AA taking payment out of direct debit even though membership was cancelled years ago

chris105

I cancelled my AA membership over 3 years ago, however to my horror I noticed they have been taking a payment every year for the past 3 years. Now I deleted my direct debit instruction. What should I do, can I get a refund ????

Who is at fault here, myself for not cancelling the direct debit, or that AA for taking money out of my account ??

Any advice much appreciated.

Many thanks,
Chris

[Deleted User]

Depends on whether you really cancelled the membership or not.

chris105

I most certainly cancelled and joined directline. Either ways they have not sent me any documentation or new membership cards during this period.

[Deleted User]

Then you should be able to claim it back. Write to them with any evodence you have of cancelling it.

chris105

OK thanks, will I get a refund for all the payments over 3 years ?

elsien

Sounds like a continuous payment authority rather than a direct debit. Did you cancel it directly with the company, or just with the bank?

chris105

I just deleted it from my bank account online. It says direct debit on the bank statement. Is there a difference between continuous payment and DD ? and how will it affect me getting a refund ?

grumbler

If you really deleted it in the bank account online, then it was a DD.
If AA reinstated the DD without your authorisation, you can easily claim all money back from the bank under the DD guarantee.

EDIT: I see you deleted the DD recently, not 3 years ago. In this case you still can possibly resort to the DD guarantee, but AA can chase you for the money unless you can prove the cancellation with them.

chris105

Hello Grumbler,

I deleted the DD today. They are displayed on the bank statement as:
Direct Debit to AA Membership
Ref: XXXXXXXXX

stator

Cancelling your direct debit does not constitute cancelling your membership.

chris105

You may be right, just called the AA who informed me the my membership is not cancelled. Went thru my papers in 2013 they had sent me renewal papers, I called them back and told them I had cancelled my membership a year ago, they agreed and informed me that I will no longer receive any documenation. In spite of this they took a payment for 2013-2014. .... this is getting worse !!!!