By: AlanR - 13th April 2013 at 10:29
It can depend on the number of vehicles you need covered. I used the RAC for many years, then they started to charge extra if one of your vehicles was a van.
I’m now with the AA, although that’s getting to be expensive.
By: bazv - 13th April 2013 at 10:18
Thanks for the answers so far guys – keep em coming.
Thanks Moggy…I used to be a member of GEM years ago 🙂 (pre internet) and did have a quick look at their website yesterday…they will deffo be on the shortlist.
I have been a member of the CSMA for years (brittania cover) and will have to check carefully for any ‘extras’ that I might lose by changing over.
However having said that – CSMA is really Liverpool Vic these days !
cheers baz
By: Lincoln 7 - 13th April 2013 at 09:50
For me it is an “insurance policy”. I insure every year and I cannot remember when I last used the service. Currently it’s with RIAS, and I don’t know which breakdown service they use, but I wonder if there is much to choose at the end of the day. No doubt there is a comparison website somewhere to tell you…..
I do know that the RAC don’t salute you anymore!!!
Chas, Just something I read about the R.A.C. (I was a member, many yrs ago, and had their badge on the front grill of my car) They would find out where the Police were conducting a Speeding Check, and then go back up the road, and stand there. If you came along in your car, heading towards the “Trap” and they didn’t see an RAC badge on the grill,they would NOT salute you, meaning you would no doubt fall prey to the Trap, however, if they saw you WERE a member, they would still not salute you, meaning there was a trap ahead.If they did, upon seeing your badge, salute you it meant it was O.K. up ahead.
These days, even flashing your headlights to warn others can cost you a F.P. ticket.(I do though.:D).
Jim.
Lincoln .7
By: Moggy C - 13th April 2013 at 09:49
I was paying about £160 a year with the RAC. I went to GEM and if I recall correctly got the same level of service offered for around a third of the price.
Needless to say I didn’t use them for years, so the savings mounted. Then last year, using the Ute (£600 off e-bay ) for a lot of miles I had three problems.
1) Locked out with keys inside at Epsom
2) Puncture but the spare wheel carrier was rusted shut – Manchester
3) Catastrophic waterpump failure – Spalding
Each time the GEM appointed guy turned up promptly and dealt with the problem swiftly 1) and 2) or transported the vehicle and I home 3)
The only difference I can see from the RAC is that to save money I chose the ‘pay and reclaim’ option. It is not compulsory though.
I’d never go back to the RAC
Moggy
By: trumper - 13th April 2013 at 09:29
Baz ,i have been in the AA for probably 30 years and called them out maybe 3 times.I think the car was at home or at a friends.
I have never been towed in or broken down on the road so each year i think “why bother” but i know the year i don’t will be the year i will need them.
By: charliehunt - 13th April 2013 at 07:12
For me it is an “insurance policy”. I insure every year and I cannot remember when I last used the service. Currently it’s with RIAS, and I don’t know which breakdown service they use, but I wonder if there is much to choose at the end of the day. No doubt there is a comparison website somewhere to tell you…..
I do know that the RAC don’t salute you anymore!!!
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April 13, 2013 at 6:32 am