Roadside Recovery Policies Discussion

alared

With my RAC up for renewal in 2 weeks (now cancelled), and after reading the posts, in the end I`ve gone with http://www.breakdowndirect.co.uk which has a freephone emergency number.

System

Personally, I am more comfortable with the traditional route, where my breakdown provider pays the attending recovery company directly, ala motoring clubs and Breakdown Direct. You may well end up saving some dosh with Auto Aid and the like, but I can do without the filling in of more forms and the hassle of claiming my money back, even if the process is slick - as they say horses for courses.

Ultimately I guess a lot of people feel the same about claiming, otherwise all Autoaid customers would claim and their rates would be a lot higher. In reality those customers who don't claim would actually be better off going with a more traditional provider.

Galstonian

So do any breakdown policies (of any sort) cover all parts used for the repair as well as repairs not carried out at the roadside? Not to my knowledge.

From RAC T&C:
"What is not covered:
....
The cost of parts, fuel or other supplies
...
Labour at any garage to which the vehicle is taken"

From Breakdowndirect:
"What is not covered:
...
The cost of replacement fuel or for any spare parts required to restore the mobility of your vehicle or for any costs incurred as a result of the unavailability of replacement parts.
Labour costs of more than 1 hour for roadside assistance."

I'd say these amount to much the same as the GEM clause quoted. In fact I think the Breakdowndirect exclsusions are far more wide ranging than some of the others (no help if you are stuck in snow for example).

As for AutoAid rates I think you have to consider that not having a dedicated emergency patrol does save a very considerable amount of money. Maybe they can make their rates lower because some people do not claim but I suspect that other savings far outweigh this.

Like you say though, each to their own

Galstonian

Just in case anyone is planning to join the RAC they might like to do so through the Co-op. If you hold a dividend card you can join via https://www.rac.co.uk/join/co-op and you will receive between £10 (for roadside) to £30 (for solution 3/4) paid to your dividend card.

If anyone is learning to drive then buy 10 lessons from BSM and you get a £30 dividend plus free RAC Roadside cover when you pass.

murphydavid

Following the thread is quite tricky I am left with some questions about Autoaid, I supose I could ring them but as my RAC wont come up for renewal for some time can anyone say.

1. Did someone say it only covers the first 1 hour of labour costs at the road side and none of the labour cost if the car has to be taken to a garage for repair?
2. Does free recovery of six people to any destination in the UK inlude recovery of the Vehicle. Ie if the car can't be repaired at the roadside and it looks like somthing big can a DIY mechanic like me insist that the car be taken to my home so I can repair it myself?

DM

System

If a vechile breaks down towing a caravan, will autoaid recover the caravan as well. Or is there an extra charge for this service.

System

Auto Aid sounds good but it doesn't cover all that I need. Does anyone know of a site that gives comprehensive comparisons between companies? ??? I require cover for two cars, myself and wife and (occasional) cover for Europe. Any help much appreciated.

thejudge_3

Ken,

I did quite a lot of reserach before buying my policy. I don't think there is one site that does it all, although there are several that list and refer you, but this could take ages. If you want to let me know what your cover requirements are, e.g you mentioned occasional European cover, I'll try and pass on what I learnt.

System

The judge.

Thanks for your help. I want to cover roadside and recovery both in the UK and Europe for either of our cars and for my wife and myself.

System

I do not see any mention of motorcycle recovery