Breakdown cover ? who to go with, who are you with?

I think you're probably right, that the AA and RAC are similar.

I know that other companies do it (some charge extra though), but the AA automatically covers the person, not the vehicle, so that if you're in someone else's car you can still call the AA for help.

I've been with the AA since I first had a car, in about 1972. My dad was a member for years, so I joined as a family member or some such. We've always had good service from them, sometimes quite frequently in the days when we had older vehicles.

I use Green flag. Joint cover with OH for 2 cars. We found cheaper than other options. My car is low mileage but 12 years old and reliable…….so far. Have never needed to call out breakdown. That’s probably the kiss of death!

We use the AA, but have never needed their services 🤞.

ETA, but as we hardly ever drive, I can't say how good they are.

Sorry, posted too soon - meant to say that ETA aren't as expensive as the AA and the RAC, nor do they keep lobbying for the car above everything else!

I’m with the RAC I’ve only needed them once but I can’t praise them highly enough, going a way with 3 adults and a 2yr old on the M25 we broke down, they came very quickly and got us and car home again I was very relieved to see them.

I go on a comparison site and pick the cheapest that has the options that I need.

I signed up with a company called 2Gether. It was an offer and I chose the Premium Package (including Home Start) which was £23.39! Too good to be true, but the next year the name changed to Emergency Assist Ltd who gave a 10% discount, so my policy was only £21.05. I’ve never needed to call them, so can’t vouch for their service, but the AA left me on my own for 4 hours at the roadside a few years ago, which is why I didn’t renew with them.

I have always paid for AA and used it on multiple occasions as we have always driven older cars and have zero expertise.
This current car has been fine (fingers Xed.)
But a double puncture on the M90 meant we used the relay service.
Another terrifying moment when I couldn't stop.
It turned out the car mat had slid under the brake pedal. AA arrived and a gently explained and calmed me.
I ran out of deisel once (stupidly) and was started again..
A total breakdown when I was in a hurry. The AA driver towed me home and then drove me to a car hire place, and told me exactly what I'd need - licence, passport, credit card etc and I made it to my appointment.
I'm a fan

What Car have a useful comparison table of costs and exclusions to look out for with breakdown cover. AA and RAC are by far the most expensive, but they do run their own fleet cars and mechanics, so for example may be able to get you back on the road quicker.

It’s not as simple as price.

Exactly Farzanah I agree.
Friends and relatives use cheaper breakdown services but I don't believe they've had such a good service.
I think I've had my money's worth over the years and peace of mind is worth a lot.

We sometimes travel longer distances.
I think there may be a difference between AA and RAC in that if you have to travel over multiple county boundaries, which we do sometimes, AA take you home or to your home garage[albeit with changeover of their own vehicles sometimes] whereas RAC will definitely change you over county by county?
People might want to look into that to doublecheck I am correct.

We have had to use AA on a few occasions and they were fine. But probably havent used them for about 4 years.

Disclaimer, in the county I am in, I have a relative who works for them so may have got better service because of that, possibly?! When have broken down in my home county.

I’m with the RAC, broke down Saturday morning, they were with me in thirty minutes, absolutely brilliant professional service, towed to garage as couldn’t be sorted at roadside! Have to say he was great eye candy too!

If you collect Tesco clubcard points/vouchers you can get the RAC using them. I have been doing this for a long time, so it can feel like you are getting a freebie (I know you have to spend to get the points, but RAC is a bonus). Have called them out a number of times and they are always good.

Thanks all, will have another look, quite a scary thing breaking down when on your own these days. I am reasonably ok, I can change a wheeel etc but would never atempt it on a motorway area.

We had massive problems with our car last winter. Green flag were close on useless so we ditched them for the AA. Far far better, much more professional and an excellent service. Green Flag were often stumped by our breakdowns and could only take us to the nearest garage.

I do the same as Theexwife. Georgesgran like you I have used both 2gether & Emergency Assist. I'm with Nova Direct at the moment. I always have homestart as my car is very old.

I was insured with RAC which included breakdown cover. Couple of times I needed them they arrived quickly and soon had my car going again. After the premiums became too expensive, I switched to Direct Line which included Green Flag who used local garages for call outs. Couple of times I needed them they also arrived quickly and soon had my car going again. Then Direct Line premiums became too expensive so I switched again and am now with Dial Direct - which includes cover with RAC. What goes round. I think they are all much of a muchness. Check with your insurers to see what they can offer.

It's always worth bargaining with potential breakdown providers. I'm part of DH's policy which helps but he always negotiates on price. I've been very glad of AA service several times.

I’ve had RAC top level breakdown cover with my car insurance for many years. Recently when my insurance renewal arrived there was a considerable non negotiable price increase. So I’ve gone with a cheaper insurance policy and a separate policy with AA. They are currently doing a special offer on their top level cover including Homestart, roadside assistance, onward travel, courtesy car and European cover for £10.50 a month. I was quoted £20 a month for that last year so I’m happy with that deal.

AA is better than RAC check the small print but check if your car has a specialist rescue service, cars are so complex these days that rescue services carry the correct computer for that brand.
Often a computer update is needed, especially if it’s a Hybrid or EV.

I was v impressed with AA who got a specialist operator to come to bail me out when I had battery problems with my VW. He was a VW specialist and had the computer analysis device etc to work out exactly what the problem was and gave me a detailed print out. He then followed me safely to a garage to change the battery which he had proved was defective. The garage which had just fitted the new battery were v sheepish but couldn't argue with the info the man had given me. Worth every penny of AA subs to me.

Aveline

I was v impressed with AA who got a specialist operator to come to bail me out when I had battery problems with my VW. He was a VW specialist and had the computer analysis device etc to work out exactly what the problem was and gave me a detailed print out. He then followed me safely to a garage to change the battery which he had proved was defective. The garage which had just fitted the new battery were v sheepish but couldn't argue with the info the man had given me. Worth every penny of AA subs to me.

With mine the rescue service actually had a new battery on the van, fitted, tested and away within 2 hours of the call.

We have been with the AA for over forty years. Fingers crossed, they have never let us down. More expensive, but worth every penny.