09/07/2014
Choosing the right car insurance can feel like navigating a maze, with countless providers, policy levels, and terms to decipher. The AA, renowned for its breakdown assistance, also offers a robust suite of car insurance products. But how good is AA car insurance really? This comprehensive guide will dissect their offerings, from policy features and benefits to customer feedback, helping you determine if it's the ideal fit for your motoring needs across the UK.
Understanding your car insurance is paramount, as it provides crucial financial protection against unforeseen incidents on the road. The AA aims to simplify this by offering various levels of cover designed to cater to different drivers and budgets. Let's delve into the specifics to see what sets their policies apart and where they might stand compared to the wider market.
- Who Underwrites AA Car Insurance?
- Levels of Comprehensive Cover Offered
- Who Can Get AA Car Insurance?
- Understanding Policy Renewals and Payments
- Impact of Vehicle Modifications and Mileage on Your Quote
- Understanding Your Policy Documents
- Using Your Car: Specific Scenarios
- Driving Abroad with AA Car Insurance
- Understanding the Policy Excess
- No Claims Discount (NCD)
- Security Devices and Discounts
- AA Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Ratings
- Optional Extras for Enhanced Peace of Mind
- Benefits for AA Members
- Making a Claim and Cancelling Your Policy
- Frequently Asked Questions About AA Car Insurance
Who Underwrites AA Car Insurance?
Unlike some direct insurers, The AA operates on a panel basis, meaning your policy isn't underwritten by a single entity. Instead, they act as an administrator, setting up and managing your policy from a selection of insurers on their car insurance panel. This approach allows them to potentially offer a broader range of options and competitive pricing. The specific underwriter for your policy will always be clearly stated on your car insurance quote, ensuring transparency before you commit.
Levels of Comprehensive Cover Offered
The AA provides a structured offering to ensure drivers can select a policy that aligns with their needs and budget. They offer three distinct levels of comprehensive car insurance: Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier is designed with varying features and benefits, aiming to provide the best value for money at its respective price point. In addition to these comprehensive options, a Silver third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) car insurance policy is also available, though this particular cover is exclusively accessible through price comparison websites.
Comparing AA's Comprehensive Policy Tiers
To help you distinguish between the comprehensive offerings, here's a breakdown of some key differences:
| Feature | Silver Comprehensive | Gold Comprehensive | Platinum Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Driving Cover (Days) | Up to 30 days | Up to 90 days | Up to 90 days |
| Compulsory Excess | Higher (varies by claim type) | Mid-range (varies by claim type) | Potentially Lower (varies by claim type) |
| Personal Belongings Cover | Standard/Lower limit | Enhanced limit | Highest limit |
| Lost/Stolen Keys Cover | Standard/Lower limit | Enhanced limit | Highest limit |
| Personal Accident Cover (Non-members) | Standard | Standard | Up to £5,000 |
| Personal Accident Cover (AA Members) | Standard | Standard | Up to £7,500 |
| Uninsured Driver Promise | Included | Included | Included |
| Courtesy Car | Included (subject to terms) | Included (subject to terms) | Included (subject to terms) |
It's important to note that specific limits for features like personal belongings or lost keys will be detailed in your policy documents. The Platinum level generally provides the most extensive cover and potentially lower excesses, reflecting its premium status.
Who Can Get AA Car Insurance?
The AA's car insurance is accessible to a wide demographic of drivers, with clear parameters on who they can cover.
Age Range and Residency
They provide cover for drivers aged between 18 and 99. However, it's crucial to understand their residency requirements: The AA does not cover drivers who live outside the UK. The policyholder and any other person insured under the policy must hold a current valid UK, EU, or foreign driving licence and be a resident of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The territorial limits for the standard insurance cover extend to Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and the Republic of Ireland. Be aware that some additional cover options may have more restricted territorial limits.
Insurance can be notoriously expensive for young drivers. While The AA covers individuals from 18, they also provide general advice on how to mitigate these costs. Common tips include choosing a lower-powered car, increasing your voluntary excess (if affordable), considering a black box policy (though not directly offered by AA in this information, it's a general tip), building a no claims discount, and avoiding modifications that increase risk.
Understanding Policy Renewals and Payments
Managing your policy and payments with The AA is designed to be straightforward.
When is My Car Insurance Due?
If you're an existing AA customer, you can easily check your renewal date by logging into your online account. For those insured with another provider, you'll need to consult your renewal email or letter, or contact your current insurer directly for these details.
Buying Your Cover and Payment Options
You can purchase your insurance up to 30 days before the desired policy start date. When paying by debit or credit card, either online or over the phone, your cover will commence from your chosen start date. If you obtain an online quote, it remains valid for 28 days, provided your details remain unchanged.
