Renewal of KIA Roadside Assistance Breakdown Coverage - Avoid It

[DreamCatcher88]

I have possessed my EV3 for somewhat more than a year and have received correspondence from Kia Roadside Assistance—managed exclusively by the RAC—regarding the renewal of my coverage at a 'Special' rate of £10.67 per month, totalling £128 annually.
A brief inquiry on MoneySuperMarket for comparable breakdown coverage yielded intriguing results.


Letter of Renewal



The most economical yearly like-for-like coverage commences at £7.87 per year, whereas RAC annual coverage is priced at £23.99.


I choose the RAC for £23.99.

If European Breakdown cover was required, it incurred an additional cost of £60.


Thank you, but I decline Kia Roadside Assistance; I will obtain equivalent coverage directly from the RAC and save £104 in the process.

[DreamCatcher88]

[DreamCatcher88]

[KOOLCAR]

While there is a £40 excess, it is improbable that you will want their services.

[DreamCatcher88]

Concur - Even in the improbable scenario of incurring the excess for two callouts within the year, it would still be more advantageous to forgo the Kia plan.

[KWILB]

I possess the identical RAC policy as mentioned above, costing £23 per annum with a £40 call-out fee. They offer an additional tyre replacement coverage for £36 annually, which provides up to £150 per tyre for a maximum of five claims per year. convenient for individuals, such as me, lacking a spare tyre.
I believe that £59 annually is a reasonable cost, and it has been noted that even with two £40 call-out fees in a year, it amounts to only a slight increase over the Kia pricing, with tyre coverage included as well.

[MidnightMarauder]

I had consistently been loyal to the RAC and frequently endorsed them, but an incident this year irrevocably altered my perspective. In May, my 12-volt battery discharged completely. I succeeded in entering the vehicle, but that was the extent of my accomplishment—I was unable to secure it. I utilised the application to solicit assistance and received a notification indicating they will contact me once a patrol was located. After some time, I was informed that someone would attend to me in around four hours. Suboptimal, although I was at home rather than stranded. This occurred at approximately 11:30. At 12:45, I received another message indicating they were exceedingly busy and would need to reschedule for the following day, which meant my car would be unlocked on a public road throughout the night. I contacted them to elucidate the issue and was informed that they will assess the matter and respond within the hour. No one made a call. Upon my subsequent contact, they acknowledged the receipt of my call but indicated that no action had been taken.
In a state of despair, I resorted to Green Flag. They were unable to provide a specific time but indicated that assistance was available. At approximately 15:00, I received a message indicating that a technician will endeavour to come by 16:30. Thirty minutes later, I received a call from him indicating he would arrive in twenty minutes. He arrived punctually, and within ten minutes, my automobile was operational once more.

[another_clean_sheet]

I encountered a comparable experience. I have been a long-term RAC member; however, I did not renew my membership after the complimentary first year of KIA/RAC assistance concluded last year.

[HOV]

In recent years, I have oscillated between the RAC and the AA. I obtain family coverage, ensuring that all four drivers and vehicles within the home are insured. Approaching either of these companies directly may not be the most economical option. Utilising platforms such as Quidco (among other cashback services) might yield a significant discount; however, there is a considerable delay before receiving the cashback.

[Psychil]

Any breakdown company will prioritise you lower on the list if you are at home and require assistance.

[another_clean_sheet]

I was on a rural road, far from civilisation, on Sunday afternoon. The RAC provided an estimated time of arrival of 5 hours. I have been a member for years without utilising the service. I ultimately compensated a local recovery agency to transport me home. I value that individuals possess analogous narratives regarding alternative rehabilitation services. However, I did not renew my RAC membership.

[torque2me]

I also terminated my contract with RAC due to the exorbitant renewal charge. They presented me with the choice of their complimentary "pay as you go" service. I can still receive a RAC callout in the event of a breakdown, albeit at an elevated fee, without a monthly subscription. Ultimately, they offered the most economical auto insurance, leading me to include my coverage with them.
My insurance is due in a few weeks, and I have not experienced a breakdown thus far this year. Completely insured and no expenses incurred!