FabSwingers.com mobile

Join us FREE, we're FREE to use

Web's largest swingers site since 2006.

Already registered?
Login here

Back to forum list
Back to The Lounge

Beat car breakdown \ recovery service

Jump to newest
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford

I have been a member of various breakdown services including the AA , RAC ,Greenflag and Autonational. At renewal time I shop around and my target cost is £85 for full personal membership to cover me in any car plus homestart and recovery. The AA refused to price match this year so I have now joined the RAC . As I had a flat battery on Friday I had to call out the RAC.The AA appear to be much more thorough and do a full diagnostic analysis of the battery condition whereas the RAC only do a few checks. Greenflag and Auto national do not bother with any checks . They just do a jump start . The AA do a great service but are too expensive .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Best?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Perhaps that's why they are more expensive.

Also maybe think about looking after your car better then you wouldn't have a flat battery

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

RAC are idiots.

I had my Motocross bike on my open trailer strapped down.

The bike flipped off it on the motorway I managed to get to the hard shoulder. ..one of the straps broke..petrol pissing everwhere.

I was a member of the RAC so rang them up.

They wouldn't come out and help me get my bike re-strapped down as they didn't class the trailer as being part of the car.

They said they'd come out for £99.

Fuck that....after ages of struggling I managed to get the bike stable enough for my mate to come and give me a hand.

After that I quit the RAC and joined AA as the cover they offered me will cover my Bike aswell.

Aa are great.

RAC are terrible.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

Do not join the RAC. There isn't enough band width to tell you about the way they 'recovered' me twice.

They are shit , shite, crap.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

AA, none are perfect. But they are the best. I get my cover with my lloyds bank account.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *arnayguyMan
over a year ago

Durham Tees

I get Green Flag free with my bank account. When my car wouldn't start they came out quickly and did the usual tests, including testing the battery, which confirmed this was where the fault lay. They've also attended when I couldn't get a flat tyre off. They have been every bit as good as the others I've been a member of over the years.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'm with the AA. They do a cover that pays the first £500 towards any repair bills, I just pay £35 excess.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I've had green flag, AA, RAC and RAC has been consistently the best.

To cut costs, see which the cash back sites are giving the most cash back for, then repeat each year upon renewal. You often can get to pay next to nothing, by the time you get your cash back.

Each of these sites have deals for them linking customers who purchase through to them. Don't visit the retailers/breakdown cos first, as they know by cookies who - if anyone - referred you to their site.

Quidco is one and topcashbackuk another. The amount they pay to you, in arrears of your purchases, varies by site.

These sites pay cash, as bank payments etc, for all kinds of purchases, so if I'm shopping online I check if there's a cash back offer. It's sometimes a percentage of the purchas cost or a fixed cash amount. I've earned $hundreds and apart from an occasional cock up, the money gets paid. You usually wait a few weeks before they get it and pay it to you.

There's no risk if you buy the same product, but if you are influenced by which breakdown service works out cheapest, after receiving the cash, then its not as safe, if a technical error happens and you didn't get the cash.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"Perhaps that's why they are more expensive.

Also maybe think about looking after your car better then you wouldn't have a flat battery "
. I have two cars , one of which is kept in Belfast and is Ford Main dealer serviced . Irregular use means that the battery gets drained and I asked the AA to replace when they identified that it was not holding its charge . My car in England is serviced regularly but had not been used for two weeks and the conbination of very cold weather plus the fact it had not been used for two weeks meant it was not turning over sufficiently to start . It is very easy to turn the lights on accidently by knocking the switch with your knee and this may have happening on occasions but there is a warning beeper so cannot be certain..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"AA, none are perfect. But they are the best. I get my cover with my lloyds bank account."
. Is that specific to your vehicle or does it cove you to drive any vehicle?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Perhaps that's why they are more expensive.

Also maybe think about looking after your car better then you wouldn't have a flat battery . I have two cars , one of which is kept in Belfast and is Ford Main dealer serviced . Irregular use means that the battery gets drained and I asked the AA to replace when they identified that it was not holding its charge . My car in England is serviced regularly but had not been used for two weeks and the conbination of very cold weather plus the fact it had not been used for two weeks meant it was not turning over sufficiently to start . It is very easy to turn the lights on accidently by knocking the switch with your knee and this may have happening on occasions but there is a warning beeper so cannot be certain.."

