AA/RAC roadside battery replacement quandary

DarrenLee02

I'm wondering if anyone can advise. My car battery has died and I've looked at the AA to come and fit a battery. However in the small print they state that the car must be off the road. My car is parked on the street and I can't get it off the road because the battery is totally dead. I've tried a jump starter to no avail, and don't know anyone who could help with a jump start.

Would the AA callout guy refuse to do it if he came and saw the car is on the road? Anyone with any experience or knowledge of this who could advise, it would be much appreciated.

For reasons it would have to be the AA, or RAC, who have the same small print policy.

elsien

I’ve had them replace a battery for me at the side of the road in the past. Not entirely sure what their reasoning is behind that requirement.

Presuming you are referring to their breakdown service. They also have a mobile mechanic service which has different terms and conditions and which does be so which one are you asking about?

fatbelly

I think they would be OK to do it but it is going to cost you a lot. Is there no-one locally who can help you? If a jump start hasn't worked then it is something other than the battery

DarrenLee02

It's their battery replacement service, which may be different to breakdown service, perhaps where the difference lies. They state they can come to your address and fit a new battery but the car must be off the road. Thus the dilemma. I don't know if they strictly adhere to that though.

elsien

Can’t you just get a battery and fit it yourself, or ask a friend/neighbour/relative if you are unsure.

Or try a local mobile mechanic who might be cheaper anyway.

I’d hazard a guess that if it’s in their terms and conditions to be off road for their own assessed safety reasons their mechanics might not be willing to breach that. You could always simplify up and ask, on the basis that you can’t get it off-road.

paul_c123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82027873#Comment_82027873

On the bus or something?

If they really do stipulate that the car must be off road, if/when the battery replacement guy turns up and refuses the job, ask him to call breakdown to recover the car to a suitable off the road location. But seriously, they'll just replace the battery at the roadside. Its expensive but I am not sure how the price compares to other mobile mechanics who would supply and fit a battery.

fatbelly

II think Elsien was suggesting getting one delivered. I just checked for my car and Amazon will supply one for £57, free delivery on Thursday.

subjecttocontract

The last time I needed a new battery I contacted Halfords who came out and fitted one for me at my home. Very reasonably priced.

Mildly_Miffed

They can, of course, put whatever stipulations on their service they wish. As can any other mobile mechanics.

I'd suggest that if it really IS just a battery issue, then they'll have a bigger-and-better jump box which will get it running in short order.

DarrenLee02

I'll just have to suck it and see then. If the guy comes and says no then I'll go from there.

Thanks for the helpful responses. Much appreciated

Ectophile

The strange thing is that if you break down beside the road and it's the battery, then they can swap it beside the road (and charge a fortune for it).