AA Membership and Breakdown Repair Cover
Summaries of UK Policies and Arrangement and Administration Contract
This document provides you with a summary of UK Personal and Vehicle Breakdown Cover, AA Breakdown Repair Cover, and the arranging and administration of these policies.
See the summaries for Channel Isles and the Isle of Man.
AA Membership Policy Summary
UK Personal & Vehicle Breakdown Cover
This policy summary provides you with basic details of your AA Membership. AA Membership provides a number of levels of Breakdown Assistance which are outlined in the summary below – please check the Membership letter provided to you or with your sales adviser for details of the level of cover you hold or are intending to purchase.
Please note this is not a statement of the full Terms and Conditions, which can be found in the AA Membership Terms and Conditions UK Personal & Vehicle Breakdown Cover and Arrangement & Administration Contract ('Terms and Conditions') booklet.
1. Who is AA Membership provided by?
Roadside, Relay and Home start are provided by The Automobile Association Limited (AAL).
Stay Mobile is provided by Automobile Association Underwriting Services Limited (AAUS).
2. Who is covered by AA Membership?
Personal Membership is available as either:
Single Membership – covers you as driver or passenger in any vehicle
Joint Membership – covers you and one other person living at the same address as driver or passenger
Family Membership – covers you and up to three other people living at the same address as driver or passenger.
Vehicle Membership – covers your vehicle no matter who is driving
3. What are the main features/benefits of AA Membership?
| Service | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Roadside Assistance |
|
| Home Start |
|
| Relay |
|
| Stay Mobile |
|
4. Are there any significant exclusions or limitations to AA Membership?
Full details of the restrictions which apply to AA Membership can be found within the Terms and Conditions booklet, however the key restrictions are:
Service is only available within the UK. This does not include the Channel Islands and Isle of Man where separate cover is required.
Service is only available to Members travelling in a car, van, minibus or motorcycle which complies with the stated weight and width restrictions.
- Assistance is not available following a breakdown or accident attended by the police or other emergency service, until the vehicle's removal is authorised. If the police insist on recovery by a third party, the cost must be met by you.
- No recovery (including a local tow) is available following an accident;
- Transport of any animal is discretionary, and horses and livestock will not be recovered;
- Routine maintenance, running repairs, the cost of spare parts, fuel, oil, keys, specialist lifting equipment, garage or other labour required to repair your vehicle are excluded, as is the provision of service on private property without the relevant permission;
- Service is discretionary where it is requested to deal with the same or a similar fault or cause of breakdown to that attended in regard to the same vehicle within the preceding 28 days;
- The Member (or, in the case of Vehicle Based Membership, a person) must be with the vehicle at the times of breakdown and assistance. A valid Membership card and some other form of identification must be produced. Service will be refused and may be cancelled if anyone behaves in an abusive or threatening manner, or if the AA is owed money.
Any car hire that may be arranged for a Member will be subject to the hirer's Terms and Conditions.
Please note that further premiums may be requested if the maximum number of call-outs is exceeded.
Additional restrictions for Vehicle Membership
Service is only available to vehicles which are registered with the AA at the time assistance is requested; Where only Roadside Assistance is held, the vehicle must be no more than 10 years old at the date of registration with the AA.
5. How long is Membership valid for?
The duration of your membership is 12 months, unless you have Continuous Membership in which case cover will run until the Member or the AA exercises their right to cancel.
6. What if I want to cancel AA Membership?
You have the right to cancel your Membership within a 14 day 'cooling-off period', commencing either from the agreement of the contract, or the receipt of your membership documents, whichever happens later. The following refund policy will apply for Members cancelling within the cooling off period: If you joined already requiring assistance you will be entitled to a full refund minus the AA's charges for assistance provided. If you were not in a breakdown situation when you joined you will receive a full refund less the cancellation administration charge that Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited makes.
For Members paying annually, subject to any other statutory rights you may have, there will be no refunds following the cooling-off period.
Continuous Members paying monthly can cancel their Membership at any time by giving a minimum of 30 days' notice. Full details of your cancellation rights can be found on page 14 of the Terms and Conditions booklet.
7. What if I need to make a call out?
If you require breakdown assistance in the UK, please call 0800 887 766. You will need to provide your Membership number, and details of your circumstances. Please be prepared to show your Membership card.
8. What if I need to make a complaint?
If you wish to register a complaint, please make contact:
By phone: 0845 607 6727
In writing: Member Care, AA, Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2DY
By email: CustomerSupport@theAA.com
If your complaint is about cover underwritten by AAUS and it is not settled, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
9. Is AA Membership covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
AAUS, only, is covered by the FSCS. If any of the cover you have purchased is underwritten by AAUS, you may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if AAUS cannot meet its obligations. This depends on the type of business and the circumstances of the claim. Further information about the compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk or telephone 020 7892 7300.
