Breakdown services.

No, you’re not unreasonable. You’re not getting the service that you’re paying for.

That’s very poor service.
I’d be calling them first thing in case you have been forgotten.

The AA arrived within an hour and I was at home at the time. He then helped me 'nurse' my car to the garage which was 18 miles away.

We rang them at twelve today as they said they would be there by then at the second time of asking. The call centre guy said it might be today but after 4.30 as they are so busy with their backlog. Still not here. As DH pointed out if it needs to go to a garage, it will be closed.

that.s terrible service, I'd be looking for another company.

We have had the same experience with the RAC several times. We’ve often had to wait several days, which means staying in as someone has to wait with the car. It’s a young leased EV car ( including RAC in partnership with the leasing) under warranty so only the RAC or the official garage can touch the car when the car decides to freeze itself! Fortunately so far it’s always gone wrong at home.
I understand people broken down on the road have a higher priority but it’s very disappointing. The RAC used to be good!

Terrible service!

We ditched the AA last year after good but expensive service, in favour of Mayday which is sponsored by the Caravan Club and we have a caravan. Shortly after switching we called to report a flat tyre on the van three days before we were due to drive 200 miles in it, and also a battery that didn't seem to have held its charge (we need that for the electric mover which is essential to us).

They sent a local garage who put the spare wheel on okay, and while he did check the battery he said he couldn't comment on why it wasn't holding its charge (it's a fairly new battery) cos he didn't know much about caravans!

Update on our breakdown. We have just rung RAC (11 pm). and have been told that we haven’t even got a breakdown recorded on the system and to ring again tomorrow morning! You couldn’t make it up.
I am wondering if we are getting second class service because we buy our RAC membership through Halifax insurance.

I was with the RAC a few years ago. One day I got stuck outside the vet's when the car wouldn't start. I phoned the RAC, gave them all the details, and they said someone would be with me as soon as possible. As I put my phone away I became aware of someone pulling up behind me. It was an RAC van which had been in the next road!

So this morning they have said they will be here by 11. We shall see!

Nandalot, I cannot justify having to pay the subscription fees charged by RAC & AA, even with the various discounts offered to attract members. There are many others who are far cheaper for a like for like service. I have been using Start Rescue for many years now and have never had a problem. I see from your last posting this morning, that RAC gave you an approximate additional wait time of 2.5 hours. With Start Rescue, they regularly give an approximate wait time of well under 1 hour.

I refuse to use RAC anymore since they let me down. I’ve found the AA to be much better but when your renewal comes up you do need to haggle with them and they will lower the cost.

We use StartRescue too ballie good communication.

Yet another update. At 11.30 we had a phone call from a garage to say they would be with us in an hour. I think that was pushing it a bit judging from where they are coming from, however, still not here at almost 2.30.

Complain, complain and keep on complaining! Being busy is no excuse for not keeping you updated or sending an independent garage pickup to sort you out!

we had that with Greenflag who said they'd rescue our car and didn't, so we rang a local chap who does this sort of thing, he was £150 cheaper & much quicker too!

Here at last and being taken to a local garage. What a marathon!

And I thought it was just us that the RAC let down. Last winter we suffered a flat battery at home and after calling them out we were told that we were low priority as there were so many breakdowns but my husband had a hospital appointment later and he called them back and got them to come out just in time but we had to buy a new battery at £140!
Is it because we're old or were at home? Either way it's not good enough and given your similar experience Nandalot I guess we need to change company at the next renewal

I have R.A.C. membership through my bank account and every time I have needed them they have been very prompt. I only pay £15 a month to my bank and I get gadget insurance for that as well.

I had amazing service from the AA yesterday when part of the exhaust on my car came off. They were at the car and had made it roadworthy within 20 minutes of me calling them. Pleasant and explained well.

Coincidentally I broke down last night, around 7.30pm, about 9 twisty miles from home. Rang RAC (who initially wanted me to report the issue online!!!) and they told me I'd have to wait 4 hours. I told them that I was by myself and felt uncomfortable about being alone in a remote area after 11pm...I will not publish his reply, but it wasn't kind or gentlemanly

The man who turned up (at 9.45pm) was apologetic for having kept me waiting and stood by the kerbside till I drove off, so all's well that ends well. But I've been in the RAC since 1809 and the service doesn't seem as efficient as it was back in the day

“But I've been in the RAC since 1809 “ Blimey Grandma600, that’s some driving experience! 🤪

That’s disgraceful service, I’m on greenflag simply because they covered our caravan when towing too. Previously I was on Britannia Rescue, who in the 30 + years I was with them I had to call at least four times they were excellent every time. Vote with your wallet next renewal