Visit Autonational Rescue >>Name: Autonational Rescue Insurance No. of Reviews: 2
In spite of the fact that it is backed by Red Star Equity, the largest personal lines syndicate at Lloyd's and the UK's fifth biggest motor insurer, Autonational Rescue - and its sister service Auto Aid - are relatively unknown in the consumer breakdown market.
Autonational's main promotional thrust is centred on its protected No Claims Discount. It says it keeps its prices low (roughly a third less than those of the two market leaders) by concentrating on its breakdown service. Unlike some of its competitors it has not branched out into other areas like vehicle inspections or car finance.
But in common with the AA (which corners around 40% of the breakdown market) and its nearest rival the RAC - Autonational Rescue offers the flexibility of cover that is attached to individuals rather than their vehicles. Towards the cheaper end of the market this in itself is an important differential. The other major names fighting for market share, such as Green Flag, Direct Line, More Th>n and Call Assist, all limit their cover to specific vehicles.
If Autonational Rescue is relatively unknown, Equity's other offshoot Auto Aid is positively obscure. Not surprising given the fact that the company spends virtually nothing on marketing or advertising. Which is a pity as in terms of cost, it seems to offer shockingly good value for money.
The company offers a fully comprehensive annual policy that includes roadside assistance, vehicle recovery, a home start service and emergency accommodation and travel, all for just over £35. That's a third of the cost of an almost identical level of cover offered by the AA and the RAC. Both charge in excess of £100.
The major difference is while the Auto Aid call centre organises the recovery using a network of local garages, you have to pay upfront for the service and claim the money back from Auto Aid using your receipts.
In a feature in The Guardian in 2005 a spokesman admitted that demand is limited, mainly because most people do not like having to pay the full cost of the recovery service "on-the-spot". As a result it no longer advertises the Auto Aid service.
Nonetheless, the service has a "dedicated following". Its average call out time of around 35 minutes matches and even slightly betters those widely promoted by its rivals, and a spokesman said it receives positive feedback from its customers.
The drawbacks of a "pay-and-claim" system are not hard to spot. If you pay by credit card for instance, you may end up paying interest if you do not clear your card quickly. There is also a 10-day delay before Auto Aid reimburses you, and a cash limit on home assistance (this covers the cost of having to take your vehicle to a local garage if it can't be fixed on the spot).
But in today's cost conscious climate, limitations like these may not prove much of a deterrent. The difference in price between Auto Aid's service and those of its rivals could actually be big enough to shock people out of their apathy and into switching providers. Awareness could be key in turning it from a 'cult classic' into a mainstream brand, and also in maximising Autonational Rescue's appeal. †
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09/06/2009 I am shocked at how much cheaper this Breakdown cover is. I am considering joining only if I can find trust worthy reviews.