Ridiculous 192% increase AA breakdown renewal

iolanthe07

The problem is that organisations like the AA & RAC have been bought out by venture capitalists, and are no longer owned mutually by their members. This has led to underhand scams like doubling the premium after the first year and hoping people will not notice. A sad reflection on some aspects of modern life. I first joined the AA when patrol men (and they were always men) had motor bikes with sidecars and saluted a member if they saw the metal badge attached to the front mudguard. You felt part of a motoring club then; people who would help you out without ripping you off in an age when cars were not as reliable as they are now.

I would never join the AA or RAC now. There are plenty of much less expensive alternatives.

The_AA_Company_Representative

ultron333 wrote: »

I've had breakdown cover for the last 20 years and usually pay around £100 a year.
The AA were always too expensive but last year I was offered annual cover for £70. I snapped it up.
I've just had the renewal through which said I "pay by continuous annual payment" and I don't have to lift a finger to let it get renewed at £204.46!!! That's an increase of 192%!
So I called them this morning around 8am. They took ages to answer after I had selected "press 2 if you're thinking of leaving the AA".
The man from the AA raised his voice, argued with me and verged on being aggressive.
I pointed out I hadn't even called them out and he said the benefit I receive for that is "SEVEN callouts a year instead of FIVE"!
I've called breakdown vans about four times over the last 20 years!
Why the hell would I need SEVEN callouts a year ?!
..
He eventually said "the internet price is £124". So I confirmed "Oh, so I don't have to pay £204.".
He said "Yes ".
I told him I still wanted to cancel (for the fourth time) because I thought the AA were dishonest because they rip off people who don't have the time or energy to shop around.

Hello ultron333, we're sorry to hear you felt the call handler was being aggressive during your call to the AA. We would like to address this for you. Please email the details to chat@theaa.com including your full name, address and membership number with Reference FOR85767. Thank you, The AA

PennyForThem_2

ultron333 wrote: »

He eventually said "the internet price is £124". So I confirmed "Oh, so I don't have to pay £204.".
He said "Yes ".
I told him I still wanted to cancel (for the fourth time) because I thought the AA were dishonest because they rip off people who don't have the time or energy to shop around.

So I too have a £214 'quote' for renewed membership and I have been loyal for 25 years.

Why is it that the OP gets areduction to the internet £124.99 but all they can do for me is knoock off relay with a slight discount? Where is this equitable? I rang this week too!

And yes, the retentions guy appealed to my better nature but at the end of the day we loyal members are subsidising new members or those (like op) who manage to get new member equivalent deals.

Why should the AA (or RAC) be treated any different from when I go on a comparison site to get car insurance/house insurance deal?

(All quodos to OP who refused to take the offered deal btw).

bod1467

My renewal arrived in the post today - they want £144 ish this time. (As if).

Time to get ready to call them for the renewal dance again tomorrow. (I got it from £130 ish last year to £78).

Hoof_Hearted

Just never renew. You need to shop around every year. If you just like the big boys, yo-yo every year for the best deals.

shammyjack

The_AA_Company_Representative wrote: »

Hello ultron333, we're sorry to hear you felt the call handler was being aggressive during your call to the AA. We would like to address this for you. Please email the details to chat@theaa.com including your full name, address and membership number with Reference FOR85767. Thank you, The AA

I see you are prepared to address the call handlers aggression but totally fail to comment on your policy of huge increases in cost on auto renewal and no discounts for customer loyalty !

Buellguy

shammyjack wrote: »

I see you are prepared to address the call handlers aggression but totally fail to comment on your policy of huge increases in cost on auto renewal and no discounts for customer loyalty !

Having worked on the phones before I'd love to hear the call from OP, just wondering how much was the handlers aggression and how much was OPs - cos I can guarantee that 95% will be from OP, all call handlers know that their calls are listened to on a regular basis and to be as aggressive as OP is suggesting would normally be a reason to dismiss

bod1467

AA wouldn't budge below £115 for the renewal. BYEEEEE!!!

(I spoke to a "manager" and she said it was a business decision to no longer offer "double discounts").

Nearly_Old

Rather than start yet another thread thought that I would add my latest renewal saga to this one:

Past renewal history:
2011 Renewal quote: £162 Actual payment: £113.
2012 Renewal quote: £185 Actual payment: £114.
2013 Renewal quote: £196 Actual payment: £119.
2014 Renewal quote: £201.61 Revised quote: £164.99.

Exisitng cover: Couple, Relay and Home Start - Home Start has been free (complimentary) for the last 10 years due to >40 years membership. Personal membership as we run 3 cars.

Phoned and was told that discounts had been reduced to those being offered to new members joining via the AA's website. Pointed out that on the website a Couple with Relay is £144.69 and only increases to £164.99 when Home Start was added. Asked why the free Home Start has been removed and just got told that £164.99 was the lowest available price so stopped the auto renewal, emailed the Customer Support and will try and find someone who can answer the question.

pc1271

I refuse to play their games. I find the best quote and if it's not them, just phone and cancel. Yes, I might be missing out on something a little cheaper than the other best quote, but I really don't want to phone and plead with them to give me the sensible price. it gives me a little satisfaction, anyway.