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General Forum - car breakdown cover - recommendations - Page 1
posted by marksparks999 on Saturday, 19th February 2011, 16:39
Elite
ladies/gents, i am after some car breakdown cover recommendations... i have been with the AA since 1988 when i learnt to drive. To cut a long story short the second year in arow the premium for home start/relay has risen, and as an existing customer its over £150 for me and the wife. Yet as a NEW MEMBER i can get the same cover for £101... 
Their customer service attitude is tough, they dont return calls when promised, so have today cancelled, and instructed my bank to recover the Direct Debit Mandate which i have NOT COMPLETED.
The AA just wrote to my old address advising me they were automatically renewing my membership and as i had paid by card last time they just took the money from my account.
I think since learning to drive i have called them out no more than 5 times, and only once in the last ten years, when my wifes metro at the time broke down... because i hadn't filled it with petrol! 
I want Relay Equivalent with Home Start, for Joint Policy, 2 cars less than 10000 miles a year and my classic less than 1000 miles a year, all serviced annually!
ta... marksparks999
posted by hunsbury0 on Saturday, 19th February 2011, 19:56
Elite
I am with AA.
I make sure that nearer the renewal time, I contact them & cancel the automatic continual payment & also cancel the membership.
I then sign up line via topcashback as a new customer & hopefully get £50 cashback.
Myself & mrs to cover any car we are in, homestart & national recoveryis £129.00.
Less possible £50 cashback.
posted by badboybez on Saturday, 19th February 2011, 20:15
Elite
Same happened to me this week - RAC.
Got a reminder in saying that they were going to take out next years subs £109.00. Been with them for 3 years and never used them.
I can rejoin through Quidco for half that.
Direct Debit cancelled and I'll rejoin!
IN MADNESS YOU DWELL
Elite
If you have savings you can't go wrong with Lloyds TSB Premier. The Gold account (£12) had AA cover and the Platinum (£17) / Premier (£25) have home start. With the Premier you get 5% on your savings up to £7000 which if you have the full amount gives you about £22 - 24 depending on how long the month is. Add that to family travel insurance (including winter sports), winter boiler cover and mobile phone insurance and it's a great package for the price I think!
http://www.lloydstsb.com/current_accounts/compare_bank_accounts.asp
posted by retrogeezer on Saturday, 19th February 2011, 22:40
Elite
Yeh, I have the AA cover as well and every year the renewal is a daft amount but when I call they always reduce it to whatever the online amount is for a new member (and normally knock a bit more off too if no call outs)
Never had a problem, last year the girl even said make sure you ring us next year to get the best price and ignore the renewal notice.
RIP Julie & Maisie
Competent
Try GEM at:
http://www.motoringassist.com/
Been with them a couple of years, good service and price.
This item was edited on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 13:52
posted by marksparks999 on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 14:47
Elite
GEM & Greenflag both look a good price, just worried about callout time, as with a 3 year old and 1 year old thats the most important consideration...
posted by Rob Shepherd on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 15:22
Super Admin
No idea about prices, but RAC have always been exellent at rescuing me both at home and on holiday in the UK. They are always quick to answer the phone, they give you an estimated time straight away, then the RAC man in the van rings you up soon after giving a more accurate time, and then rings again when there, always earlier than they say.
One time, when my car wouldn't start on the Isle of Wight, they couldn't fix it roadside, so towed me to the ferry, got the ferry people to tow me on, then off the other side, then had a low loader there ready to take us back to London. Dropping the car and us off at 4am. Then they sent someone the next day to take the car to a nearby garage to be repaired, I didn't even have to go with the guy towing it to the garage.
Everyone involved was really nice.
I last used them Friday, when my car wouldn't start. 
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This item was edited on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 15:22
posted by retrogeezer on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 15:24
Elite
Mark, I've probably taken a note of the name of the girl I spoke to at the AA if it's any use to you??
I got relay & homestart for me & the mrs for £90ish in Oct10.
RIP Julie & Maisie
This item was edited on Sunday, 20th February 2011, 15:24
