I just knew when I got into my 6 year old Escort on Saturday morning that something was going to go wrong. I wasn't even supposed to be going anywhere, and didn't feel up to the 200 mile motorway journey in front of me, but needs must and off I set. One hundred miles later my car suddenly lost all power in the fast lane. I won't go into detail here of how I didn't lose my life, I will just say that I made it to the hard shoulder shaking and almost in tears.
My engine was running but my car simply wouldn't move. I suspected my gearbox had gone and fumbled in my purse for my AA card. After a rather poor experience with the RAC two years back, I had switched to the AA not expecting much better but feeling smug that I had taken my business away from a company
who had displeased me. Saturday was the first time I'd had to call the AA since joining, and I did so with a certain amount of trepidation.
THE PHONE CALL
My call was answered within about 4 seconds by someone very polite, very professional and very calm.
I explained my whereabouts (just past one junction past Bristol) and she pinpointed my position exactly and told me not to worry, they knew where I was and she was putting out a bulletin as we spoke.
She then talked me through their standard safety procedure - i.e. don't sit in your car on the hard shoulder, put on your sidelights, hazard warnings and then get yourself on the embankment behind the crash barrier.
She then left me with the news that they aimed to be with me within an hour, despite the motorway being chocca with bank holiday travelers, and that they would keep me updated.
THE WAIT
After 20 minutes I got a call on my mobile from someone else from the AA asking if I was okay and informing me that they still aimed to reach me before the hour was up.
After another 20 minutes I got a text reiterating that they should reach me within the next 15 minutes.
Ten minutes later the AA man himself called to say he was one junction away from me and should get to me in about ten minutes as traffic was slow. Ten minutes later he arrived, smiling and calm.
THE OUTCOME
My gearbox had indeed gone, and there was nothing the man could do about it.
As my membership was Roadside & Relay, my car was hoisted onto the back of the AA truck and I was offered the choice of being taken to a garage, being taken to my destination or being taken home.
As I simply had to get to my destination - and knew that once I got there my racing driver brother-in-law would be able to get my car fixed cheaply - I opted to be taken to my destination.
I then spent the next 2 hours sitting up front of the truck with a friendly, professional AA man who answered all my questions about his satellite navigation system, chatted with my amiably about all sorts, and took me to the services so I could have a wee and a drink.
At my destination he negotiated a very tight car park and got my car in perfect position in my allocated space.
All of this was done with a smile and the utmost professionalism.
AA vs RAC
My experience with the AA was infinitely better than with the RAC right the way through the process from initial call to the professionalism of the man (I don't like calling him 'the man' but I don't actually know what they're called - drivers? mechanics? engineers?) who came to rescue me.
I've only had one experience (so far) with either organisation so you could say it's not enough to judge, but it's certainly made up my mind as to who I'm renewing with.
COVER & PRICING
Basic Roadside Cover, where they either fix your car at the roadside or tow you to the nearest garage, is under £40 per year.
Roadside & Relay, where you also have the option of you and your car being taken home or to your destination, is under £80 per year.
There are also higher spec covers for higher prices.
AA members also get:
7.5% off AA car insurance (though in my experience it's still cheaper elsewhere)
10% off any product or service at AA service centres
Free routes from the AA (though anyone can get these free online) and free hotel booking by the AA.
OVERALL
My experience with the AA was a very good one and based upon it I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to others. Like any insurance, it's a pain when you're paying it but if you need to claim just once it is worth every single penny.
My experience was a 5 star one, but I have heard of others that aren't, so 4 stars overall from me.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Very professional opinion with informative depth. Very helpful.
the_mad_cabbie 30.06.2003 02:11
The AA are beginning to get very expensive here in Ireland...I just got our renewal notice, and it's up over €200 a year!...Mind you, that's with ALL the extras, for both me and "herself"...Ken :O)
sue.51 14.06.2003 14:51
I have just switched back to the RAC after 5 years with the AA - I always buy the maximum service and it was 50 cheaper with the RAC- have used both services several times and personally found there was little to chose between them - glad you managed to get to the side of the road safely.
Sue
Advantages: none- I never actually had a breakdown to use the services Disadvantages: they benefit financially if you do not receive your renewal notice
cscullion 23.09.2009 ·
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Review of AA
Advantages: I passed! Learn in brand new Ford Focus, well trained Instructor, free AA membership for 12 months Disadvantages: cost - you pay for the good service you receive
surfchik27 02.06.2005 (02.06.2005)
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