2 replies to this topic

[ibrooks]

Some weeks ago doing a check on my direct debits I cancelled one that had been set up by the AA when I took out my membership last October. Now this should not be a problem because I'd paid the whole lot up front so there's no reason for them to need to take more money.

Today I get a call from them and the guy mentions that they've noticed that I cancelled the DD just as an aside and giving the impression that he really wants to check that I'm happy with everything and they want to check that my level of cover is correct. He even said that if he could grab the direct debit details again "at some point during the call it would be great".

Now I had no intention of giving them the bank details again but was willing to let him talk about any other aspects of the cover to see what he actually wanted so no problem says I.

First thing he then asks is for the DD details - again making out that it's just in passing and it's just to get it out of the way before he moves on to something else. So I told him that I didn't see why they needed them. He then goes into a spiel about how it makes it easier for me at renewal time and that they like to have the details on file. I've no doubt they do like to have the details on file and I told him that come renewal time they could send me the price and if it's acceptable then they can have the money and if not I'll go elsewhere.

He did his bit about it being easier to have the details on file again and when I gave him the same answer he came out with "so you're not prepared to give us the details today?". No says I

"Thank-you good-bye" says he and hangs up.

So it appears that all they wanted was to get my bank details again.

I REALLY object to this tactic because the automatic renewal that comes through is always way over the odds and they only drop it if you phone up to cancel or threaten to cancel. But if they've got the bank details on file and you forget about it or the renewal letter goes missing in the post (yeah right) they can just sting you for silly amounts of money.

Looks like I'll be discounting the AA from the list of possibles in October unless they come up with a REALLY special price.

Iain

[bunch1980]

I know each year for past few years I have to phone up each year and ask for price to be reduced as its a joke what they ask for at renewal.
They have also tried to put me on auto renewal payment but with a credit card im like no its a one off payment.
naughty as if say yes they will take it out each year, and no I dont want AA home insurance either lol!

[glyn]

I use AUTOAID there great, ring them up they send the nearest local company they either fix it or tow you home you have to pay them the full amount then fill in a small form send it off and within 2 weeks you get a cheque for the full amount. its £38 a year iv used it once on the daily driver not the mini and they were great.