AA Breakdown Repair Cover – Policy Summary
This document provides you with basic details of your Breakdown Repair Cover which can help with the costs of parts and labour required after the breakdown of a nominated vehicle. Breakdown Repair Cover is underwritten by Automobile Association Underwriting Services Limited. This is not a statement of the full Terms and Conditions of your cover, which can be found in your Breakdown Repair Cover Terms and Conditions booklet which should be read in conjunction with this summary. The duration of this cover is to the expiry of your current breakdown cover. You may need to review this cover periodically to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
- What are the main features/benefits of Breakdown Repair Cover?
- Cover is against the cost of repair/replacements of insured part(s) necessary for the nominated vehicle in the event of unforeseen breaking down or burning out (electrical) of such part(s) during a journey more than a quarter of a mile from home, or in a Home Start situation (where Home Start is included as an optional extra with your membership), which prohibits the vehicle from safe movement and results in the deployment of AA Breakdown Assistance and necessary repair or replacement of the insured part(s) to enable the journey to be resumed.
- You can claim up to £500 (including VAT and subject to a £25 excess) per claim and make up to five paid claims a year.
- Are there any significant exclusions or limitations to my Breakdown Repair Cover?
This is a summary of the main exclusions and limitations of your Breakdown Repair Cover:
- Cover commences 14 days after your policy start date (you cannot claim for a breakdown occurrence before day 15) (see your Terms and Conditions booklet under 'Commencement of Cover').
- If you change the vehicle covered, you will not be able to make a claim for 14 days after you have notified the AA of a vehicle change (see under 'If you change your vehicle').
- No repairs may start until the Claims Department has agreed and authorised the repairs with the repairer. Once authorised all repair invoices for settlement must be received in the Claims Department within six weeks of the date the AA patrol/garage agent attended the initial breakdown.
- Vehicles which can be covered by AA Breakdown Repair Cover
Cover is available for any vehicle which is eligible for breakdown assistance cover under Your AA Membership* (Personal or, as applicable, Vehicle Membership) excluding motor caravans, kit cars, taxis, private hire vehicles, any vehicles used for hire or reward, any vehicles used in the provision of courier services and any caravans or other trailer. A supplementary premium will be payable for eligible vehicles which are:
- 10 years old or more when first registered with the Insurer; and/or
- have 100,000 or more recorded miles, at that time;
In addition, to be eligible for cover under AA Breakdown Repair Cover, any motorcycle must be a two wheeled motorcycle with an engine capacity of over 50cc.
Please note that the age of a vehicle will be taken from the date of its first registration with the DVLA except for imported vehicles where the month and year of manufacture will be used to determine age.
Please see the terms and conditions of Your AA Membership, under vehicle specifications, for details of vehicle eligibility under AA Membership, which includes, but are not limited to:
- a maximum gross vehicle weight limit of 3.5 tonnes and
- requirements (for Vehicle Membership only) that a vehicle be registered with the A and, if Roadside Assistance only is held, is no older than 10 years old when so registered.
- The vehicle must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and service intervals (Service and mileage records for vehicles are taken from the date Breakdown Repair Cover first commenced for the registered vehicle).
- Proof of servicing (for example receipts or invoices) may be required for some claims.
- Cover is only available in connection with breakdowns attended by the AA (or its agents) under your AA Membership.
- You can only hold one Breakdown Repair Cover with your breakdown cover.
- Breakdown Repair Cover is not available on the Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
- What if I want to cancel my Breakdown Repair Cover?
You have the right to cancel this cover within 14 days from your receipt of your policy documentation (the cooling off period). You will be entitled to a full refund of your premium if you cancel during the cooling off period before your cover commences. If you cancel during the cooling off period, but on or after your cover commences, and no claim has been made, you will be entitled to a full refund of your premium. If a claim has been made during this period then you will be entitled to a full refund of your premium but you will need to reimburse the Insurer with the full amount of the claim. You should, if requested, promptly return any proof of entitlement provided and must not, in any event make further claims under the cancelled cover.
- What if I need to make a claim?
If you have a claim regarding your Breakdown Repair Cover, you can call the Claims authorisation and advice helpline on: 0845 604 0042, or write to: The Claims Department, Breakdown Repair Cover, AAWS, Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2DY.
- What if I need to make a complaint?
If your complaint relates to a claim in the first instance you can call the Claims authorisation and advice helpline on: 0845 604 0042, or write to: The Manager, Breakdown Repair Cover, AAWS, Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2DY. If you are not satisfied with a decision about a query or a claim, you may refer the matter directly to the insurer at: AA Breakdown Repair Cover, Automobile Association Underwriting Services Limited, Fanum House, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA.
If you wish to register a general complaint please contact the AA by phone: 0845 607 6727 or in writing to: Member Care at The AA, Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2DY or by email: customersupport@theAA.com
If you remain dissatisfied with the final response to your complaint, you can also contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for help and advice.
- Are we covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)?
The insurer is covered by the FSCS. You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if the insurer cannot meet its obligations. This depends on the type of business and the circumstances of the claim. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from the FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk or telephone 0207 892 7300.
Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited is an insurance intermediary and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).
Registered Office: Fanum House, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Registered in England and Wales number: 2414212.
