Reply to: recommended "4th" emergency service?

[IR35 Avoider]

I recall the first time I called out the AA.

Was replacing a rear bulb on a Citroen and I broke the end off the single plastic hook that held the whole light cluster housing in place. I was in office car park and it was starting to get dark. Guy got out a soldering iron, burnt a hole through the remains of the arm, then threaded some spare wire through and tied the other end to a bolt on the side of the boot. The repair lasted until I sold the car some years later.

[wonderwaif]

Don't know about the others, but I have had the misfortune to need to call the AA several times over the last few years, always excellent service.

[MrsGoof]

AAA (the yank version)
Managed to lock my keys in the hire car(Buick Regal), 30mins before I was due at a wedding.
Phoned AAA, 10 mins later they turn up. He gets out his breaking into car key and takes 30secs to get in and no charge, even refused the $20 I offered.

[PRC1964]

If my time machine breaks down I just build a new one.

/Threaded

[Paddy]

Car broke down on the motorway while working in Holland, wasn’t covered but I phoned the ANWB. They came out on the understanding that I would join them the same day. Sorted. (£75 for one year Europe wide!)

I been let down badly twice by the RAC, at one time it took them over a day and a half to come out. I had a Green Flag freebie membership; the guy could not solve the electrical problem and then towed me back home. When I got home I sorted it within five minutes.

AA, no problem, at one time they even gave me a lift into work (a twenty mile diversion) when they took my Ford (Fix Or Repair Daily) car under warranty back to the dealer.

[n3il123]

We're with the RAC and the only time we have had to call them was when we had a blow out on the way to catch a plane at 4 on a cold february morning ... and realised that there was no jack in the car .... they turned up super quick, contacted the airport to let them know that we were on our way etc... brilliant.

[VectraMan]

AA, cos I have two cars. But then they're both japanese...

I've called them a couple of times over the years and they've always been great.

Don't ever ever get car insurance off them though.

[DaveB]

The AA has almost twice as many vans so i am with them, i cant comment on their service though as i have never needed them.... oh god what have i just said

Or just buy a jap car and there will be no need.

Use the AA twice in the last 6 months and not had a problem with them. Quick responce to the inital call, call back from the chap who got assigned the job to confirm details etc. text updates on eta to get to me and havnt waited longer then 40 mins.

[hyperD]

As a long term TVR owner over several models, it comes as no surprise that TVR have partnered with the AA to provide a free period of recovery with these guys (TVR AA Recovery).

[Numptycorner]

I called them out a bit when I was running a banger. They are very good at diagnosing faults, which saves getting ripped of when the garage comes to repair it.

Plus they give you a time by which they will be out, usually within the hour.

£40 for a year! A garage will charge £50 just for towing you to the shop.

In the past I've had national breakdown (which is now green flag), and the service is patchy. This is because they use a network of local garages and don't have their own vans.

The RAC are IMHO not as good as the AA. Their relay type service is a complete joke.

[gingerjedi]

The AA has almost twice as many vans so i am with them, i cant comment on their service though as i have never needed them.... oh god what have i just said

Or just buy a jap car and there will be no need.

[oraclesmith]

PS. My Britannia Rescue cover is with a named vehicle (any driver) and also whatever vehicle me or wifey drive.

[DimPrawn]

The AA & RAC cover you, regardless of the car you are driving or even if you are a passenger in someone elses crappy car.

The other "cheaper" ones like Direct Line cover your car only, which is basically tulipe.

[oraclesmith]

I have used Britannia Rescue for the last 15 years and I've always found them to be very good and competitive.

[Numptycorner]

The AA is the best option.

You are covered not the car.
If you put another address (e.g. mum and dad, brother etc.) as your home address you get home start cover for the basic price

i.e. it's not you 'home' address when it breaks down outside your house