What rights do I have in relation to preventing a service auto-renewing?

j0123

This relates to The AA specifically. Have been a customer for over a decade, realised recently that the annual fee has gone up and up, found that it's a racket that they're well known for running, so cancelled the direct debit and intended to renew by card only if they'd give me a competitive price.

Accidentally missed the renewal date (actually got to it on that day, but their website already said that I had no active policy, so..).

Got a quote on their website - at £150-ish it was £200 less than their renewal quote for the same service (!), so went with that and paid by card.

Noticed during the process that they "will automatically renew", and that "prices may increase at renewal". I take that to mean that they'll take £350 next December if I let them, so I want to cancel the auto-renew to be safe.

There doesn't appear to be any option to turn off auto-renew or delete a payment method online, so means a call to them. Just to be prepared then - do they have any obligation to turn off auto-renew if requested this far ahead of time?

FlaatusGoat

It's great that you're being proactive about this! According to The AA's policy, they do allow customers to opt out of automatic renewal. You can do this by logging into your account and following the link to "Manage, view and renew," or by contacting them directly1.

Since you're well ahead of the renewal date, they should be able to assist you with turning off auto-renewal. It's always a good idea to confirm this with them directly to ensure there are no surprises.

DullGreyGuy

j0123 said:

Accidentally missed the renewal date 

Which is why auto-renewal is a good thing as a safety net but you should shop around and compare to new customer quotes before the renewal date. 

Have known two people have a mid-high 5 figure debt because they'd turned off auto-renewal, forgotten about their car insurance and had a nasty accident whilst uninsured. 

Jaybee_16

I turned off auto renewal on the AA website. Cannot miss the renewal date as the renewal pack arrives in the post at least a month before renewal date.

Wyndham

Why do you want to stick with the AA?

This is worth a read: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/car-insurance/breakdown-cover/

Personally, I've been with Start Rescue for a few years now, and am paying significantly less for the same service.

Brie

I suggest that you take a screen shot of the autorenewal showing as off and if you ring them to make a not on your current policy of date, time and who you talk to.  I had this with RAC and they still autorenewed and it took me 4 months to get a refund.  

DullGreyGuy

Jaybee_16 said:

I turned off auto renewal on the AA website. Cannot miss the renewal date as the renewal pack arrives in the post at least a month before renewal date.

Other than the OP admitted that they did miss it

born_again

Brie said:

I suggest that you take a screen shot of the autorenewal showing as off and if you ring them to make a not on your current policy of date, time and who you talk to.  I had this with RAC and they still autorenewed and it took me 4 months to get a refund.  

If you have proof of cancelation. Then just ring bank for a chargeback. No need to wait the 4 months.

GDB2222

I recently got emergency cover from Emergency Assist, at a cost of £36. That's on a car that is 18 years old.  Usually, I add breakdown cover to my car insurance, and that costs £50 or so.

Why are people paying the AA hundreds?

j0123

Thanks for the advice all, much appreciated! Have found the form that I missed on their website and filled it in, should be getting confirmation back in a few days.

Went with AA again because they've been pretty good when I've needed them, just kind of a shame that they can't be trusted with a direct debit! (Or perhaps just naive of me to assume that they could be

Although - it definitely sounds as though there's a good case for some shopping around at renewal time next year

born_again

j0123 said:

Thanks for the advice all, much appreciated! Have found the form that I missed on their website and filled it in, should be getting confirmation back in a few days.

Went with AA again because they've been pretty good when I've needed them, just kind of a shame that they can't be trusted with a direct debit! (Or perhaps just naive of me to assume that they could be

Although - it definitely sounds as though there's a good case for some shopping around at renewal time next year

They do not offer DD on breakdown cover. 
Only continuous payment authority which is a different beast. 👍