RAC automatic Renewal RipOff

oldagetraveller1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860891#Comment_81860891

That's my only reason for using the RAC personal cover. They have no vehicle age restriction, similarly the AA. I own a 1962 Classic so I'm covered when driving that or my daily use car.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861037#Comment_81861037

They would be in breach of card regulations if they did that too many times. Which could lead to a massive fine by FCA for exceeding % of declines on genuine payments.

Unless you had previously told the CC to cancel any auto-renew.

mickyduck55

Just logged into my account "Auto renew" was set by default, now turned off.

flaneurs_lobster

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861037#Comment_81861037

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81864741#Comment_81864741

I've seen suggestions that the regulator insists that auto-renew be enabled on new motor policies (which I'm aware is not the subject of the OP) to reduce the incidence of inadvertent uninsured driving when the policy ends, and that removing auto-renew is always required to be a positive action.

No idea if this is true.

WobblyBitsGalore

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81860623#Comment_81860623

Renewals are also subject to the 14 day cooling off period for cancellation. I don't know if that was always the case but that is now explicit since the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (section 264).

XRS200

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81873525#Comment_81873525

Does it apply to insurance?

WobblyBitsGalore

Hmm, good one. It seems it does NOT… I saw RAC membership and fixated on membership, not insurance…

That being said, are there insurances which deny a cooling off period on renewal? There might be FCA rules or other regs there…

Ectophile

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81859976#Comment_81859976

The first 6 digits of any credit or debit card indicate:

• What sort of card it is (e.g. Visa credit).
• Which bank issued it.

So it would be easy for a merchant to set up a blacklist of cards they don't accept.

XRS200

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81873745#Comment_81873745

Most insurance policies have cancellation rights anyway so cooling off probably not needed.

Things like breakdown cover and appliance cover are often not actual insurance though.