RAC Battery scam?

OddballJamie

marvin wrote: »

Why have you not written this all down and asked the RAC about it? Detail that the things you have here and ask them politely is this correct, that you would not be covered if the car broke down again before it was fixed etc if you did not accept the battery from the RAC.

Write the RAC a nice polite letter and see what they say, expect nothing if you get something it is a bonus.

I've heard a similar thing from the AA when the alternator on a car we had went. AA charged the car on the roadside and we chose to take it home rather than a local garage.

He said that they aren't allowed to come out to same problem twice within a certain time if you don't get the original issue fixed. Didn't see a problem with this, why should they keep coming out because you ignore their advice on having a car repaired.

straas

I'm not sure how the fitting or 'coming out in an expensive van' are relevant? That's exactly what I spend my annual premium on, no?

I genuinely wouldn't even expect a mobile mechanic to charge nearly £100 for a battery fit, even when including his callout fee.

I didn't search for batteries online as I wasn't sure that was the issue, and I was fielding calls from work for the duration.

I'm aware that products often cost different prices, but RAC purport to offer a 'free' fitting service of batteries where required by their members - I think it's reasonable to assume that the batteries would be supplied and charged at close to the RRP, especially considering RAC have a contract with the battery company.

I'm aware that it got me to work. and up and running etc. etc. but that's precisely what I consider the annual fee to be for - not to have to pay double the going rate for parts needed!

It's annoyed me as it seems like they're taking advantage of motorists in need - there's not exactly much choice in the matter when it happens to you!

lemontart

sometimes a premium is what you pay when you need or want some NOW.

You were given a choice and made it, yes pricey but the choice was yours. And of course fitted and checked for you too so not that bad. No waiting in for delivery or getting a lift to halfords or such like, not getting mucky hands doing your self and struggling to get the connectors off. no having to go to tip to dispose of legally and so on.

OddballJamie

What brand and battery did they fit?

custardy

online prices dont relate to this
What is the price in a bricks and mortar shop in your local area?

OddballJamie

custardy wrote: »

online prices dont relate to this
What is the price in a bricks and mortar shop in your local area?

That's why I'm asking which battery it is. Can find out the RRP and what price somewhere like Halfords charges. As the discounted internet price will be below RRP.

Same goes for ECP, if you reserve items online and collect in store they are 20-30% cheaper than walking in off the street to buy stuff.
(unless you're trade)

AndyPK

Doesn't seam unreasonable to me.

Less than £100 fitted.
You wouldn't get one fitted for less than £50. For sure.

straas

The battery in an exide excell eb440

I'm not saying I'd expect it fitted for that price - everyone seems to be getting hung up on the added value of fitting, and checking?

In my eyes, the fitting and checking etc are any breakdown companies requirements after the annual fee is paid?

nobbysn*ts

straas wrote: »

I'm not sure how the fitting or 'coming out in an expensive van' are relevant? That's exactly what I spend my annual premium on, no?

I genuinely wouldn't even expect a mobile mechanic to charge nearly £100 for a battery fit, even when including his callout fee.

I didn't search for batteries online as I wasn't sure that was the issue, and I was fielding calls from work for the duration.

I'm aware that products often cost different prices, but RAC purport to offer a 'free' fitting service of batteries where required by their members - I think it's reasonable to assume that the batteries would be supplied and charged at close to the RRP, especially considering RAC have a contract with the battery company.

I'm aware that it got me to work. and up and running etc. etc. but that's precisely what I consider the annual fee to be for - not to have to pay double the going rate for parts needed!

It's annoyed me as it seems like they're taking advantage of motorists in need - there's not exactly much choice in the matter when it happens to you!

£30 fitting fee if you're not a member. Put your reg, in and click on yes/no for the membership option. http://www.racshop.co.uk/car-battery.html

JimmyTheWig

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

which part is the scam?

A battery being cheaper somewhere else isn't a scam.

I think the scam is where the RAC man said "this battery was ... about £96.99 everywhere".

I don't know if the RAC policy covers fitting new parts. If, for example, you happened to have a new battery with you would they have fitted it for free for you?
Though even if they would have done, you didn't have one. It is pretty clear that they wouldn't have come back two days later when a battery from the internet arrived at your house.

But would they have taken you to Halfords so you could buy a battery and then fitted it for you? I honestly don't know. If so, how much would the battery have cost there? (or Kwik-Fit, or wherever else you could have got one locally)