View Full Version : Road Assistance cover
I have made this thread because I was just wondering what cover everybody uses for thier cars. After my dads car breaking down yesterday on the slip road leading off the motorway and the feeling of not knowing what to do for a moment or two when it happened I decided I need some road cover rather than having to phone friends or relatives to come to the rescue everytime we have trouble.
So what cover would you recomend me? what cover do you use? What company are you with?
Heres my situation....
Mostly drive a very short 6 mile roundtrip to and from work each day with the occasional social drive to shops or pub etc *Im always alocohol free when I go the pub, I dont even have the allowed 1 drink (Just so you all know I dont condone drink driving ;) ). I also drive to northwich about 10 times a year but even thats only a 70mile roundtrip.
My car is an old banger but reliable, this is just incase the unforseen happens and it does break down.
Ive heard good things about the AA but then Ive also heard bad things so anyones experience of them or others is appreciated, thanks again everyone, always know this is the place to post to get good advice :) .
Unless you expect your car to break down often or do alot of lengthy journeys then I would suggest keeping the phone numbers of the rac & aa in your car and if you need recovery then join them, until it happens, save your money :)
Unless you expect your car to break down often or do alot of lengthy journeys then I would suggest keeping the phone numbers of the rac & aa in your car and if you need recovery then join them, until it happens, save your money :)
I didnt know that was an option, how does that work then? do you have to become a member over the phone before they come to you? or do you just pay for what they do there and then with becoming a member being optional afterwards?
I didnt know that was an option, how does that work then? do you have to become a member over the phone before they come to you?
I believe (although I'm not certain) that you can join up by credit card, however I think you don't get any discounts or other benefits that would normally be available if you signed up beforehand.
I didnt know that was an option, how does that work then? do you have to become a member over the phone before they come to you? or do you just pay for what they do there and then with becoming a member being optional afterwards?
I needed recovery a couple of years back at 4am and phoned the RAC and got immediate recovery. I didn't need to become a member as I could just pay a one-off charge for the recovery. The RAC did not recover me but they arranged the recovery from a local firm. I think it cost me around £70. I don't know about breakdown service because you would need to be a member but you should be able to join up straight away.
I have made this thread because I was just wondering what cover everybody uses for thier cars. After my dads car breaking down yesterday on the slip road leading off the motorway and the feeling of not knowing what to do for a moment or two when it happened I decided I need some road cover rather than having to phone friends or relatives to come to the rescue everytime we have trouble.
So what cover would you recomend me? what cover do you use? What company are you with?
Heres my situation....
Mostly drive a very short 6 mile roundtrip to and from work each day with the occasional social drive to shops or pub etc *Im always alocohol free when I go the pub, I dont even have the allowed 1 drink (Just so you all know I dont condone drink driving ;) ). I also drive to northwich about 10 times a year but even thats only a 70mile roundtrip.
My car is an old banger but reliable, this is just incase the unforseen happens and it does break down.
Ive heard good things about the AA but then Ive also heard bad things so anyones experience of them or others is appreciated, thanks again everyone, always know this is the place to post to get good advice :) .
Green flag sound the best IMHO. If you only do short journeys Green flag give value for money.
Chimaera
04-08-2005, 06:59
I'm withGEM (http://www.motoringassist.com/) (Guild of Experienced Motorists), there are 3 levels of cover and membership to the Guild is included. You pay for any repairs done at the roadside and they re-imburse you later (only took 24 hours to refund me when I claimed - they pride themselves on their quick response) and have always been really helpful whenever I've had dealings with them.
etccarmageddon
04-08-2005, 08:36
...I don't know about breakdown service because you would need to be a member but you should be able to join up straight away.you can join up straight away but they wont come out to you for something like 48 hours at least otherwise no one would bother being a member until they had a breakdown!
Scarlett
04-08-2005, 08:50
I personally use autohome (they don't seem to have a web link though) they are based in Northampton. 01604 232336 but they have agreements with load of independants country wide.
You could also try this page (http://www.breakdown-cover.net/) which seems to cover the main ones.
Have you spoken to your insurance company ? they often have deals with a breakdown co. and might give you a slightly cheaper price.
As you don't actually travel far, you will probably want a lower level of cover. If I recall, I have the 'take you on to destination' and I pay extra because I sometimes tow but I could go cheaper than that.
Personally I'd join up as just recovery from an M-way is going to be the same as a years cover and I've needed it every year so far (flat tyre and the nut holding the spare snapped off the chassis, cell of the battery died and new brake's overheating.)
The outlay is worth it for the peace of mind.
The main difference between the AA and the RAC is the AA covers an individual person (so whatever car you are in can be fixed) and the RAC covers the car (whoever is driving). The rest I'm not sure about, but decide which sort of cover and then check. You will probably be charged extra for an "at home" service which given your prsent driving pattern would be useful.
MovedGoalPosts
04-08-2005, 09:36
The big companies, AA, RAC, Green Flag, all ahve a number of tiers of cover.
