Beware: RAC auto renewal even though letter received saying otherwise

KittenChops

I received a renewal letter from the RAC stating (in 5 different places on the first side of A4) that in order to renew, I would need to contact them with new payment details. I didn't contact them but they auto renewed the policy and debited my account, causing me to go into an unauthorised overdraft and incur a charge of £15.

I called them as soon as I realised which was a day or two later. The explanation I was given was that my debit card had expired mid policy and although my bank had provided them with replacement details, there was a disconnect somewhere which resulted in the incorrect letter being sent out.

To give them their dues, they arranged a refund for the premium which hit my account in less than a week and said I should call them once I knew what my bank would charge me for going overdrawn.

My bank have since advised that they’re charging me £15 (my first EVER bank charge / late payment fee) so I’ve tried to call the RAC so that they can honour their agreement to reimburse me but whichever number I call, I’m told it’s the wrong department, even when it’s a number they’ve given me or transferred me to, and I’ve been told the only way I’ll get the £15 back is to raise a complaint. So nice one RAC, I had no intention of complaining but I have now via the website!

Anyway… if you’re an RAC customer and you've received a renewal letter saying your policy can't be renewed without new bank details, please check your bank account just in case they’ve taken it anyway.