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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How long would you hope it would take RAC to get to you?

40 replies

SlinkySienna · 23/01/2023 19:40

Freezing cold, can't get my car to turn on, 4yo in the car, seems my car has just died out of the blue, told it'll be 5 hours possibly more as they're very busy. Trying to find a pub I can get to somehow but taxi likely to be extortionate due to rural location (no, I'm not asking for money, I'm just really fecked off) I could cry 😭😭😭

OP posts:
Original poster
SlinkySienna · 23/01/2023 19:43

*would

OP posts:
Whowhatwherewhenwhy1 · 23/01/2023 19:44

I thought small children and women alone in the dark were given priority? I would ring back!

dogdaydown · 23/01/2023 19:45

Nope not acceptable they know you are priority! I'd expect an hour maximum. Get on Twitter.

CalistoNoSolo · 23/01/2023 19:46

Rac are shite, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if they take 5hrs. I use Autoaid. 5
£50 a year including home start. I've used them three times in the last couple of years and they have been with me within the hour each time.

Can you call someone to collect your child? Or get a taxi home? Are you safe in the car?

SavoirFlair · 23/01/2023 19:47

YABU, call them.

Xrays · 23/01/2023 19:48

Ring back. Explain you’re vulnerable, a woman with a young child. Freezing weather. Etc. Kick up a fuss. 5 hours isn’t acceptable.

WallaceinAnderland · 23/01/2023 19:51

Broke down recently right outside a pub. Two adults waited in the warmth with plenty of money for food/drink, access to toilet facilities, phone charge socket, etc. AA were there within 2 hours. Definitely escalate this.

Babdoc · 23/01/2023 19:53

I have twice needed the RAC.The first time they arrived within 12 minutes, the second about 20 minutes. I have always regarded them as far superior to the AA in response time.

BoreOfWhabylon · 23/01/2023 19:54

I called them at 12:25 pm today. Still waiting.

At least I am at home, with a non-starting car.

Original poster
SlinkySienna · 23/01/2023 19:55

Apparently someone who might be able to help is going to call me back, aka they can't be arsed to deal with it so are fobbing off to someone else . Random car now pulled up behind me, hate being sat on my own in the dark. Glad my son is asleep.

OP posts:
Oblomov22 · 23/01/2023 19:56

This is so poor isn't it? I'd phone back.

BoreOfWhabylon · 23/01/2023 19:56

To be fair, I've found their service excellent in the past but certainly not today.

LindorDoubleChoc · 23/01/2023 20:01

I would hope it would be sooner than 5 hours! Is there anyone at all you can ask to drive out to pick up your child and bring you a thermos and blankets while you wait?

hedgehoglurker · 23/01/2023 20:06

I don't use AA or RAC anymore. Both have left me vulnerable for many hours, alone with toddlers. Luckily on the last occasion I wasn't too far from home so able to abandon the car and get a taxi - with 2 toddlers and a primary school child, husband overseas. RAC met me the next day - several taxis later, considering the morning school and nursery runs in addition to getting home the night before.

I use smaller companies now, as they tend to subcontract to local firms.

Original poster
SlinkySienna · 23/01/2023 22:10

Still sat here. After 3 phonecalls. Fucking joke! Glad I have blankets in the car for my son.

OP posts:
Bayleaf25 · 23/01/2023 22:13

Dreadful, I always thought response time was about 60-90 minutes. Hope you’re sorted soon.

Xrays · 23/01/2023 22:16

SlinkySienna · 23/01/2023 22:10

Still sat here. After 3 phonecalls. Fucking joke! Glad I have blankets in the car for my son.

Feel so sorry for you 💐😞

OoooohMatron · 23/01/2023 22:17

It was 5 hours for me the other day but I was at home not stuck on a roadside with a child. I'm shocked to be honest OP, you should be a priority.

Ljc1985 · 23/01/2023 22:17

I'm so sorry OP. I have found RAC ridiculous lately I'm so cross they have left you with a young child in the dark and cold. That's unacceptable

Azulocean · 23/01/2023 22:18

If you can, call a taxi and get home. Our car broke last sat. We told them non starter (engine problem), on a fast road, dangerous, we had dogs and our daughter. Still same routine, they waste time sending you the vans who can’t do anything which just delays to calls to get the car uplifted. 4 hours! I was freezing and fuming. I wish I had just called a local firm to take us home. You have my complete sympathy x

NeedToChangeName · 23/01/2023 22:19

That's terrible. I'm with Green Flag. I've called them a couple of times and I think they've come out within an hour

Dreamscomingtrue · 23/01/2023 22:22

I had the same experience in October but it was on a wet & stormy day. They just kept texting me saying another hour, another hour. Turned out to be about 4 hours after I rang up and complained. Elderly woman on my own, no battery, so no warmth in the car. Luckily a pub not too far away to use the toilet once, but in driving rain, not much fun. I’d ring up and complain and explain you have a child with you. How do they think that 4-5 hours is acceptable?

StarDolphins · 23/01/2023 22:22

I used to work for RAC & a line female at night was like an emergency- upto 1 hour wait but generally much quicker!

Not the same these days it seems.

I would ring them & say you’re in your own freezing with your little girl. You both shouldn’t be in this situation.

StarDolphins · 23/01/2023 22:22
  • lone
Blueisthecolor · 23/01/2023 22:34

That's awful. I wld have though and hour maybe 2 absolute max. The only time I move had to call (think it was AA) they were out in around an hour. It was dark and I was female on my own. However it was back of 5pm and I got a flat at the start of a dual carriage way. I had a few people stop to offer help but it wasn't safe to change the tyre there.

I hope they get to you soon. I'm appalled they've left u there with a child since 7pm in these temperatures too.

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