24 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

Right then. I've just changed my insurance policy from one that had breakdown cover included, to one that doesn't. So, what I would like is a review of breakdown covers (I thought it would be handy for everyone to see too). There are a few topics on here already that have complaints about the RAC, the AA etc. but what I really want to know is how people rate their existing breakdown cover.

Mainly, because I need to get some ASAP. I am looking for cover so that I am covered, not just the car. I drive a historic mini and also a '96 Renault, I know that I have phoned up about breakdown cover before and my car's been 'too old' for them to cover me! The GF has Green Flag cover on her Focus Pocusbut she's never had to use it so far (touch wood), so I don't know what they're like. The main things I am interested in is cost, value and satisfaction with recoverys etc.

I'll start off by saying that the only experience I've ever had was about 20 years ago with the AA. My dad's Rover V8 broke down on the way to Cornwall one summer and we ended up waiting 6 hours for a tow.

I'm not one to hold a grudge, so if people really think that the AA is best, then I'll go with them!

Hmmm, gonna do a poll too. I'll put RAC, AA and Green Flag in there for now, because that's all I can think of. If there are any more, tell me and I'll add them!

[adautobits]

i'll be honest all as good and as bad as each other depending, this is because they contract out recovery so u can wait age if the sub contractors are busy.

Also new recovery rules are going to affect this so to be honest get the cheapest one that will get your car home if it fails.

[mattyoung69]

Ive never had a problem with the AA, been with them for insurance and breakdown for a few years..

Not needed the breakdown cover since my old Fiat Tipo died one morning, rang them at 0730 and they were there by 0815, which in rush hour Leeds is quick.

Price wise, there doesnt seem much difference between them, I always look for the features - homestart is a must with an older car.

[stefaz]

been witht the aa since my birthday - they are pretty good if you need a tow as long as your car isnt lowered or has a bodykit on it. they always arrive within an hour and a half initially but it took them three hours more to get me a low loader - i think it also depends whereabouts you are in the country since the patrols aren't evenly split. I was also with the RAC for a time and they were brilliant quite frankly - always with me within 20mins and knew what they were doing

[mini25]

AA wont cover u at a trackday or event!!

rac will

[tomsbluemini]

Im with Britannia Rescue...

they're absolutely fantastic.

we've got 2 cars and 2 drivers on the policy, about £80 for the year i think...

they're always with you in under and hour, and the blokes always know what they're talking about. if they cant fix it, then they'll take you home. none of this shuttle recovery service, so you have to swap on the edge of every county, it's one vehicle stays with you...

that was quite funny when we broke down in cornwall... this one poor bloke took us all the way back to kent, and then went all the way home again

Regards

Tom

[Mayfair Junky]

RAC have been fantastic for me. With three of us on the policy it only cost around £90 and they have always shown up and relayed in one go if needed. They even made up a temporary clutch cable at the side of the road for the Lancia and when the mini broke while I was at uni they relayed it back to home, without me, (130 miles) in the afternoon after I called them out and even with the M25 to content with it only took 2.5 hours to get back

[Touche Away]

MMM,

Add Britannia to your poll. I doubt that you'll find anyone with a bad word to say about them.

They also have a feature where if you pay for your cover in a single payment, you can add breakdown repair insurance to the policy for £45.

http://www.britannia...ducts/index.php

Gav

Edited by Touche Away, 29 May 2007 - 02:39 PM.

[Doc]

RAC for me. Been with them for 3 years but never had to call them out. But a friend of mine once let his membership run out when he forgot to renew, he rang them up when he broke down not knowing it had expired. They told him not to worry they would come and get him anyway and he could renew the next day when he was safely home which he did. He was well chuffed other wise he would have been well up a creek without a paddle. Now he never forgets to open those RAC letters lol

Edited by Doc, 29 May 2007 - 02:42 PM.

[yorkshirechris]

No complaints about the AA with me... only been with them a couple of months but had to call them out twice (!)

First time was a knackered Iggy coil - it was a Sunday afternoon and he was with us within about 40 minutes and knew what the problem was right away...

Second time was on Saturday night at about 8pm when I decided to dislodge i.e. break the gear mounting shocks & bolts... I called them at 8 and he was on the scene by 8.15... very good for a Saturday night... he couldn't repair it properly but used a bit of wire to temporarily repair it, then followed me home to make sure I got home alright to sign all the paperwork etc.

Also had experience of RAC and the AA at work when I've had many punctures on my work van... fairly quick response and no complaints against either really.

[Jordie]

RAC always been good with me, but went with the AA this time for the cheaper prices.

[A KIRK]

Been with the AA for 10 years now, and can't say I've ever had a problem, always been friendly and helpful.

Ok they normallytry it on at renewal time, but a quick reminder of how cheap there competitors are they soon drop their renewal prices to match.

[Bungle]

just remember if your mini is modified or a van then the RAC will charge you extra to fix or recover you

its in their small print

[millermilla]

I may be a bit biased here but there is only one obvious choice

The AA

The UK's Biggest

More Patrols than any other breakdown service in the UK with more patrols working nights than ever before

8/10 Repairs made at the roadside

On average less than 40 minute responce times

ohh and dont forget they love mini's infact they ran a huge fleet of them



Here's a pic of Andy the AA man doing a headgasket on a mini at this years L2B and the driver of the mini wasnt even a member! Complimentatry service!

[day101]

millermilla sounds like a AA advert lol, im with RAC will always go with them and stay with them. i rate them very highly