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How does our breakdown cover compare?
The RAC and the AA are two of the biggest and most popular breakdown cover providers in the UK. But before you decide who to go with, it’s important to do your homework and see how the cover compares.
On this page, we’ll help you compare the differences between RAC’s breakdown cover and the AA’s.
Should I choose the RAC or the AA?
If you compare the RAC and AA’s breakdown cover, it’s clear both offer UK-wide breakdown services, with different packages depending on the level of cover you need. The RAC is the most experienced breakdown provider with 127 years’ experience. The AA have 118 years’ experience. RAC vans are equipped with EV Boost which can give you a 10-mile tow to the nearest charging point, and with the RAC you can add more vehicles and more people to your policy than the AA.
Repairs in 30 mins on average
Repairs are done in 30 minutes on average with the RAC. The AA doesn't specify their repair time.
Up to £150 of driving savings
Up to £150 of driving savings on fuel, tyres, servicing and more. Plus, a free upgrade at renewal.
Cover more people
You can cover up to 5 people on one policy with our personal cover. That's more than other popular providers, like the AA.
What’s included with the RAC compared to AA’s membership?
RAC Breakdown Cover | AA Breakdown Cover | |
Roadside Assistance | ||
Large fleet of uniformed patrols and vans | ||
20-mile taxi from the garage1 | ||
EV boost with a 10-mile battery boost | ||
£20 off services | ||
FREE legal helpline | ||
FREE upgrade at renewal | ||
FREE accident care2 | ||
FREE 20-point car health check | ||
FREE MOT | With Complete Cover | |
Number of vehicles fixed at roadside | Our patrols fix 4/5 on the spot. With repairs done in just 30 minutes on average. | AA fix 8/10 cars at the roadside. |
1Following a breakdown, if you’re taken to a garage, we’ll reimburse you for a taxi home up to 20 miles.
2The RAC will seek to recoup the cost of recovery from your insurer/3rd party insurer. You may be asked to pay if this isn’t possible.
What types of breakdown cover are there?
Vehicle cover
With the RAC your vehicle's covered, whoever is driving. And you can add up to 3 vehicles. With the AA you can only add 1 vehicle.
Personal cover
You’re covered as a driver or passenger in any vehicle. Single or joint cover available.
Family cover – RAC Exclusive
With the RAC you can cover your whole family. Up to 5 people from the same household. You can also get over £200 worth of exclusive benefits. With the AA you can only cover up to 4 people.
Who can I get covered on my policy?
RAC Breakdown Cover | AA Breakdown Cover | |
Vehicle cover | Up-to 3 vehicles can be covered on one policy | Only 1 |
Personal cover | Up-to 5 people can be covered on one policy | Up to 4 |
What else does the RAC offer compared to the AA?
Everyone’s needs are different. So, your breakdown provider should offer a range of products to make sure you can build the best cover for you. Whilst the RAC and AA both offer similar breakdown cover packages, the RAC have a larger range of add-ons to enhance your cover and avoid big bills.
RAC | AA | |
National Recovery | ||
At Home |
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Onward Travel |
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European Cover | ||
Battery Replace | ||
Key Replace |
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Tyre Replace |
For more information about our cover levels, visit RAC Breakdown Cover page. You can also find out more about our latest deals here.
Compare RAC and AA European Breakdown Cover
The RAC and AA both offer breakdown cover for when you’re driving in Europe. With RAC European Breakdown Cover you’ll get money towards the cost of repairing your vehicle in a garage as standard, providing repairs are completed on the same day. You’ll get £150 with our Comprehensive cover, or £1,000 with Comprehensive Plus cover. But with AA European Breakdown Cover you’ll have to pay extra for this. We also offer larger allowances than the AA for alternative travel and accommodation expenses on our Comprehensive Plus cover – that’s why we’ve got the best cover you can get3.
Find out more about RAC vs The AA's European Breakdown Cover.
Answers to your questions
The RAC and the AA both offer car history checks. But unlike the AA, the RAC also checks for common causes of breakdown and common MOT faults, on top of the standard vehicle history checks. And you’ll get vouchers worth up to £55 to spend at the RAC shop.
Both the RAC and the AA provide At Home cover. With the RAC, it’s included in our ‘Complete’ package, and it covers you if you break down at, or within a ¼ mile of your home address.
The RAC and AA both offer a range of breakdown cover options, and which is best for you will depend on your needs, so make sure to check what’s included before you buy. For example, the RAC include a 20-mile taxi from the garage with every cover level – something other providers don’t do.
Yes – and so do we. If we can’t repair your tyre at the roadside, we can fit you with our universal wheel to keep you going. And with Tyre Replace, you can get cover for up to 5 replacement tyres a year.
The RAC and the AA both offer breakdown cover in Europe. Take a look at our RAC vs AA European breakdown comparison to see what level of cover you get with each provider.
Page reviewed by: Andy Baker