RAC vs the AA breakdown cover
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. But unlike the AA, RAC vans are equipped with EV Boost which can give you a 10-mile boost to your the nearest charging point, and the option to add more vehicles and more people to your policy. It also has the cheapest cover, starting from just £7.95.
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 garage^ | ||
| EV boost with a 10-mile battery boost | ||
| FREE legal helpline | ||
| FREE accident care* | ||
| FREE 20-point car health check | ||
| FREE MOT | With Complete Cover | |
| Price of most basic level of cover | £7.95 | £7.50 |
| 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. |
^Following a breakdown, if you’re taken to a garage, we’ll reimburse you for a taxi home up to 20 miles.
*The 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.
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 is included with the RAC compared to AA’s membership?
Everyone’s needs are different. So your breakdown provider should offer a range of add-ons to make sure you can build the best package for you. With the RAC you can choose to cover your keys (for your vehicle and home), plus spread the costs of essential maintenance with our MOT & Services Cover, to name just a few.
| RAC | AA | |
|---|---|---|
| National Recovery | ||
| At Home | With our Complete cover |
|
| Onward Travel | with 5 claims a year |
with 3 claims a year |
| European Cover | ||
| MOT & Service Plans | ||
| Battery Replace | ||
| Key Replace | Available to existing AA members only |
|
| 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 Standard cover, or £1,000 with Extra 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 Extra cover – that’s why we’ve got the best cover you can get†.
Find out more about RAC vs The AA's European Breakdown Cover.
Answers to your questions
Q. Are AA and RAC car checks the same?
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.
Q. Do the RAC and the AA provide At Home cover?
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.
Q. Which is better AA or RAC?
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.
Q. Does AA breakdown cover include punctures?
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.
Q. How does the RAC compare with the AA’s European breakdown cover?
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.