Frequently Asked Questions
All you need to know about Breakdown Cover
- About AA Breakdown Cover
- Buying breakdown cover
- Renewing your cover
- Stay Mobile
- Breakdown Repair Cover
- Benefits for members
About AA Breakdown Cover
How does the AA compare with other breakdown organisations?
As the UK's largest breakdown organisation, we fix more breakdowns by the roadside than anyone else.
Here are more reasons why 95% of our members would recommend us to friends.
- No other breakdown provider has as many dedicated patrols.
- The AA Members Club could save you an amount equal to or more than the cost of your membership.
- No charge for labour at the roadside.
- On average we arrive within around 40 minutes of our members' calls.
What are the chances of you repairing my car at the roadside?
We attend a breakdown on average every 8.7 seconds and repair around 8 out of 10 breakdowns by the roadside. Also, only the AA has 'VIxEN', a unique on-board computer to help diagnose faults when you've broken down. More about the AA toolkit.
Will you come out if I'm the passenger rather than the driver?
Yes, regardless of your type of cover, with AA membership you are covered as the driver or passenger. If you have Personal membership this applies for any vehicle. If you have Vehicle membership this applies for the vehicle that you have registered with us.
How many times can I break down?
You can use our breakdown service five times in one membership year (six if you have joint or family membership) without incurring any call-out charges.
What number do I telephone if I break down?
The emergency breakdown number, as shown on the back of your membership card, is 0800 88 77 66. If calling from a mobile you should dial 08457 887766.
What happens if I break down but haven't received my membership card because of a postal strike?
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause; however, in the event of a breakdown please quote your membership number and we will continue to provide service. Get the latest information from Royal Mail.
How quickly would you reach me if my vehicle breaks down?
If you break down, the AA has the latest satellite technology to help find the shortest route to get to our members. On average we arrive within around 40 minutes of your call.
What should I do if my AA card is lost or stolen?
Call 08705 444 444 and ask for a replacement card to be issued.
Can I change my level of AA Breakdown Cover?
Yes, you can add additional members, increase your level of breakdown cover or add Breakdown Repair Cover to help meet the cost of expensive repair bills after a breakdown. If you want to remove a joint or family member or you feel your cover is too high for your needs, please call us on 0800 085 2608 and we will help you to find the cover that's right for you.
Is there a problem with night-time patrols?
Media coverage has reported that the AA is ending night-time patrolling. This is untrue and the AA would like to reassure its members that it continues to provide cover 24 hours a day, all year round. At night, as at other times of the day, the AA serves its members with its own patrols and, as with other breakdown providers, some garage agents, when appropriate. Steve Dewey, AA Road Operations Director, says: "The AA's night-time service has been significantly enhanced over the past year and forthcoming changes will further improve the service for our members." Delivering a good service to members remains the AA's number one priority.
How do I complain about AA products or services?
If you're unhappy with our service for any reason, we really want to hear from you. Please see the information on what you need to do next.
Are there any restrictions on vehicle size for AA Breakdown Cover?
Our terms and conditions include details of vehicle type, weight and size restrictions for AA Breakdown Cover.
Will the AA recover a caravan fitted with an Alko towball?
Yes, the AA can recover vehicles fitted with the Alko type of towball.
Do you still do a member's handbook
You can find details of the current handbook on our website.
Where can I find more information about the AA's historic racing team?
The AA Historic Racing Team website contains lots of information about the team, the cars and the schedule of races that they're entering this year.
Buying breakdown cover
How much does AA Breakdown Cover cost?
There are four products to choose from for AA breakdown cover. Each Option contains Roadside, which gives you help when you have broken down more than ¼ mile from your home. If your car can't be fixed by the roadside, we'll take you and your car to the nearest garage or an alternative destination, provided this is no further. The additional features of Relay, Home Start and Stay Mobile aim to give you more peace of mind and extended cover. Go to our Breakdown Options page to find out more and get information about our prices.
How soon will I become an AA member if I apply online?
Your Roadside Assistance begins immediately after your online application has been successfully processed. If you have provided us with your email address we will send you email confirmation. Within 28 days we will send you your new member pack and membership card(s) through the post.
Please note: Home Start, Relay and Stay Mobile benefits only start 24 hours after your membership commences.
Can I buy AA membership as a present for someone else?
You can buy membership for somebody other than yourself provided you know their name and address.
Is my online payment secure?
Yes. We use 128-bit encryption – the highest form of encryption generally available – to make sure your payment is safe.
Our secure-server software scrambles all the details you input before they are sent, so that only we can understand them. Find out more about our Security Promise. If you have problems using our secure system, it may be that your browser does not support our encryption system. In this case, contact your browser provider (eg Netscape or Internet Explorer) for further advice.
Internet Explorer homepage
Netscape support page
Can I change the way I pay for AA Breakdown Cover?
We provide a choice of easy payment methods. When you renew online you can choose to set up a direct debit or pay by continuous credit card authority. Both of these options will save you time in the future as we will renew your membership automatically at the end of the year. You can also make a one-off payment with either a credit or debit card when renewing online.
We accept Visa, MasterCard and Maestro (previously Switch), and all online payments are secure. Alternatively, you can pay for your membership in monthly direct debit instalments by contacting us on 0800 085 2721.
Renewing your cover
How can I renew my AA membership?
