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Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to know about Car Insurance

About car insurance


Do AA members get special rates?

If you have AA Breakdown Cover, please give us your membership number when getting a quote online and you may qualify for a discount.

What is protected no-claims discount?

In the event of a claim, if your insurance company cannot recover their outlay from the person responsible, or you cannot recover your excess, your no-claims discount is normally reduced at the next renewal. Bonus protection allows up to two non-recoverable claims in a three- or five-year period without reducing your no-claims discount. This optional extra can cost a further 15% on your premium.

What is an excess?

Either voluntary or compulsory, or both (see below).

Can I pay a voluntary excess?

Yes, you may get a discount on the premium if you agree to pay towards the cost of any claim for loss of or damage to your vehicle.

What is a Thatcham security device?

The Thatcham Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre evaluates the effectiveness of car security products against the British insurance industry's criteria. Most insurers acknowledge the benefits of these devices and give you discounts.

What is a tracking device?

This enables the police to track a stolen vehicle via an electronic signal emitted from a sensor concealed in the car. The recovery rate for these stolen vehicles is very high. Insurers usually allow up to 10% off the premium if the vehicle is fitted with a tracking device.

About your cover


Is immediate cover available?

Yes. Immediate cover is available both via the phone and the Internet.

What is the AA Claims Assistance service?

Our experts will examine your claim and, if they feel that you have a valid claim against another driver, they will work hard to get the claim settled in full. This applies to non-fault accidents only. We will also attempt to recover your uninsured losses (those which are not covered by your policy). These may include compensation for injury, damage, excess, loss of earnings and other out-of-pocket expenses.

Does my policy allow me to drive abroad?

All private car policies issued in the UK include the minimum cover required in any EU country. In addition, AA Insurance policies provide cover equivalent to that held in the UK (for up to 90 days in a year). For example, a comprehensive policyholder receives comprehensive cover free of charge while driving in an EU country. Cover may be extended for longer periods or for countries outside the EU.

About your payment


Can I spread my payments and pay by monthly instalments?

Yes, we do offer payment by instalments.
Find out about monthly instalments.

What about the security of my payment online?

We know that when you purchase items or services online you want your personal details and your credit or debit card information to be private and secure. We are committed to providing this security for you.

Our secure-server software encrypts all the details in your online transaction. The encryption process takes the characters you enter and converts them into a coded form, which is then securely transmitted.

Contact us


How can I contact you?

If you need any help or want to contact us, you can:

Call us on 0800 197 6173

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm, Saturday 8:30am to 7pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.