Question re:AutoAid and Breakdown cover

justdaj

Hi all,
I've been researching Breakdown cover. According to the MSE website AutoAid is the best for fully comp cover. However I'm confused. My (perhaps traditional) idea of breakdown cover is that someone will come to your aid if you break down. Depending on your level of cover they may attempt to get you back on the road, or tow you to a nearby garage, or take you home.

AutoAid seem to offer the same, but do you pay for the roadside repair/tow and then claim it back from AutoAid?

I thought that when you paid your membership, the costs were covered -- but AutoAid seems different. There's very little detail on their website to help me. I'm just basing it on comments people have made on the forum. e.g. Their claims process has got better!

Any help appreciated.
Thanks

forgotmyname

I think their terms have changed since it was so highly recommended which was some time back now.

I think they were taken over and now operate the same as other breakdown companies.

Someone should be along to clarify that.

Quentin

They used to be "pay and claim".

They now are just like the others - you don't pay and claim any more.

From the Autoaid website:

Important changes to your AutoAid policy
With immediate effect you are no longer required to pay for the breakdown assistance services provided by this policy and then reclaim them from AutoAid.
If you require breakdown assistance please call our 24 hour helpline on 0800 328 4439 or 01277 720700. AutoAid will deal directly with the recovery agent regarding any costs and you will not be required to pay the recovery agent at the roadside.
The procedure described on Page 8 of your Policy Booklet (Claims Procedure) no longer applies to breakdown assistance services.

justdaj

I've found a recent Tweet from AutoAid, which confirms they are not a 'pay and claim back' service now.

We've had few messages asking if Autoaid is still 'pay & claim back' service? Answer: No. We directly arrange for your

justdaj

Sorry, I can't post a link to the Tweet as I am a new user and the forum apparently does not allow that!

:shocked:

EdGasket

So does that mean they have withdrawn the option to use your own, preferred breakdown company and claim the cost back? (This was definitely an option before the takeover as I had used it)

Quentin

EdGasket wrote: »

So does that mean they have withdrawn the option to use your own, preferred breakdown company and claim the cost back?......

You need to get clarification on this now from the horses mouth!


(ie Bearing in mind it is no longer a pay and claim insurance type operation, you need to get clarification (you can rely on) before you need a call out - if you instruct your own preferred breakdown company without clarification then you could end up paying for their attendance and not getting reimbursed, meaning your subscription to Autoaid is a waste of money!)