If you can't leave them plugged into a trickle charger then maybe think about get a solar panel charger that you leave sitting on the dash board

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *amslam1000Man
over a year ago

willenhall


"Perhaps that's why they are more expensive.

Also maybe think about looking after your car better then you wouldn't have a flat battery . I have two cars , one of which is kept in Belfast and is Ford Main dealer serviced . Irregular use means that the battery gets drained and I asked the AA to replace when they identified that it was not holding its charge . My car in England is serviced regularly but had not been used for two weeks and the conbination of very cold weather plus the fact it had not been used for two weeks meant it was not turning over sufficiently to start . It is very easy to turn the lights on accidently by knocking the switch with your knee and this may have happening on occasions but there is a warning beeper so cannot be certain..

If you can't leave them plugged into a trickle charger then maybe think about get a solar panel charger that you leave sitting on the dash board"

if it's in a secure location have a battery cut off switch fitted as most modern cars keep running tings like the fuel pump even when off my rover used to whirr the fuel pump regularly, used to do this when leaving it at the airport came back after 6 weeks and click brumm all good guy next to me i had to jump start same car asme deployment.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ugbyguy01Man
over a year ago

Bristol

I work for one of the big two breakdown companies.

From the many complaints I've dealt with, of the many disgruntled customers leaving, to the many joining customers with bad stories about the other... Some advice I can give:

The main two are pretty much the same.

They'll both struggle to meet your expectations during peak periods (cold weather / hot weather / adverse weather).

They will cover you for only what you purchase. Make sure you subscribe to what suits your needs. If you need cover at home / recovering long distances - buy it in advance. They'll both charge a premium to upgrade in a "breakdown situation".

Accidents are NOT breakdowns. Your BREAKDOWN membership will unlikely cover these as standard. You might get charged for this.

No company makes guarantees on their attendance times.

Read your Terms and Conditions. If you presume you're covered for something, the chances are you'll realise when you need it most that you're not.

As a rule of thumb these are not covered with standard off the shelf memberships:

Vehicles used for business use.

Oversized (Long wheel base) vehicles

Trailers (any mechanical fault with them) including caravans

Pets (usually up to the patrol's discretion on if to recover them with your passengers).

Ultimately, it's not the breakdown company leaving you waiting at the side of the road for xx hours - it's your car that you've failed to maintain. Of course they'll get to you as quickly as possible, that's good business!

On the last point, properly maintain your car: Get it checked regularly, especially when the weather changes to the extreme, and before you make long journeys.

I hope this helps!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ensualtouch15Man
over a year ago

ashby de la zouch

[Removed by poster at 25/01/15 19:39:05]

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *issBehavingxxWoman
over a year ago

Glasgow


"AA, none are perfect. But they are the best. I get my cover with my lloyds bank account.. Is that specific to your vehicle or does it cove you to drive any vehicle?"

My AA with lloyds tsb covered any vehicle.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ust RachelTV/TS
over a year ago

Horsham

All I get regardless of what it wrong with the bike, is a recovery truck to take me home then I get the joys of breaking out the spanners and doing it myself.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *umpkinMan
over a year ago

near the sounds of the wimborne quarter jack!


"AA, none are perfect. But they are the best. I get my cover with my lloyds bank account."

But as I found out on Friday, that doesn`t cover a breakdown at your home address unless you upgrade.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"I work for one of the big two breakdown companies.

From the many complaints I've dealt with, of the many disgruntled customers leaving, to the many joining customers with bad stories about the other... Some advice I can give:

The main two are pretty much the same.

They'll both struggle to meet your expectations during peak periods (cold weather / hot weather / adverse weather). Useful information and interesting as well. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

They will cover you for only what you purchase. Make sure you subscribe to what suits your needs. If you need cover at home / recovering long distances - buy it in advance. They'll both charge a premium to upgrade in a "breakdown situation".

Accidents are NOT breakdowns. Your BREAKDOWN membership will unlikely cover these as standard. You might get charged for this.

No company makes guarantees on their attendance times.