Additional information
Additional information about your AA Membership Breakdown Cover Policy and AA Breakdown Repair Cover (and the arranging and administration of that cover):
- Demands and Needs Statement:
You have chosen to take out AA Membership Breakdown Cover, and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover, to meet your needs. Your full Terms and Conditions will be sent to you shortly.
- Company Details of the Provider(s) of AA Membership Breakdown Cover and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover:
The Automobile Association Limited is incorporated with limited liability in Jersey number 73356. Registered office: 22 Grenville Street, St Helier, Jersey JE4 8PX, Channel Islands. It is an insurer of breakdown assistance services cover that is exempt from authorisation under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Head Office (Registered Branch Office): Fanum House, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Branch Registered in England and Wales number BR004875.
Automobile Association Underwriting Services Limited is an insurer of general business which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered Office: Fanum House, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA. Registered in England and Wales number 1674675.
- The contracts you are or will be entering:
In addition to contracting with the insurers who provide your AA Membership Breakdown Cover and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover, you will enter into a separate contract with Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited ('AAIS') under which AAIS agrees to arrange and administer the relevant cover. See the summary of the Arrangement and Administration Contract: AA Membership and AA Breakdown Repair Cover, below. The premium(s) due to the insurer(s) and the fee(s) for AAIS's services will be advised to you in writing, and together these amounts make up the total cost payable with regard to your AA Membership and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover.
Summary of the Arrangement and Administration Contract
AA Membership and AA Breakdown Repair Cover
Set out below is information about the services provided to you by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited ('AAIS').Included is a summary of your contract with AAIS regarding the arrangement and administration of your AA Membership and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover.
- Who regulates AAIS?
AAIS (Registered Office: Fanum House, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 4EA), is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). The FSA is the independent watchdog that regulates financial services. AAIS's permitted business is that of an insurance intermediary dealing in and arranging contracts of general insurance. You can check this information on the FSA's register by visiting their website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting 0845 606 1234.
- Which companies do AAIS deal with?
AAIS deals with the Automobile Association Limited which underwrites Roadside Assistance, Home Start and Relay, and Automobile Association Underwriting Services Limited which underwrites Stay Mobile and Breakdown Repair Cover. AAIS acts as an agent of these underwriters, including when receiving your premium and when making a refund to you.
- What service does AAIS provide?
AAIS will provide the following services to you:
- providing information about cover: You will be provided with information on the cover available from the insurer(s) and be asked some questions to help narrow down the level and type of cover of interest to you. You will not receive advice or any recommendation on which level or type of cover to buy and you will need to choose which level and type of cover you require.
- arranging cover;
- administering cover;
- making, and providing information on, changes to cover;
AAIS will, for compliance purposes, keep a copy of the policy that was issued to you. Communication by AAIS concerning any policy issued will be in English.
- What will you have to pay for services provided by AAIS?
AAIS will always give you written information of its fees for the services it provides under this contract. These fees will be advised in the contract or separately in writing and will be identified separately from the cover premium.
Repayment of Fees: subject to any statutory rights you may have as a consumer, AAIS will only refund its fees:
- in the circumstances set out in the following AA Membership Breakdown Cover Policy General Terms and Conditions:
- where premium is refunded under clause 3f, page 14
- where you cancel under clause 8a), page 15; and
- where you cancel under clause 8b, page 15 in which case AAIS will refund its fees subject to a cancellation charge of £14; and
- where it has arranged a refund of premium following cancellation in the cooling off period of the AA Breakdown Repair Cover Policy.
AAIS will also tell you about any other charges relating to your cover.
- in the circumstances set out in the following AA Membership Breakdown Cover Policy General Terms and Conditions:
- Changes to Terms and Conditions
AAIS has certain rights to change its terms and conditions, and these rights are detailed in the Terms and Conditions.
- Matters outside AAIS's reasonable control
AAIS shall not be liable for failures outside its reasonable control, and examples of circumstances outside of its control are detailed in the Terms and Conditions.
- Exclusion of liability for loss of profit etc
To the extent permitted by law, AAIS has excluded its liability, for example for consequential and business losses. These exclusions are detailed in the Terms and Conditions.
- Third parties Terms and Conditions, and benefits, of any contract with AAIS are stated not to be enforceable by anyone else other than the Member.
- What to do if you have a complaint?
If you wish to register a complaint, please contact us:
By phone: 0845 607 6727
In writing: Member Care, AA, Lambert House, Stockport Road, Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2DY
By email: CustomerSupport@theAA.com
If you cannot settle your complaint with AAIS, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
- The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
The activities of AAIS in arranging AA Membership and, where applicable, AA Breakdown Repair Cover is covered by the FSCS. You may be entitled to compensation from the scheme if AAIS cannot meet its obligations. This depends on the type of business and the circumstances of the claim. Insurance arranging is covered for 100% of the first £2,000 and 90% of the remainder of the claim, without any upper limit. Further information about compensation scheme arrangements is available from FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk or telephone 020 7892 7300.
- Use of headings
The headings used above are for convenience only and shall not affect interpretation.