XSeries-forum

I have had breakdown cover with the RAC since 2000. A couple of times, at renewal, I have 'phoned them to complain about the renewal price and they have either reduced it or given me an extra 3 months free - or both. In the time I've been with them I've used their service twice (both with my old E30). Once we were recovered 70 miles home, on a Sunday afternoon, with a failed crank sensor. The second time, late at night 45 miles from home, all 6 bolts holding a driveshaft to the diff output flange mysteriously worked loose - meaning no drive. The bolts were all still there and could have been re-tightened, but the patrol dude insisted it was the clutch failed (although I had determined the exact problem before he arrived) and insisted I was wrong and we would have to be recovered, and no he wouldn't lend me a 6mm Allen key so I could fix it myself. Sorry, I digress....................

This year they wanted to increase the total annual charge by over £50. When I looked at the finer detail, the actual increase was minimal - probably a similar amount to the current rate of inflation. However, the bulk of the increase was a £46 hike in the "administration fee". Last year £25, this year £71! Now, considering I was set-up to auto-renew, where the hell is £71 worth of administration?

This morning I have 'phoned them to complain. The reduction they offered was nowhere near enough to make me want to stay with them. They couldn't (.....or wouldn't.....) attempt to justify their "administration fee". But they did offer a "reward" scheme, where - for a fee - I could forego breakdown cover but get discounts at various outlets I never use and then next year if I want to renew with them again I could claim a £30 discount on my first year breakdown cover.

Sorry, RAC, you've just lost a loyal customer. Green Flag, new member incoming.

Loyalty is worth diddly squat these days. I posted here that my insurance doubled last May to over £100pm. My NCD and a customer for 20+ years. I went with it then as it was easier, but this year will do some serious digging.

You gotta leave to get a better price , this auto renew is a god send for them as most people are too lazy to do anything in time so it just renews before they even realise .

I use Autoaid i think they are called have a card in my wallet but not with me at the moment.
Cover is for me and her in any car with all the bits apart from Europe as we don't take a car out of the uk.
Not sure on the cost but it is around £100 and does for me.
Only ever used once and had my car recovered to home and just a squiggle on a screen when he dropped me off job done.

I don't know if it's very much of a comparison, but I've just had the renewal for our home insurance - which is with Aviva.
It's gone up by 6% compared to last year. I'm quite happy with that - considering that inflation is running at somewhere around 3%. I know that 6% is more than 3%, but in general I usually allow for insurances increasing by 10% per annum - unless claims have been made.

Oh, and I'm now signed-up with Green Flag for breakdown insurance.