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

Maybe but some people dither a long time. In any case latish posts may help others looking for the same info.

Grantanow

We use Britannia which we came by through the Civil Service Motoring association. It covers Europe and has Home Start. Used it occasionally with no problems.

I think the OP might have got cover by now it was 7 months ago.

We use Britannia which we came by through the Civil Service Motoring association. It covers Europe and has Home Start. Used it occasionally with no problems.

We have AA breakdown cover with our bank account.
A LONG time ago I was with the RAC. I had my 2 children with me and it was pre mobile phones. The wipers packed up as we were on the motorway. It actually rained for 24 hours They refused to come out as the car wasn't immobilised. Some string attached to the wipers to work them manually got us home. I have held a grudge all this time, although I understand priorities have now changed concerning mothers and children and women on their own

Batteries can be fickle, mine failed after 6 months on a new car.

Katie59 my problem was that I had a brand new battery just fitted. It failed hence calling the AA. It was quite right that I should be escorted back to the garage that fitted it. When they demurred and said it was impossible that a new battery could be faulty the specialist's print out was all it took for them to change it. I certainly wasn't going to pay a penny more!

Start Rescue tops the score list on the Which Consumer survey, with 74%. AA second with 73%. Green Flag is down at 65%, with RAC a rather poor 51%. I'm with Skoda, which is underwritten by the AA, and have been quite happy with them.

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

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.

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.

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’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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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