Realisitically, given your local travel, you only need the basic breakdown cover whcih will offer roadside assistance or recovery to the nearest suitable garage. Given that you are within 6 miles of home, on averagem narest garage is quite likley to be one you wold agree with.
Homestart may be a benefit. Most of the companies do not cover you within 1/4 mile of your home (just in case your attempt to bump start the car down a hill fails). On the other hand it is an extra cost, and if your car wasn't to start in the morning it would be incovenient, but is the car going to be stranded somewhere vulnerable, not reallly if it was safely parked.
You won't need relay type services - car and passengers can continue their journey, or be returned home. That's great for those who can travel a long way.
As for cover types, if the car is driven by many people yo uwant to cover the car, rather than yourself. Organisations like the AA, ususally cover the individual (can add a wife, but not sure about other drivers). RAC cover the car. Green Flag offer car by default, but they do offer personal cover too. If you are likley to flit between different cars, as you are paying the cover, not your dad (it's his problem if his car breaks down when he is in it right?), I'd get personal type cover, that way you can get assistance even whe a passenger in a friends dodgy banger.
You might be able to get a pay and use type service, i.e. you only phone and try and become a member when you need it/ If the breakdown co is quiet at the time they might allow it, but otherwise you'll be back at the queue. If you going for that option I'd say you have no peace of mind that you will get promp-t assistance when in a tight spot. You'd do just as well tohave the number of a few local recovery firms with you.
All breakdwon co memberships will cover their attendance and recovery services only. If parts are supplied, that will be a cost payable at the time. As ever check the small print to see what the cover offered will actually do.
Personally I had the AA for a number of years and on the couple of occasions I wanted help they were very prompt. I'm now with Green Flag, as they were offerred cheaply throuhg my car insurance package. Don't know if they are up to it thought, as never needed them.
I'm with the AA as it came with my car. I had to use them once and found the service to be excellent. They towed me to the garage and then arranged for myself to get a hire car and drove me to the airport to collect it.
The main difference between the AA and the RAC is the AA covers an individual person (so whatever car you are in can be fixed) and the RAC covers the car (whoever is driving).
This is incorrect. I'm with the RAC and they covered me when I was a passenger in my father's car when it broke down.
This is incorrect. I'm with the RAC and they covered me when I was a passenger in my father's car when it broke down.
This must be an option they have decided to offer (but not advertise).
This must be an option they have decided to offer (but not advertise).
http://www.rac.co.uk/breakdowncover/uk/MembershipFAQList/?promotion=WB0001&drc=WEB003&affinity=NA0001&outlet=WEB01#2276514
The 9th question down underneath 'General Questions':
If I buy a new car or am borrowing a friends car etc - will my RAC membership cover me?
Yes (except for Vehicle Based membership). RAC membership is person based, it covers you whilst travelling as a driver or passenger with any vehicle. (For restrictions, please refer to terms of membership)
http://www.rac.co.uk/breakdowncover/uk/MembershipFAQList/?promotion=WB0001&drc=WEB003&affinity=NA0001&outlet=WEB01#2276514
The 9th question down underneath 'General Questions':
Thanks Russ (I am somewhat out of date as I haven't worked for them for 16 years)
SMHarman
04-08-2005, 11:44
Greenflag is still vehicle based (I think).
So the main favorites are AA, RAC and greenflag (may also look at that autohome).
I think I know one or two people with the AA around here, may ask them to see what the local service is like around here.
I think the personal cover would be best for me as it would be handy for my Dad aswel, plus the fact that I will be changing cars between now and november if we ever get the other one running again and I could do without having to change details etc.
SMHarman
04-08-2005, 14:27
<snip>
I think the personal cover would be best for me as it would be handy for my Dad aswel, plus the fact that I will be changing cars between now and november if we ever get the other one running again and I could do without having to change details etc.
Don't you then mean vehicle cover would be better. Changing cars is just a quick call.
Direct Line cover is run by Green Flag and cheaper IIR.
etccarmageddon
07-08-2005, 17:15
Our car brokedown at the weekend and I'm pleased to be able to append to this thread our experience of the RAC service.
We were 'stranded' in the countryside outside of stockport with the dog in an area where I had to walk up a hill to get a mobile signal. I'm still ANGRY and UPSET about the utterly dishonest attitude of the call centre and the amount of stress they added to the call out.
As you can imagine when you break down it's a stressful enough experience so you dont need someone telling you that your membership had expired at the end of march but "we'll come out to you anyway but you'll need to speak to our membership department"!
ok, I can forgive an admin error just but next I was told that they would come out but if the car required the use of 'specialist equipment' in order to recover it as the steering wasn't operative then the cost of the specialist equipment would be borne by myself and would be something that is between myself and the people/3rd party garage service that comes out.
I thought this was extremely disgusting as at the time of signing up there was no mention of a limited service provided by the RAC or mentioning 'specialist equipment' and just what is 'specialist equipment' - too much of a broad term which could be used to palm off all sorts of costs onto the member.
The lady then explained that this cost for 'specialist equipment' is just like the other exclusions they have which includes the costs involved in attending to you at a road traffic accident.