The AA offers the flexibility of monthly payments. After an initial deposit paid by card, the remaining balance is spread across 11 monthly instalments via Direct Debit. The specific dates for these instalments will be detailed in a Credit Agreement sent to you by post. It's important to remember that choosing monthly payments involves entering a regulated credit agreement, separate from your insurance policy. A credit check will be performed, and your credit report updated upon the initial payment. This option is provided by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited, and applicants must be over 18. Always ensure you can afford the monthly payments before committing.
Online Payment Security
The AA prioritises the security of your personal and payment details. They utilise secure server software that encrypts any information you provide, converting it into a secret code for secure transmission. This ensures your data remains private and protected during online transactions.
Impact of Vehicle Modifications and Mileage on Your Quote
Certain aspects of your vehicle and driving habits can influence your insurance premium.
Car Modifications
A vehicle modification refers to any change from its original manufacturer specification, excluding optional features added at the point of purchase. Tow bars and parking sensors are not considered modifications by The AA. If your car has been modified, The AA can provide an online quote for a maximum of three modifications from a specific list, which includes alloy wheels, front spoilers, locking wheel nuts, rear roof spoilers, rear spoilers/aerofoils, bull bars, dual controls, and hand controls.
Modifications can increase your premium as they often present a higher risk than original components. If your car has more than three modifications or if the modification isn't on their approved list, The AA may not be able to provide you with a quote.
Your annual mileage is a significant factor insurers use to calculate your quote. Generally, the more miles you drive in a year, the more expensive your premium is likely to be. A long daily commute, for instance, will significantly increase your mileage. It's crucial to accurately estimate your usual mileage, as underestimation could potentially invalidate your policy. The Department of Transport's 2019 figures indicate an average annual mileage of about 7,600 miles for petrol and diesel cars. If you're unsure of your mileage, past MOT test certificates or car service invoices can provide a useful history.
Understanding Your Policy Documents
Accessing your policy information is straightforward with The AA.
Where to Find Policy Documents
Once you've purchased your car insurance, all your policy documents will be conveniently available within your online account. Registering is simple, and it provides a central hub for all your AA policies.
Using Your Car: Specific Scenarios
The AA clarifies cover for various usage scenarios.
Towing Caravans or Trailers
When towing a caravan or trailer, your policy provides cover for costs you are liable to pay if you cause damage to property, or injury or death to someone else. If you hold comprehensive insurance, a single-axle trailer attached to your car is also covered for damage up to £500, provided the trailer is in a safe and roadworthy condition.
Declaring Business Use
When obtaining a quote, it's essential to select the correct usage category. If your journeys involve travelling to various places for work (e.g., different offices or factories), you should select 'Social, domestic, pleasure, commuting and business use'. However, if you travel to a single permanent place of work, 'Social, domestic, pleasure and commuting' is the appropriate option.
Voluntary Work
For voluntary work, you typically select 'Social, domestic and pleasure' when getting a quote. The AA's panel of insurers adheres to the Association of British Insurers' statement, which covers voluntary driving for charities, organisations, clubs, or societies, provided payments do not exceed HMRC mileage rates. This excludes use for hire or reward or vehicles owned by the voluntary organisation. If your voluntary work involves transporting goods or people, you should contact The AA directly for a quote. They also confirm no administration fee will be charged to update an existing policy for voluntary work.
Adding Other Drivers
Yes, the policyholder can add up to four named drivers to the policy, often referred to as additional or second drivers, such as a spouse or partner. You must provide all their personal and driver details, including any claims or motoring convictions. It's crucial that the main driver named on the policy is genuinely the person who drives the car most frequently.
Driving Other Vehicles (DOV)
The AA's comprehensive insurance generally allows you to drive other vehicles with third-party cover, unless specifically excluded by your underwriter. Any such exclusion would be noted as an endorsement on your quote. If you've already purchased a policy, your Statement of Insurance/Fact will confirm if you have this benefit, with full conditions detailed in the Car Insurance Policy Booklet.
Driving Abroad with AA Car Insurance
For those planning trips outside the UK, The AA offers varying levels of cover depending on your policy tier.
| Policy Level | EU/European Countries Covered | Duration of UK-level Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | EU and several other European countries | Up to 30 days per policy year |
| Gold | EU and several other European countries | Up to 90 days per policy year |
| Platinum | EU and several other European countries | Up to 90 days per policy year |
It's important to remember that as a tourist, you can typically stay within the EU for 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays, a visa may be required. Depending on your specific insurer within The AA's panel, it might be possible to obtain cover for countries not included as standard. More detailed advice on driving abroad in Europe is available on their dedicated advice pages.
Understanding the Policy Excess
The policy excess is the amount you are required to pay towards the cost of a claim.
