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Car breakdown organisations - well what do you know?

(54 Posts)
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Chardy Tue 19-Dec-23 11:58:43

I've been driving since the late 70s, and have always paid for breakdown cover from one of the major associations, though I haven't called them out in decades. Currently it's £400/year plus.

Today I needed them. I rang, eventually got through, terrible line, had to repeat everything several times. She went off to speak to a supervisor and 30 seconds later I'm cut off. Try again. Better line. I explained that I only needed taking home 2 miles away, as I'd destroyed my tyre turning my car round in a tight space, clipping the kerb. They wanted nearly £200 just to take me home! I was stressed, upset and now furious. But if I'd caused the problem, it was £200.

Happy conclusion. The tyre people local to home couldn't come out, but put me in touch with a mobile tyre fitters, who came out very quickly, replaced the tyre and charged me £90 all in.

I'd always felt secure knowing that motoring organisation had my back. Now I'm not sure they did.

Can anyone recommend their motoring association? I only really need Roadside Assistance and 'National Recovery' (they take you & car home).

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merlotgran Tue 09-Jan-24 18:24:17

NanTheWiser

I have RAC breakdown cover with my car insurance (£36 a year), and had to call them out last Friday due to a flat tyre (bolt in the tread). I did this online - very quick and easy, and the mechanic was with me within half an hour. Fortunately I have a spare wheel, so it was an easy job to replace the wheel. Next morning I went to my local (highly recommended) tyre place, where I had to wait over an hour as they were so busy, queuing in the road. Eventually got a new tyre and trundled off home.

This was the second time I had to call the breakdown service in a few weeks, as I had a flat battery about a month ago, parked in our local shopping parade. It was the same chap both times! Very pleased with the service I had.

You lucky thing. I’m with the RAC and this morning my battery was flat so as I have Home Start I phoned them straight away. They gave me an ETA of two hours and told me to keep refreshing the tracking message in case the time changed.

Well, it did…all day by two hours at a time. I’m still waiting. The next ETA is 6.30 - 8.30pm. I’m furious but at least I’m at home in the warm and not standing in the freezing cold at the side of a motorway! 😡

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Deedaa Tue 09-Jan-24 20:27:45

The last time I called anyone out was five years ago when DH decided there was a problem with the accelerator jamming up. I only had coverage from Green Flag for 10 miles, which covers me for most things I do. Unfortunately because we hadn't long had the car it had to go back to the dealer which was about 20 miles. In the end getting it towed and looked at cost around £200 - and there was nothing wrong with it! Long story but DH was very ill at the time and not thinking straight.

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fancythat Tue 09-Jan-24 20:44:25

Purplepixie

I’ve been using the AA for over 20 years and never had a problem with them.

Same.

We need the all singing, all dancing options and add ons.

Disadvantages[no idea if other organisations are the same] - they stick to a script on the phone if have broken down, regardless of where you are broken down to, or circumstances.

And, even their own breakdown vehicles can have trouble getting through, if it is a busy time.
I said to the breakdown man who had tried for 10 mins to speak with them, "oh, I thought you would have had a hotline to Head Office". He replied "We do. This is it"!

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