Read your Terms and Conditions. If you presume you're covered for something, the chances are you'll realise when you need it most that you're not.

As a rule of thumb these are not covered with standard off the shelf memberships:

Vehicles used for business use.

Oversized (Long wheel base) vehicles

Trailers (any mechanical fault with them) including caravans

Pets (usually up to the patrol's discretion on if to recover them with your passengers).

Ultimately, it's not the breakdown company leaving you waiting at the side of the road for xx hours - it's your car that you've failed to maintain. Of course they'll get to you as quickly as possible, that's good business!

On the last point, properly maintain your car: Get it checked regularly, especially when the weather changes to the extreme, and before you make long journeys.

I hope this helps! "

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My dad.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ugbyguy01Man
over a year ago

Bristol


"Useful information and interesting as well. Thanks for taking the time to write it."

You're welcome.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

AA don't come out to flat tyres any more. They're "preventable" apparently, were going to charge my sister 200 quid.

I got cover with my insurance but A A came free with my car extended warranty, didn't know which was best so got both now!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

I mentioned the cash payments back you can get from cashback sites. Here are some I've seen today:

1. Topcashback

AA @ topcashbackuk

Cost: £111 to £170, Cashback =£46.20

Cost: £61 to £110, Cashback =£30.45

RAC @ topcashbackuk

31.5% of cost.

2. Quidco cashback -

RAC

Cost: £51-£100 cashback = £35

Cost: upto £50 cashback = £12.50

AA

Cost: £41 to £60, Cashback =£46.20

Cost: £61 to £110, Cashback =£5.00

Cost: upto £40, Cashback =£3.00

These are 2 of the cashback sites that I use. Obviously the price of breakdown cover will depend on which services you choose to take.

There are other breakdown services you can get cash paid back for from these sites, I've just picked AA and RAC. it's not possible to link to these sites in the forum, due to fab policies. I've just outlined a few options that could lead someone to potentially save a bit compared to the full price. The cash is repaid to you after a delay, to ensure you've paid, the cookies have shown to the AA/RAC etc that your lead came from that cashback site, before they pay them and the money is paid onto yourself.

A few fab users have mentioned cashback sites before, as we use them for many online purchases. It's always better to clear cookies from your browser first, to ensure that your purchase is tracked, or use a new browser installation for it. You have to sign up to the cash back sites, and these 2 have been around for a few years. This cashback is never guaranteed, so it's best to know what you want first, and then use the cashback site to order via the link on their pages, onto the breakdown companies etc.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"I mentioned the cash payments back you can get from cashback sites. Here are some I've seen today:

1. Topcashback

AA @ topcashbackuk

Cost: £111 to £170, Cashback =£46.20

Cost: £61 to £110, Cashback =£30.45

RAC @ topcashbackuk

31.5% of cost.

2. Quidco cashback -

RAC

Cost: £51-£100 cashback = £35

Cost: upto £50 cashback = £12.50

AA

Cost: £41 to £60, Cashback =£46.20

Cost: £61 to £110, Cashback =£5.00

Cost: upto £40, Cashback =£3.00

These are 2 of the cashback sites that I use. Obviously the price of breakdown cover will depend on which services you choose to take.

There are other breakdown services you can get cash paid back for from these sites, I've just picked AA and RAC. it's not possible to link to these sites in the forum, due to fab policies. I've just outlined a few options that could lead someone to potentially save a bit compared to the full price. The cash is repaid to you after a delay, to ensure you've paid, the cookies have shown to the AA/RAC etc that your lead came from that cashback site, before they pay them and the money is paid onto yourself.

A few fab users have mentioned cashback sites before, as we use them for many online purchases. It's always better to clear cookies from your browser first, to ensure that your purchase is tracked, or use a new browser installation for it. You have to sign up to the cash back sites, and these 2 have been around for a few years. This cashback is never guaranteed, so it's best to know what you want first, and then use the cashback site to order via the link on their pages, onto the breakdown companies etc. "
. Interesting information. When I joined the AA it took me five months to get my forty pound cash back and quite a few emails . I try and negotiate a special deal if possible directly with the breakdown company but this is not always possible . Thanks for the detailed information.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have breakdown cover included with my Car Insurance.

