To secretly join the AA

[Greengager]

The one with cars not alcohol.

DH is very good at getting the best deal on pretty much everything - he always switches utilities very year etc.

Our breakdown cover is £150 pa he's convinced that given we've never broken down it would be much cheaper not to have any and simply pay to be towed when and if that happens.

I can't cope with the idea of not being covered. I'm imagining standing by the side of a wet road with the kids desperately phoning around to see who is prepared to tow us. I'm thinking of joining the AA and not telling him, he won't be covered but that's his choice.

I'm I being a bit nuts?

[SingingSamosa]

I used to have free AA/RAC/Greenflag with my bank (Lloyds) but then switched to a fee-free account so lost that benefit. I now get my car serviced at a Ford dealership and by doing so I get 12mths free breakdown cover. It might be worth ringing a few to find out if any offer that in your area?

[DeathStare]

I get AA for free with my bank account (Barclays)

[Blistory]

That quote is way too high. And it's usually cheaper to cover the vehicle instead of the individual.

[Dbsparkles]

Just do it. I wouldn't want to not be covered, especially being out with the kids. I wouldn't be bothered about telling my husband that I was doing it either.

[Crispbutty]

Have a look at Brittania, they are by far the cheapest, and they have the best benefits.

My DP is a mechanic and breakdown driver, whose company gets calls from all the recovery services and AA are the worst ones. He totally recommends Brittania above all the others.

[Amy214]

I'm with green flag and only pay £7-8 a month for recovery plus it gives me..
Roadside assistance
Long distance recovery
We'll take you, your passengers and your car to a place of your choice in the UK (if you break down at home a 20 mile limit will apply, it's 10 miles for breakdowns caused by a flat or damaged tyre).
Cover at home
If your vehicle breaks down at home, we’ll come and help you.
No callout charge
We won’t charge to come out to assist you.
Misfuelling cover
If you put the wrong fuel in your vehicle, we’ll drain the tank for free and give you enough of the right fuel to get you going.
Next day collection
If the garage is closed and we take you home, we’ll pick you up the next day (or whenever is suitable for you) and take the vehicle to the garage at no extra cost.
Options if it can’t be fixed
If your vehicle can’t be repaired locally that day, we’ll give you a hire car or alternative, for example the cost of alternative transport or overnight accommodation.
Pay for you to collect your car
Cost of a single standard rail fare.
Message service - they send a text to family/friends to let them know im ok

[Amy214]

Forgot to add thats cover for 2 cars and 3 drivers

[Redactio]

One of the benefits of having breakdown insurance is the knowledge that you have a number to call, and you will get help. Waiting until you breakdown and then looking around for a means of rescue might be a bit stressful, especially if you are away from home.
£3 a week is not really a great deal but the AA are open to negotiation if you phone them up armed with the prices other organisations charge.

[mogloveseggs]

Another green flag here. £9.33 a month. Well worth it imo.

[Greengager]

He does all bills apart from car stuff which is my job. He's just found I haven't been reviewing these annually. Which is ban I know but I hate the extra hassle. I took the breakdown cover out five years ago at £67 and they've been putting it up every year. Grrr. You are right it's far too high. Thanks for the alternative suggestions.

[Crispbutty]

Heres a Green Flag story for you..

A 90yo man was driving and broke down in Cornwall on the A30.

He rang them and they said "sorry, we dont cover that area".

The police found him a DAY later, in his vehicle, totally upset and confused. His phone had died, and he didnt know what to do.

The police rang green flag to check on this and they apologised saying their operator made a mistake.

My partners company got the call THEN to go and rescue him.

[Imnotaslimjim]

Those that get cover through a bank account, check the terms. When I had it, it allowed us to be towed to the nearest garage or 10 miles, if we were more than 10 miles from home we were left safe. I cancelled the bank account and now have the same as Amy214 I think

[Ifonlylovewouldsavetheday]

You can join aa and rac at the roadside when you have broken down. They charge extra but will come out on the spot. It's something I've always thought is worth the risk as my car hasn't broken down in years. I just make sure I have a credit card with me if I am on a long journey. I don't know if you can join on the spot from your home address though if your car won't start.

[Crispbutty]

"You can join aa and rac at the roadside when you have broken down. They charge extra but will come out on the spot."

You will get charged an absolute fortune if that happens. In excess of £200.

Brittania will also send out a qualified mechanic, not someone who just does a diagnostic but is unable to do the job.

[SlipperyLizard]

I use start rescue, less than £40 per year including onward journey and home start. Our car has had a number of breakdowns and we have found the service very good. The AA just seems to be in the business of increasing charges for those that don't shop around.

[ilovesooty]

I joined Start Rescue this year and found the service both financially competitive and very efficient.

[MrHannahSnell]

Mate of mine did this. Broke down on holiday in Devon. The tow back to Kent cost more than the holiday. Join the AA (altho' I think the RAC give better service).

[WreckTangled]

I've joined auto aid this year (recommended by martin Lewis) and they're brilliant. £40 for the year, I've used them twice so far and each time had someone with me within twenty minutes even though I was at home etc.

[pinkmagic1]

I have Start Rescue too and pay about £30 a year. I havnt had to call them for a while but when I have, they have been fine.

[ghostyslovesheep]

I get GreenFlag with my bank account and AA with my car warranty - I'm spoiled for choice!

never had an issue with AA - called them last week when my bloody new car started leaking diesel onto the engine - sorted out the repair with ford and made sure a hire car was waiting for me

[Greengager]

I just can't be arsed to have the argument pearl I'm not spendy really but he takes economy to a whole new level. We've looked at Auto Aid and think we will go with them Martin Lewis is DH's guru so he's persuaded!

[londonrach]

Always found greenflag better than aa