Up to 10 weeks before your membership is due to expire we'll send you a renewal invitation. This will include details of your renewal, based on your existing level of cover, and the various ways to renew your membership. If your are not already paying on a continuous credit card or annual direct debit basis, then you can renew your AA membership online by going to our renewals page and following the simple instructions.
Can I renew my AA membership online?
Yes. If you've received your renewal reminder, (up to 10 weeks before your renewal date), and you are not already paying on either a continuous credit card or annual direct debit basis, go to our renewals page and follow the simple instructions.
Can I renew my membership if I haven't yet received my reminder?
If you haven't received your renewal invitation and you know your current membership number, please use this to access your renewal details online. Alternatively you can telephone 0800 085 2608 (lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm, Saturday 8am to 7pm, Sunday 9am to 7pm).
Will I keep my existing membership number when I renew my breakdown cover?
Yes, your AA membership number will stay the same, even if you have made changes to your cover.
When I renew my membership, when will I receive my new membership card(s)?
If you haven't already received your card(s), once you've renewed your membership we will send you confirmation of your renewal and new card(s) in the post within 28 days. If renewing online and you have provided us with your email address, we will also send you confirmation of your renewal by email.
How do I renew my Vehicle membership?
If you have chosen Vehicle membership, which covers a vehicle with anyone driving it, please call us on 0800 085 2721 and we'll be happy to renew your membership over the telephone.
Stay Mobile
If I choose the car hire benefit under Stay Mobile, can I keep the hire car for longer than 72 hours?
You may extend the use of the hire car under Stay Mobile. Any additional days will need to be arranged by yourself directly with the hire company, but as an AA member you will be eligible to a discount on the extra hire days.
How do I claim for public transport costs under my Stay Mobile cover?
Under Stay Mobile you will need to send receipts for the public transport costs to us, and we will reimburse you.
If I want to use the car hire benefit under Stay Mobile, do I need to show my driving licence to the hire company?
Yes, you will need to produce your licence (including the paper counterpart) at the time of hiring.
Will I need to produce a credit/debit card for the car hire benefit under Stay Mobile?
Yes, under Stay Mobile you will need a credit card to use for the deposit, which is only used if damage to the hire car is incurred.
Under Stay Mobile, does the hire car have to be delivered to and collected from the same address?
No, with Stay Mobile the car can be delivered to and collected from different addresses.
Breakdown Repair Cover
Do I have to keep my car regularly serviced?
Yes. Once you have nominated a vehicle for Breakdown Repair Cover then you will need to keep it serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Servicing must be done by a suitable garage business, eg not a neighbour, friend or family member, but a garage trading business with garage premises. You may be asked to produce evidence of servicing when you make a claim so be sure to retain your receipts and invoices.
What do I do if I change my vehicle?
We can easily update your Breakdown Repair Cover to cover your replacement vehicle (please remember that the new vehicle must meet the policy eligibility requirements detailed in the terms and conditions). All you need to do is call us on 0870 544 4444. You will not be able to make a claim in relation to a breakdown occurring within 14 days of the date on which you notify us of the vehicle change.
If you have AA Motor Insurance and have advised our insurance team of a change of vehicle, then please be aware that you will still need to call us on 0870 544 4444 – unfortunately we cannot currently update your Breakdown Repair Cover policy automatically from your insurance details. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and are working on improving this aspect of our service.
Can I have cover on more than one vehicle?
Yes. If you purchase Breakdown Repair Cover Multiple Vehicle Cover, you can nominate up to three eligible vehicles. All vehicles must be registered at your home address, but can be any age or mileage. Please call 0870 544 4444 for further information.
Can I claim straightaway?
A claim on your Breakdown Repair Cover cannot be made for any faults that occur during the first 14 days after your agreed policy start date. If you change your vehicle you will also not be able to claim for 14 days after making the change. Please ensure that you notify us promptly when you purchase a replacement vehicle to ensure that the new vehicle is covered as soon as possible.
How do I make a claim?
When you break down you must call for AA assistance on 0800 887766. Please see How to Claim for full instructions.
Who can I talk to if I still have questions about Breakdown Repair Cover?
If you have any further questions, please call 0870 544 4444.
Benefits for members
Can AA members get discounts on airport parking?
Yes, you can get special rates at 16 UK airports. For more details visit the AA Members Club.
As an AA member can I get a discount on car hire?
Yes. AA members can save up to 10% on Hertz car hire, plus a free additional driver. More details in the AA Members Club.
Can I get discounts on other products and services when I'm an AA member?
As an AA Personal member, you can enjoy benefits on a wide range of products and services, and not just in the UK. We have international schemes in both Europe and North America – which can help you 'save up to the cost of your membership'. Find out more at AA Members Club.
Where can I find out about the AA Members Club?
Through the AA Members Club you are entitled to a many benefits built specifically around you, ranging from discounts on motoring services to days out for the family. Go to our AA Members Club page for more details.
As an AA member can I get discounts when visiting USA and other countries?
Yes. The ARC Europe 'show your card scheme' entitles you to discounts at selected hotels, restaurants, museums, theme parks and shops across Europe and further afield including USA, Canada and Australia.
Visit the ARC Europe website for further details of individual offers and terms and conditions. Each offer is valid for a limited period only and can usually be obtained by simply showing your AA membership card. For offer specific details see the ARC website.
Check carefully whether the offer you want to take up needs to be booked before you leave or is available on a walk-in basis.