Breakdown cover

[BarryM]

I just got my annual renewal through for breakdown cover with the AA.....3 cars with home start, relay etc so pretty much the works and the quote was £366!

I did the usual call and got it down to around £200 after dropping one of the cars but just wondered if there are any recommendations outside of the AA or RAC, the Green Flag website won't quote and I'm guessing it might be because the B10 is 20 years old?

We're planning on a little trip down to Italy in 2023 so I'll need to take out european cover then but not sure if I should include that now or try and get specific cover when I need it.

Any thoughts appreciated.

[Jules Sunleu]

Its worth checking with your bank if you can upgrade your current account to one with more packaged extras. I did this years ago with Natwest who I already banked with and the extras were worth the extra cost. For me this includes premium breakdown cover on all vehicles I own or am travelling in, both for my cars and motorbikes, as well as travel insurance for me and the Mrs and the kids.

Each account level varies on what you get, but worth looking into as an option as when I changed accounts I stopped buying separate annual breakdown cover.

[BarryM]

Thanks for the suggestion Jules, I've just looked at HSBC (my bank ) and Nat West but can't see any offers like that unfortunately

[Charles]

Thanks for the suggestion Jules, I've just looked at HSBC (my bank ) and Nat West but can't see any offers like that unfortunately

NatWest have a number of accounts that offer Breakdown cover (and other packaged benefits) but for a monthly fee:

Reward Platinum - UK only cover
Premier Reward Black - UK & European cover

As Jules has already mentioned, the monthly fee may well work out less than what you pay for separate products during the year - travel, phone, breakdown etc

[Cooknerkid]

I am with Nationwide who offer similar to the NatWest one. I was with Green Flag before and it was half the price to pay for the Bank Account rather than breakdown cover, and you get free gadget cover and travel insurance too.

[Bob]

I've heard a few horror stories about the NatWest cover when people have actually needed to use it.

[BarryM]

NatWest have a number of accounts that offer Breakdown cover (and other packaged benefits) but for a monthly fee:

Reward Platinum - UK only cover
Premier Reward Black - UK & European cover

Thanks Charles, I obviously didn't look that hard! However I'm afraid you seriously overestimate my financial clout as the Premier account needs a salary of >£100k....

I am with Nationwide who offer similar to the NatWest one. I was with Green Flag before and it was half the price to pay for the Bank Account rather than breakdown cover, and you get free gadget cover and travel insurance too.

Thanks, I already have a saver account with Nationwide so maybe this is an easier option

I've heard a few horror stories about the NatWest cover when people have actually needed to use it.

Good point Bob, I guess sometimes add-ons might not have quite the same benefits as a dedicated package.

I'm with A-Plan so have seen they offer breakdown cover too but I fear that AXA who they seem to use have a 15 year age limit on vehicles

I shall continue comparing options but European breakdown cover for my 20yo car is starting to look trickier than I expected

[Charles]

Thanks Charles, I obviously didn't look that hard! However I'm afraid you seriously overestimate my financial clout as the Premier account needs a salary of >£100k....

Just a suggestion - but even their European cover wouldn't cover a 20 year old car

I've heard a few horror stories about the NatWest cover when people have actually needed to use it.

As balance, we've had to use the NatWest cover (read Green Flag) a couple of times in the UK and it was fine

[Bob]

I've heard a few horror stories about the NatWest cover when people have actually needed to use it.

As balance, we've had to use the NatWest cover (read Green Flag) a couple of times in the UK and it was fine

I'm sure there are many satisfied customers and it's the minority who are disatisfied and shouting the loudest. Some of the fault may well really lie with the actual breakdown provider/agent. Of the grievances, most were around the expected level of cover (how far cars woud be recovered) and what was actually received.

[Charles]

Just to update - the NatWest cover is changing to the AA in December, applies to all cars you own (whoever the driver) and any car you are driving as well as removing the 16 year limit for European cover.

The account may not be accessible to all but, at £30 per month, that covers the breakdown cover for a family fleet easily

[Yad3100]

I have had personal cover with the AA for a long time, it covers me for any car I am in and I have never had any issues other than them refusing to come to Knockhill, but that a tale in itself.

As far as I can see there is no limitations to the vehicle on this policy other than weight, not a HGV or PSV.