The RAC will become the first provider to offer a complete breakdown service meaning road users will not need to upgrade to get a home rescue as standard. The sweeping changes across all three levels of cover help provide drivers with extra peace of mind that they will not be stranded in the event of an issue.
RAC consumer roadside managing director, Andy Baker warned breakdowns can be “common” over the winter with cars not used as much.
He said: “We’ve taken a fresh look at the roadside assistance industry to give our customers greater peace of mind by providing a complete breakdown service as standard, at whatever cover level they opt for.
“We believe every customer should be rescued wherever they break down, be given help with garages and have access to alternative transport if their car can’t be fixed at the scene.
“Drivers told us they thought cover for breakdowns at home should be included as standard in breakdown policies.
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“We also know just how common these sorts of breakdowns can be, especially this year with so many more people spending time at home.
“So we’ve responded, and anyone choosing one of these policies will now be rescued, regardless of where they happen to be in the UK when they break down.”
The RAC has confirmed their new plans will include increased levels of garage support to ensure vehicles get back to their best.
Those signed up to a standard policy will now receive a full fault report which will ensure garages can understand what is wrong with the car as soon as possible.
Advanced and Ultimate customers will receive a repair estimate and jargon-free explanation which will help all motorists understand their issue.
Ultimate customers will also receive anew “garage concierge” service which ensures they receive a taxi ride from the garage while the patrol books in and tows the car for repair.
The RAC confirms that extras such as the Battery Replace and Tyre Replace services can be added onto packages but will continue to be sold separately.
Mr Baker said the new packages would ensure extra help is given to owners of cars which cannot be repaired at the roadside.
He said: “A complete breakdown service should be just as much about what happens after the call-out as what happens during it.
“Being without a car can be really stressful and then there’s all the jargon that comes with dealing with garages to contend with.
“That’s why we’ve clearly set out all the extra help we can give to the one-in-five customers whose vehicle our patrols can’t fix on the spot.
“This ranges from providing a standard 20-mile taxi home from the garage, to help cutting through ‘mechanic speak’ and providing priority access to RAC garages for repairs.”