RAC Patrol & Breakdown Cover

Notrealname123

Have had a really bad experience with the RAC and looking for any advice.

The short story is I have had an unsatisfactory services provided by the RAC patrol exacerbating a simple electrical problem and they then would not provide cover without receiving an £85 call out payment. Tried many attempts to resolve the matter, I have had no reply from their team as yet.

The long story is my son broke down in my vehicle and did not have breakdown cover. I am a Motor Mechanic but live 400 miles away from where he was so in the panic I called the RAC and they took a one off payment to attend. The Patrol told my son he replaced an earth strap but could not get the vehicle to start. I upgraded the policy to include free call out and nationwide recovery. I had a local auto electrician do a call out and simply replaced a fuse, got the vehicle running again in 5 minutes flat. There was still an issue with the lights and wipers not working though so I called the RAC back. They wanted to charge me to attend and if required an extra £850 for recovery?

I arranged my own recovery at a fraction of the RAC quote and got the vehicle back home. I noticed the N/S/F splash guard had been removed and placed in back of vehicle so went to put it back on. This is when I noticed the Earth strap the Patrol man had fitted was insecure and a terrible fix. I addressed this and hey presto all the lights and the wipers worked.

I understand that the cover these companies provide is actually just an insurance service so when you talk to someone they have no technical knowledge but when their 'technician' does not have any knowledge either it beggars belief!

I am well out of pocket but the question is do you think I am due a refund for what I have payed the RAC?