I discussed it with her indoors while we were waiting for the RAC man and we agreed that we'd go through the process of the insurance ombudsman if we were forced to make payments in order to achieve the service the RAC were already contracted to supply we also discussed the use of solcitors and speaking to trading standards. not the kind of discussion you should need to have when stranded miles away from home with no mobile signal.
Anyway, fortunately a very very nice man in an RAC van arrived who got the car sorted and I was very greatful for his help.
We got home and checked the documents - the RAC cover is clearly for breakdowns and no mention of specialist equipment costs and states also "accident care - in the event of a road traffic accident rac will assess the situation and also arrange recovery of the vehicle" which could be interpreted that the RAC arrange for recovery but dont absorb the cost except for this other section...
"recovery - if a roadside repair is not feasible - the rac will recover your vehicle... (the rac recovery service is also available in the event of illness or accident".
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after a search of their web site I have found this exclusion "Specialist equipment costs (which is equipment in Our view not usually carried by Our patrols). We will however arrange for the specialist services if needed, but You will have to pay for any additional costs direct to the contractor."
I think this is a pretty big way of copping out of costs and therefore would advise caution in spending money on RAC membership as it may be better to put the money in a savings account and use it when needed.
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I'm still completely puzzled as to why getting a car recovered would require 'specialist equipment'! I've had numerous breakdowns over the years including the recovery of the car by the AA after I mangled the front and not had the hassle of 'specialist equipment' mentioned.
the AA has this exclusion which you should also bear in mind "In the event that you require vehicle recovery following an accident, the AA can, if you require, provide this for you but will not be responsible for meeting the costs involved. If the AA does agree to provide recovery in these circumstances you will be responsible for, and required to pay, the AA's charges for this service (including, but not limited to, any charges relating to any specialist equipment used). In the event that, following a road traffic accident, you require one of the additional services available under Relay Plus or At Home travel services (and you have the relevant cover), the AA can arrange this for you but will not be responsible for any costs involved. You will, therefore, be required to pay on request any applicable charges. In regard to all matters referred to in this clause, you must give the AA, on request, any relevant information it reasonably requests."
I have Green Flag top tier cover as part of my Insurance and they have been brilliant on the few occasions I've had to call them out. The first time they were with me within 20 minutes, being a lone female it's considered a priority call. They got me home and part of the cover included the mechanic coming back to my house the day after to fit the new part that was needed. Can definately recommend them.
They also recovered my car when it was smashed to bits and kept it stored pending the police investigation, all in all very helpful and friendly.
etccarmageddon
07-08-2005, 17:21
I've just checked the green flag policy and it clearly states if specialist equipment is requied to recover a vehicle then you the policy holder will pay for it. At least in their document it's clear and concise and not small print.
Have been looking into this, as I've recently bought a car... decided to go with the AA because I once had to call them out when I had a hire car, and they were excellent. I was returning the vehicle and had about an hour before the car rental place closed. I broke down en route, and ended up calling the AA, as advised by car rental co. Unfortunately, my mobile phone credits were very very low, and to make things worse, I didn't know the name of the street I was on. I just managed to give the guy from the AA the name of a cemetry that was nearby before my credit ran out, but the AA called me back and had already determined my exact location, and were sending the mechanic out already to ensure I wasn't late returning my vehicle. I decided at that point that I'd go for the AA when I took out cover personally.
Big :tu: to the AA!
etccarmageddon
07-08-2005, 17:31
the RAC cover we have is with the ford warranty and after this weekends experience they wont be getting our business once the policy expires. I'm still upset and angry about a stressful situation being made worse by someone telling us our membership expired in march - I am sat here with the document in front of me and it clearly contradicts all the bull I was told by the customer service person yesterday. next time I get hassled at a motorway service station to sign up I will explain how I would never sign up to them after the stress they caused us on that day.
AA all the way.......been members for 11 years.....they have always been good :tu: :)
iain_herts
07-08-2005, 18:02
well we have had the AA and RAC both were very good wen we had the RAC a few years ago our car broke down it over heated so we was towed to car spares were the RAC man fitted the part's for us was there for well over an hour.
then a few years ago we got the AA cos we get it cheaper. last year my car broke down out side called up with in 15min he was there and my car fixed.
so all in all iv had goot expirence with both of them.
iain
SMHarman
08-08-2005, 12:07
Well the AA cover I had with SAAB Assist worked well in that they got a patrol man out promptly who tried to get the car going again, the problem with the car though was a damaged (whatever the name is but effectivly the distributor). So it would not run, but he insisted on keep trying to start the car. When the repair was made I asked SAAB to test the emmisions, and as expected all the petrol that had not been ignited by the engine had made it to the CAT and destroyed it, necessitating a £700 replacement CAT on top of the £60 replacement part. Nice one AA. Great value membership there.
zoombini
08-08-2005, 18:10
I have been with the RAC/AA/Green Flag etc for the past 7 years etc.
never called them out.
now it's expired I shan't be bothering, only a complete breakdown would prevent me getting home so I'll chance it & pay for the tow if I ever need it.
I carry tools in the car for minor repairs (not that I could do much to a zetex engine).
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