Which is the better option for Breakdown Cover.. AA or RAC?

Jlawson118

I apologise if this is a common question or anything asked on here but I can't really find anything, and I'm wondering what the main benefits of each will be. Now the car that I bought comes with a year's breakdown cover, but frankly with the disappointed service they've given me with everything else, I think I would feel more settled paying for my own because I simply don't trust them.

So I'm new to driving and had my car since August. Although I've been recommended by my family that I need to get breakdown cover. I originally started paying £15 a month for Halifax's Ultimate Reward who use AA, though I found myself unhappy with Halifax and closed the account down. My next plan was to either upgrade my First Direct account to First Directory as they are my main account, but they lack information on that upgrade, so I was thinking of Barclays Travel Pack who use the RAC.

Their pack seems all well and good though, and I'm still considering it, but I was looking direct from the recovery services in which for an extra few quid a month, offer a lot more than what the banks do (I know the banks are giving away other services at the same time and that's why it's cheaper)

Anyway, my step dad told me that the AA is based more on the person no matter who's car you're in when it breaks down, and the RAC is more for just your car. Both offer the same services and for similar prices (With the AA being just short of £1 cheaper per month)

Right now I'm thinking of the AA and then it doesn't matter who's car I'm in if something happens, and they also offer more benefits with their membership, the RAC have good reviews too so it's a tight one..

Any advice? Who are you with, what are they like?

forgotmyname

Banks are not giving away services, your paying £15 a month for it?

I dont pay £15 pm for the top level RAC cover which also covers my caravan. Which adds a few £ onto the standard premium.

You need to trawl through the terms and conditions to see what clauses they have on vehicle age and distances etc etc etc.

RobbyD

i have the barclays RAC cover and i get unlimited callouts including homestart but i think thats about it

it also covers me rather than a specific vehicle.

However the Barclays cover i have is an account benefit which i dont think is the same as a "travel pack" you mention

Giddypip

Go through somewhere like Quidco and get some money back.

walwyn1978

Find out the cheapest price for both, ring them both up and haggle to get it cheaper, then make a choice. They're both about the same overall.

The usual advice on here is to look at ADAC,

worried_jim

https://www.adac.de/ All the way.

Laz123

Having spent 3 hours stuck in Cannon Street and watching the start and finish of the London rush hour waiting for the AA to turn up I'd recommend the RAC.

bob_a_builder

https://www.adac.de/ All the way.

I thought AutoAid was the default recommendation here

https://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk/

Covers driver in any car

Used myself, was repaid promptly

Ebe_Scrooge

I've been with AutoAid for years, can't fault them. As above, they cover you - and legal spouse, if you have one - in any car.

poppasmurf_bewdley

You need to check whether the deals offered by the banks is just 'breakdown' or 'recovery'.

Breakdown means whoever comes out to you will give you half and hour and if they can't fix it will take the car to the nearest garage.

Recovery means that if your car can't be fixed, you and it will be taken to a destination anywhere in Britain.

My son and I found this out the hard way when his clutch went near Carlisle and I had to drive up and tow him back to Worcestershire.

Also, I would recommend Green Flag Breakdown over the AA and RAC anytime.

iolanthe07

Which is the better option for Breakdown Cover.. AA or RAC?

Neither. Both are run by venture capitalists these days and nothing like they used to be when they were run by motoring enthusiasts. As above, you're better off with Autoaid, Green Flag or any of the others, imho.