Breakdown cover

EdGasket

Quentin wrote: »

Doubting Thomases can read their TS + cs online at their website before buying

I have, I didn't see anything. However it doesn't make sense to recover a car if the costs of doing so are greater than the car's value.

EdGasket

Grouchy wrote: »

RAC told me they are more expensive than AutoAid because AutoAid charges you for roadside assistance labour costs. Is this true?

Thanks

AutoAid charge you and then you claim it back. The 'roadside' assistance is very limited; changing a wheel or a jump start in most cases because they just send out a recovery lorry. You can, however call out your own service so long as the cost does not exceed a certain amount that they will reimburse.

alderpoint

Grouchy wrote: »

RAC told me they are more expensive than AutoAid because AutoAid charges you for roadside assistance labour costs. Is this true?

Well what would you expect the RAC to say?

With the AA/RAC, if they send one of their own patrols they will commonly try to fix your car at the roadside, and then if they can't do that they'll call out a truck to recover you.

The discount operators' method is "lift-and-shift": they send a recovery truck by default, and get you off the road and to a local garage for repair (which you would have to pay for) or recover you directly.

In 30 years of motoring, I estimate I've called a breakdown service every 5 years on average. I can <i>never</i> recall a breakdown which could have been successfully fixed at the roadside.

EdGasket

alderpoint wrote: »

In 30 years of motoring, I estimate I've called a breakdown service every 5 years on average. I can <i>never</i> recall a breakdown which could have been successfully fixed at the roadside.

I have to disagree there. I have had the following fixed at the roadside by the AA and RAC but which I would never expect AutoAid to fix:

1) Wiper linkage seized on a Fiat
2) Ignition module change on a Rover 216 (Honda engine)

As I maintain my own cars, I have not had many callouts. I had to use AutoAid to recover my Mercedes when the crank sensor went. The service was Ok apart from using the anti-roll bar to drag the car up onto the truck; they should have used the towing eye but at the time the driver insisted i stay in the cab 'for health and safety'! Anyway AutoAid paid the recovery charge after about 10 days and I can't really blame them for the manner in which the car was recovered; fortunatley no apparent damage anyway.

Ebe_Scrooge

I agree that AutoAid do tend to take you to a garage rather than trying to fix anything other than simple problems at the roadside. However, what I do like is that they'll take you where you choose, not just to the nearest garage. A couple of times I've had to use them, I was about 50 miles from home on one occasion. They took me to my local indy guy who I trust completely, and who conveniently happens to be a 3 minute walk from my house. So in situations like this it's really handy being able to tell them where you'd like to be taken - the car is left with someone you know and trust, and you can walk home and have a cup of tea whilst he sorts it out :-)

scotsbob

robbies_gal wrote: »

i use start rescue they use the nearest breakdown company to come get you 6 calls outs a year no upfront pay for 35 pounds national relay and home cover

Hmmm the StartResuce service "will transport you to a garage for repair, your home or your original destination whichever is nearer"

I guess in most cases you and your passengers just get taken to a garage.

Quentin

EdGasket wrote: »

I have, I didn't see anything. However it doesn't make sense to recover a car if the costs of doing so are greater than the car's value.

Why?


Autoaid is insurance for roadside rescue cover, nothing to do with the value of the vehicle to be recovered.