The AA vs RAC

The better provider depends on the products and services you require. The AA has a higher Trustpilot score (4.8 vs 4.5), more dedicated patrols (around 2,700 vs 1,700) and offers unlimited call-outs with all its breakdown cover products.

The AA and RAC are both reliable choices for breakdown cover. Both providers fix 4 out of 5 breakdowns at the roadside, with patrols typically arriving within an hour.

Both The AA and RAC cover electric and hybrid vehicles as standard. If your EV runs out of charge, RAC may be able to provide a 10-mile EV Boost to help you reach a nearby charging point. With The AA, we’ll tow your EV directly to the nearest charging point instead, so you don’t need to rely on a limited emergency charge being enough to reach one.

Yes, both The AA and RAC offer At Home breakdown cover as an option that can be added to your policy.

Call our free helpline on 0330 053 0460 or chat to us between 7am and 8pm.

If you need information in large print, audio or Braille, just ask – you can email our customer services team at [email protected], or let us know when you call our helpline.

If you’ve broken down, you can text us on 07860 027 999.

Use the Relay UK app or dial 18001 before calling us to connect to a relay assistant if required.

If your current situation is affecting how you manage your finances and you require additional help or support, call us on 0330 053 0460

If you require any additional adjustments (e.g. documents in large print, audio or Braille) or you need us to tailor our service to your specific requirements in the event of a breakdown, call us on 0330 053 0460 or chat to us between 7am and 8pm

Use the Relay UK app or dial 18001 before calling us to connect to a relay assistant if required.

Follow these four steps if you break down:

1 – Make sure you’re in a safe place. Move your vehicle off the road if possible, or pull up onto the hard shoulder if you’re on the motorway.

2 – Stay well away from moving traffic – it’s usually safest to get out of your car (using the doors facing away from passing traffic) and wait behind a barrier.

3 – Put your hazard warning lights on and wear a reflective jacket, if you have one.

4 – Once you’re safe, give us a call. We’ll come and rescue you, even if you’re not a member yet.

If you’re already with us, you can also report a breakdown and pinpoint your location using our app. It's the fastest way to ask us for help and track our arrival.

Find out more on what to do if your car breaks down

If you’ve got vehicle cover, change your vehicle details as soon as you can.

With single, joint or family personal cover, you'll only need to change your vehicle details if you have Commercial Use or Parts and Garage Cover added to your policy.

It's simple to change your vehicle details online, and we’ll check that your new vehicle is eligible (terms and conditions apply).

We'll help with breakdowns that happen from 24 hours after you’ve updated us.

If you have Tyre Cover, you’ll only be able to claim for tyre repairs or replacements after the first 7 days. 

If you have Parts and Garage Cover, you’ll only be able to claim for new faults that occur after the first 14 days.