge was broken). Second time my tyre went flat and the road was too busy for me to attempt to change it. Both times they had me back on the road within an hour, plus they phoned me to let me know they were on their way and how long they would be. It was really reassuring.

The other good thing is that you are covered, not the car so you can break down as a passenger and they will still come out to you.

wealdroam

OP, have you read the MSE article on this subject?

Remember you can use Tesco Clubcard points with RAC.

emuzeg

Thanks for all the help! I have gone with the AA and the £19.19 cashback via Topcashback. Had to do driver cover rather than car because car is more than 10 yrs old, but still a good price. Hope the cashback works!

So if my partner is driving for example and we break down, how does this work since only I am covered? Surely if I ring up then sit in the driving seat it would be fine!?

wealdroam

emuzeg wrote: »

So if my partner is driving for example and we break down, how does this work since only I am covered? Surely if I ring up then sit in the driving seat it would be fine!?

Well their FAQs say...

Will you come out if I'm the passenger rather than the driver?
Yes, regardless of your type of cover, with AA Breakdown Cover you are covered as the driver or passenger. If you have cover for you (Personal membership) this applies for any vehicle. If you have cover for your car (Vehicle membership) we will come out to you as the driver or passenger of the vehicle you registered when you bought cover.

emuzeg

That's great, thanks!

Contessa

I've had very good service from the AA, including two recoveries. At these times I said that the fee was worth every penny to me. I was impressed some years ago when my car cut out on the motorway just a few miles from home. AA came and, to my embarrassment, the car just started straight away. Adding to my embarrassment the AA man insisted on following me home as "something made your car stop". When we arrived ( and I really hoped none of the neighbours were looking and thinking "why doesn't she get a decent car?") he inspected the engine again and found and rectified the fault.

karlie88

I have been with AA for a number of years now; never had any problems with them when I have had to call them out.

At the moment, Quidco/AA have £21 cashback for the roadside assistance; making the overall policy only £9! :beer:

[Deleted User]

Best to find cover that will tow you to your garage of choice or home so you can arrange your own garage/repair. Their favoured garages are always a rip off and they string you along and fob you off as they know you are stuck 50 miles away from home.