The funny thing is though, when I had a major problem just before Christmas (Failure in the drivetrain - thought it was rear axle but on inspection the axle seems to be OK - I now suspect a failed driveshaft - but won't know until I actually get underneath the car and check it out) I couldn't find details of the breakdown cover, so had to pay for recovery.

Fast forward a few days to Christmas.

I got a new wallet and transferring my cards etc over, found a credit card sized info card detailing my breakdown cover - D'oh!!

Mind you, considering my car is 19 years old and I have owned it for nearly 12 years, the car hasn't done bad But then, I do my own maintenance and have looked after it.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You get 4 x value of Tesco vouchers against RAC. Makes for a great saving

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"I have breakdown cover included with my Car Insurance.

The funny thing is though, when I had a major problem just before Christmas (Failure in the drivetrain - thought it was rear axle but on inspection the axle seems to be OK - I now suspect a failed driveshaft - but won't know until I actually get underneath the car and check it out) I couldn't find details of the breakdown cover, so had to pay for recovery.

Fast forward a few days to Christmas.

I got a new wallet and transferring my cards etc over, found a credit card sized info card detailing my breakdown cover - D'oh!!

Mind you, considering my car is 19 years old and I have owned it for nearly 12 years, the car hasn't done bad But then, I do my own maintenance and have looked after it."
. How much did they charge you for recovery . ?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"AA don't come out to flat tyres any more. They're "preventable" apparently, were going to charge my sister 200 quid.

I got cover with my insurance but A A came free with my car extended warranty, didn't know which was best so got both now!

"
. Ask the poster above you Rugbyguy01 as he seems well informed about the recovery \ breakdown services . I can change a wheel but would not risk my life doing it on the hard shoulder of a motorway.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"AA don't come out to flat tyres any more. They're "preventable" apparently, were going to charge my sister 200 quid.

I got cover with my insurance but A A came free with my car extended warranty, didn't know which was best so got both now!

. Ask the poster above you Rugbyguy01 as he seems well informed about the recovery \ breakdown services . I can change a wheel but would not risk my life doing it on the hard shoulder of a motorway. "

Keep a inflater kit handy instead of spare tyres, most cars don't come with spares now anyway

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *urreyfun38Couple
over a year ago

croydon

I can change a wheel but would not risk my life doing it on the hard shoulder of a motorway.

Phone the motorway police and they will send a highways patrol to sit behind you while you change the wheel.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *4nc3rCouple
over a year ago

Clacton-On-Sea, Essex

Most of them are useless anyway.

Remember when I was little my Dad was with Green Flag, he had the fan belt snap, pulled over and called them straight away - they quoted 1 hour to arrive but an hour passed and no sign of them...

In the time it took them to arrive, he walked several miles, found a scrap yard, bought a new fan belt for a tenner off the guy and returned and fitted it himself. We were gone before we saw any sign of them, they tried to invoice him an additional £130 for no-show... He rang them with a few choice words about how they failed to show up within quoted time they weren't too happy =P

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"Most of them are useless anyway.

Remember when I was little my Dad was with Green Flag, he had the fan belt snap, pulled over and called them straight away - they quoted 1 hour to arrive but an hour passed and no sign of them...

In the time it took them to arrive, he walked several miles, found a scrap yard, bought a new fan belt for a tenner off the guy and returned and fitted it himself. We were gone before we saw any sign of them, they tried to invoice him an additional £130 for no-show... He rang them with a few choice words about how they failed to show up within quoted time they weren't too happy =P"

Hooray for dad !

When life gives you lemons and all that

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *lanwoodMan
over a year ago

Alton

I have AA cover with my TSB bank account. I pay £17 per month for AA cover, including Home Start, worldwide travel insurance to age 80, mobile phone insurance and other bits.

I had a flat tyre on my driveway the other day and called them out. The AA man arrived within 15 minutes and changed the tyre for the space saver one in my boot within minutes. I was very satisfied with that level of service!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *icolerobbieCouple
over a year ago

walsall


"I work for one of the big two breakdown companies.

From the many complaints I've dealt with, of the many disgruntled customers leaving, to the many joining customers with bad stories about the other... Some advice I can give:

The main two are pretty much the same.

