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Original poster

Breakdown Russian Roulette

16 replies

JoySuckClub · 25/08/2019 13:00

Afternoon

Am holed up in a hotel with two kids. Lone parent, no family of friends nearby I can contact in a local emergency.

I bought a car yesterday which came with AA breakdown recovery but you have to sodding activitate it.

No-one in office as a Sunday, I assume they have tomorrow off too.
So I have a car I cannot use until Tuesday unless I run the risk of a breakdown in the first two days of owning it (second hand, 6 years old, 28k miles).

It's not likely to happen is it? But sod's law states if it happens to anyone it would happen to me.

Would you guys take the risk with two kids in the car of driving without AA cover to the park and back or wait until I can actually activitate it?

Ta x

OP posts:
BlackCatSleeping · 25/08/2019 13:03

I would drive it. I don’t have breakdown cover on my car. If something happens i can just buy it on the spot.

TravellingSpoon · 25/08/2019 13:05

Are you normally this anxious? Just drive it. It's not really Russian roulette. It's only done 5k miles a year. It will be fine!

happypotamus · 25/08/2019 13:05

Yes, I would take the risk if the alternative is staying in a hotel room with 2 kids for 2 days. It's not that likely to break down, is it?

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Gottoloveabagel · 25/08/2019 13:13

Yes go out!! Some people don't even have breakdown cover you know.

drquin · 25/08/2019 13:45

Just drive it. I've had cars for 25 years, driving 15,000 miles a year and called breakdown once in that time. And that was 2 miles from home so could have abandoned the car & taxied / walk home & come back later.

What's the worst that happens? Genuinely? In the really, really unlikely event you broke down ..... what's the worst thing that could happen? Get a taxi home? Buy on-the-spot breakdown cover from someone else? Pay a local garage to tow it? Make your decision on that ..... not that the AA are apparently on holiday.

Haggisfish · 25/08/2019 13:48

Do you pay a fee for your bank account? They quite often come with car breakdown cover.

Redglitter · 25/08/2019 13:53

Seems a slight over reaction tbh. Loads of folk dont have breakdown cover. Why on earth would you think it's going to break down. Its really not that much of a gamble

Go out enjoy the weather & your new car

Original poster
JoySuckClub · 25/08/2019 16:40

Are you normally this anxious?
I didn't used to be no. But I have moved back to the UK after 12 years in Germany. Got back Wednesday, everything feels new, I am on my own, a cash transfer went wrong so I don't have proper back up until Tuesday and my son is on the spectrum so would not deal with being stuck on the side of the road.

But we have just come back from the pub and were out in the sunshine. Took two meltdowns to get out in the first place and one getting back but hey ho, I brought the sun with me Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
JoySuckClub · 25/08/2019 16:45

Seems a slight over reaction tbh
No that's okay - it probably is. I can't explain it, I used to be so happy-go-lucky, spontaneous, adventurous, independent, que sera c'est la vie...now I feel like I am on a knife's edge trying to anticipate every trigger, every potential for a meltdown, every nuance, every possible variable to try and prevent an escalation. I do apologise for the drip feed - I don't think I have realised what effect my child has had on me on a daily basis until I got back. It is dawning on me that my new normal was anything but.

OP posts:
Flower777 · 25/08/2019 16:45

Are you sure it’s not an automated activation? Can you call and see?

You should be fine OP. It’s a pretty new car.

I find my anxiety ratchets up with any big change too. Good luck with your move.

Original poster
JoySuckClub · 25/08/2019 16:50

Thank you. No, they sent me an e-mail with the activation code and their normal hotline to ring. The e-mail states I am not actually covered until that happens.
I will venture out with them tomorrow or when the roads are a bit quieter as DS hates it being hot in any case and cannot be talked down right now. Luckily the pub was cooler than room (28 degrees wtaf!) and Wacky warehouse then table outside saved us.

OP posts:
Original poster
JoySuckClub · 25/08/2019 16:52

Number just says they are shut.

OP posts:
BonnesVacances · 25/08/2019 16:58

I would just drive it. If it breaks down within a day of 2 of buying the car, your AA membership is the least of your problems!

Anyway, if you breakdown, you can still call the AA even if you're not a member. They'll just usually charge you to join on the spot. In your case I think you should be able to successfully argue that you have membership that you haven't been able to activate because there's no one in the office.

GreenwoodLane · 25/08/2019 17:02

Just drive it. It’s not as if it’s a banger you paid £500 for. You’ll be fine.

poolblack · 25/08/2019 17:05

Are you seriously not going out because you don't have AA cover? Or have I missed something?

GloGirl · 25/08/2019 17:07

You can phone up when broken down and set up an AA service for them to come and get you. Premium prices of course but perhaps there is some wiggle room there when you call through with your info or ask for a part refund.

I really wouldn't worry for 2 days though Flowers

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