breakdown cover

newlife2019

I have had an unfortunate experience with Auto Aid, car breakdown company who was recommended by Martin Lewis last year - they certainly offer cover at a good price - it was £40 last year and was £60 when I renewed this year. I have not called them out except for one call I made on what must have been the hottest day of the year in August, when I became stranded in a remote countryside area with very poor roadside directions. I was using Google Maps but lost the internet signal. The call handler refused to help me with finding my way because I had not broken down. So I complained and the complaints team were totally unsympathetic... so much for their policy of 'customers always come first' ... so if you're thinking of using them, remember that you will not receive any assistance in cases that fall outside their policy :-( Unfortunately, the policy expires next July but I've lost trust in them and will feel unsafe when out in my car. It doesn't seem fair that I've paid for cover but don't wish to stay with them and I won't get a refund - has anyone any suggestions?

Farway

So what is your complaint? You got lost & expected them to help?

Here's a tip, carry a paper map, the AA publish a large scale cheap one

Car_54

If I've understood you correctly, you complained because they refused a service to which you weren't entitled.
You're quite likely to get a similar response from the bigger and more expensive operators.

Scrapit

newlife2019 wrote: »

I have had an unfortunate experience with Auto Aid, car breakdown company who was recommended by Martin Lewis last year - they certainly offer cover at a good price - it was £40 last year and was £60 when I renewed this year. I have not called them out except for one call I made on what must have been the hottest day of the year in August, when I became stranded in a remote countryside area with very poor roadside directions. I was using Google Maps but lost the internet signal. The call handler refused to help me with finding my way because I had not broken down. So I complained and the complaints team were totally unsympathetic... so much for their policy of 'customers always come first' ... so if you're thinking of using them, remember that you will not receive any assistance in cases that fall outside their policy :-( Unfortunately, the policy expires next July but I've lost trust in them and will feel unsafe when out in my car. It doesn't seem fair that I've paid for cover but don't wish to stay with them and I won't get a refund - has anyone any suggestions?

So you didn't breakdown but got lost? And you thought the breakdown people were the ones to solve your woes? Why?

flashg67

I hesitated to respond here because I can't add anything positive. What thought process goes from 'I'm lost', to 'I'll ring my breakdown company'
I'm sure customers do come first - but only for the service they offer. Should I ring Plusnet if I lose my mobile phone in a pub?

couriervanman

newlife2019 wrote: »

I have had an unfortunate experience with Auto Aid, car breakdown company who was recommended by Martin Lewis last year - they certainly offer cover at a good price - it was £40 last year and was £60 when I renewed this year. I have not called them out except for one call I made on what must have been the hottest day of the year in August, when I became stranded in a remote countryside area with very poor roadside directions. I was using Google Maps but lost the internet signal. The call handler refused to help me with finding my way because I had not broken down. So I complained and the complaints team were totally unsympathetic... so much for their policy of 'customers always come first' ... so if you're thinking of using them, remember that you will not receive any assistance in cases that fall outside their policy :-( Unfortunately, the policy expires next July but I've lost trust in them and will feel unsafe when out in my car. It doesn't seem fair that I've paid for cover but don't wish to stay with them and I won't get a refund - has anyone any suggestions?

Are the schools on holiday again.........seriously you expected them to give you directions:rotfl::T....best laugh i've had all day

couriervanman

flashg67 wrote: »

I hesitated to respond here because I can't add anything positive. What thought process goes from 'I'm lost', to 'I'll ring my breakdown company'
I'm sure customers do come first - but only for the service they offer. Should I ring Plusnet if I lose my mobile phone in a pub?

"I hesitated to respond here".......because you were gobsmacked,thought it was April 1st, or just national stupidity day

Norman_Castle

newlife2019 wrote: »

has anyone any suggestions?

Not a polite one.

ThemeOne

Surely this is a wind up.

Clive_Woody

I had a similar experience when I phoned up RAC and asked them to book me a holiday in Crete. They were no help whatsoever. I complained, but to no avail.

I now have car breakdown cover with the TV Licensing agency who I am assured are excellent.

daveyjp

OP and everyone else you need to download 'just three words' app to your phone as a priority.

Whilst car breakdown is inconvenient, the app would help and it could save yours or someone else life.