Roadside Recovery Article Discussion Area

MSE_Martin

FIRST READ THE FULL

THE CHEAPEST BREAKDOWN RECOVERY COVER (INCLUDING AUTOAID) ARTICLE

To ask a question or make a comment click reply.

mutley74

I joined Autoaid a few weeks ago, at first i was sceptical, but its the same company as autonational. you can sign up via the phone, and they send you out a little membership booklet, with details on how to phone for help and claim etc. You need to request two books if its a joint membership.
Considering the likelihood of us claiming for a breakdown has been on average just 2 home starts in the past 4 years, its worth the saving.

MJD

I have been with Auto Aid since 1984 when my landlord told me all about them - the premium then was £10 per year then and, like everything else it has slowly crept up.

I have claimed for a breakdown three times - each time was fairly local and so I called out a local firm - paid the driver via credit card and each time the Auto Aid cheque was on the mat within a week - before the Credit Card bill had even been sent.

The fairly recent addition of the customer service number allows you to call a call centre and they will sort you out a garage (useful if you do not know the area) or you can just call out who you like.

I think Auto Aid is fantastic and have recommended it to friends and colleagues - the only problem I find is that it is such a good deal that people tend to think I must be on commission - which I am not - but wish I was.

Several of my friends and family have also claimed - all without problem - including a colleague who broke down on her way back from the West Country to Kent.

They used to produce a little colour leaflet which detailed their service - and I used to get a couple of dozen of them a year to pass a round - however the last time I spoke to them they told me that they had stopped advertising like that and that they no longer did the leaflet - which is a shame.

Motoring peace of mind at a fantastic price. ;D

arniejrim

If you are going to subscribe to AutoNational do it through their website, as they are offering 15 months for the price of 12 for online booking.

I had my renewal notice and it didn't mention this, so I just rebooked it online.

mossie_2

AutoAid is not the only pay up roadside assistance. GEM is the same as AutoAid except there's is £65.50 but homestart is covered up to £60. so i'm swapping

MJD

GEM is the same as AutoAid except there's is £65.50 but homestart is covered up to £60.

I guess it depends on how many times a year you expect to breakdown within a mile of home ::)

panther

Is there a limit on the amount it will pay out for labour costs?

mutley74

as far as i know autoaid has no limits on charges that can be claimed...except for accomodation and onward travel costs e.g. hire car. but is limited to £40 for home starts

marble

One thing to beware of - be careful about companies who use 'local garages' rather than a fleet of vehicles. Many policies say they will try and fix you at the roadside, or else tow you to a garage to be fixed (where labour and parts aren't covered). Where I used to work, we got lots of complaints about local garages just towing people to a garage whether they could be fixed or not at the roadside. The worst example was where a car was towed to a garage, jump started, and then allowed on his way after paying £58 for the privilage. Of course, many other people were more than happy with the service they got.

You get what you pay for with breakdown cover ...

Al

kbeattie

I rang the Autoaid number given in the article but was sent a brochure for Autonational which has its 'all-in' package of £57; no mention of Autoaid.

panther

I rang the Autoaid number given in the article but was sent a brochure for Autonational which has its 'all-in' package of £57; no mention of Autoaid.

They sent me the correct info but I had to ring back to request a copy of their full T&C's.