They'll both struggle to meet your expectations during peak periods (cold weather / hot weather / adverse weather).

They will cover you for only what you purchase. Make sure you subscribe to what suits your needs. If you need cover at home / recovering long distances - buy it in advance. They'll both charge a premium to upgrade in a "breakdown situation".

Accidents are NOT breakdowns. Your BREAKDOWN membership will unlikely cover these as standard. You might get charged for this.

No company makes guarantees on their attendance times.

Read your Terms and Conditions. If you presume you're covered for something, the chances are you'll realise when you need it most that you're not.

As a rule of thumb these are not covered with standard off the shelf memberships:

Vehicles used for business use.

Oversized (Long wheel base) vehicles

Trailers (any mechanical fault with them) including caravans

Pets (usually up to the patrol's discretion on if to recover them with your passengers).

Ultimately, it's not the breakdown company leaving you waiting at the side of the road for xx hours - it's your car that you've failed to maintain. Of course they'll get to you as quickly as possible, that's good business!

On the last point, properly maintain your car: Get it checked regularly, especially when the weather changes to the extreme, and before you make long journeys.

I hope this helps! "

Great reply,

But could you clarify something for me?

If my motorcycle were to fall off it's side stand while out and about and the bike was disabled through broken clutch lever for example, would that be classed as an accident and thus not covered?

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


"I have breakdown cover included with my Car Insurance.

The funny thing is though, when I had a major problem just before Christmas (Failure in the drivetrain - thought it was rear axle but on inspection the axle seems to be OK - I now suspect a failed driveshaft - but won't know until I actually get underneath the car and check it out) I couldn't find details of the breakdown cover, so had to pay for recovery.

Fast forward a few days to Christmas.

I got a new wallet and transferring my cards etc over, found a credit card sized info card detailing my breakdown cover - D'oh!!

Mind you, considering my car is 19 years old and I have owned it for nearly 12 years, the car hasn't done bad But then, I do my own maintenance and have looked after it.. How much did they charge you for recovery . ? "

Only 40 quid. Car was only a ten minute walk away from home (i'd popped out for some petrol)

As I've been fortunate enough to gain the use of another car (horrible little shopping trolley that it is), i've taken the decision to take the car off the road for a while and when the weather improves going to do a few jobs on it i've been wanting to do for a while.

Full overhaul of rear axle including upgrade to limited slip diff and rear disc brakes.

Upgrade front brakes to 98-02 spec (brakes were upgraded with facelift model) - also replace front hubs.

Sort out some paintwork issues. Areas of lacquer peeling in places.

May even do a top end engine rebuild - or even a full rebuild if I fancy the challenge.

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ugbyguy01Man
over a year ago

Bristol


"If my motorcycle were to fall off it's side stand while out and about and the bike was disabled through broken clutch lever for example, would that be classed as an accident and thus not covered?"

I think technically it might do. It's a bit of a grey area. I'd hope that whoever took your phonecall on that would show some common sense. But that's rare in itself!

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *ugbyguy01Man
over a year ago

Bristol


"Most of them are useless anyway.

"

That's the thing though.. People have a common misconception that breakdown services have the resources and traffic jumping authority to attend in the same promptness as emergency services.

They don't. Which just ends with people waiting longer than they expect to have to, and switching from each provider.

Obviously waiting hours on end is a shit situation tho..

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 

By *at69drive OP   Man
over a year ago

Hertford


"Most of them are useless anyway.

That's the thing though.. People have a common misconception that breakdown services have the resources and traffic jumping authority to attend in the same promptness as emergency services.

They don't. Which just ends with people waiting longer than they expect to have to, and switching from each provider.

Obviously waiting hours on end is a shit situation tho.. "
. I have never waited more than ninety minutes , so no complaints on that score . Also I accept the I am one of many million customers so just wait for my turn in the queue. On Friday night when the weather was really bad , the RAC were with me in less than an hour though they did quote a three hour wait time .

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
 
 

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago


" I'd hope that whoever took your phonecall on that would show some common sense. "

Yeah me too...

Reply privatelyReply in forumReply +quote
Post new Message to Thread
back to top