Compulsory vs. Voluntary Excess
Your total excess is a combination of two parts:
- Compulsory Excess: This is the fixed amount the insurer dictates you must pay towards each claim. It can vary between the Silver, Gold, and Platinum car insurance tiers, with Platinum often having a lower compulsory excess. Additional compulsory excesses may apply based on the driver's age or vehicle type.
- Voluntary Excess: This is an additional amount you choose to pay on top of the compulsory excess, typically up to £500. Opting for a higher voluntary excess can often lead to a lower car insurance premium.
The total excess amount will always be clearly displayed on your quote, and it's vital to ensure you are comfortable with this amount before purchasing your policy, as you'll need to pay it in the event of a claim.
No Claims Discount (NCD)
A No Claims Discount (NCD), also known as a No Claims Bonus, is a valuable reward for not making a claim on your car insurance during the previous policy year.
Proof of NCD
For new customers, The AA will ask for your accumulated years of NCD during the quote process. This information is typically found on the cancellation notice or last renewal invitation from your previous insurer. To validate your policy, The AA may request proof, which should be a copy of this document or a letter on headed paper from your previous insurer. The document must show your name, address, previous policy number and expiry date, vehicle registration number, and the number of years NCD. It must be dated within the past two years and cannot be used for another vehicle. You'll also need to declare any gap of more than 30 days between policies, including any claims or convictions during that period. Proof can be uploaded to your online account or sent via email/post.
Existing customers can find their NCD years on their Statement of Insurance/Fact, received at purchase or renewal. If a replacement is needed, it can be printed from your online account or requested via chat.
Protecting Your NCD
Yes, you can pay an additional premium to protect your no claims discount. No Claims Discount Protection allows you to make one or more claims without your accumulated NCD years falling. However, it's important to note that a claim for windscreen repair or replacement typically won't affect your NCD regardless. Crucially, NCD protection does not guarantee your renewal price; your premium may still increase after an accident, even if you weren't at fault.
AA Uninsured Driver Promise
The AA offers an Uninsured Driver Promise. If you make a claim following an accident that isn't your fault, and the other driver is uninsured, you won't lose your no claims discount or have to pay any excess. This is contingent on you providing the other vehicle's make, model, and valid registration number to enable The AA to identify the driver.
Named Driver NCD
Named drivers over the age of 25 can indeed earn their own no claims discount to use on a policy with The AA, which is a beneficial feature for those building their own driving history.
Security Devices and Discounts
Installing certain security devices can not only protect your vehicle but also potentially reduce your insurance premiums.
Thatcham Certified Security Devices
Thatcham Research, a well-regarded automotive research centre in Berkshire, certifies car security products. Many insurers, including those on The AA's panel, favour these products and may offer a discount if your car is fitted with one. This is because Thatcham-approved devices demonstrate a higher standard of security.
Car Tracking Devices
A GPS tracker hidden within your car can significantly aid the police in recovering it if stolen, with most tracked vehicles being found. Installing a GPS tracker could lead to a reduction of up to 10% on your motor insurance premium, reflecting the reduced risk of permanent loss for the insurer.
AA Car Insurance Customer Reviews and Ratings
When assessing how good AA car insurance is, it's vital to consider independent ratings and customer feedback. The picture here is somewhat mixed, as is common across the insurance industry, but generally positive in key areas.
- Defaqto: The AA's car insurance has consistently received a 5-star Defaqto rating for eleven consecutive years. Defaqto is an independent financial products reviewer, and a 5-star rating signifies an 'excellent product with a comprehensive range of features and benefits'. This is a strong endorsement of the policy's breadth of cover.
- Moneyfacts: Similarly, AA Car Insurance was awarded five stars by Moneyfacts, a money comparison ratings provider. This award is given to insurers whose products are considered by Moneyfacts' experts to offer the most comprehensive range of standout features and benefits.
- Feefo: The AA Car Insurance received the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2020, based on a Feefo rating of 4.6 out of 5 from nearly 9,000 verified reviews. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among customers who have used their service.
- Trustpilot: This is where the picture becomes slightly less clear. Trustpilot scored AA Car Insurance 1.1 out of 5 stars based on 505 reviews. It's worth noting that Trustpilot reviews can often be skewed towards negative experiences, as customers are more likely to leave a review when things go wrong rather than when they go smoothly. The number of reviews is also significantly lower than Feefo's verified reviews.
- Finder Survey: In Finder's 2024 customer satisfaction survey, The AA performed well, with 80% of customers stating they would recommend the service. This aligns more closely with the Feefo and independent expert ratings.
Overall, while individual experiences on platforms like Trustpilot can vary, the consistent high ratings from financial product experts like Defaqto and Moneyfacts, combined with strong customer recommendation rates from Finder and Feefo, suggest that The AA's comprehensive policies offer substantial features and a generally positive customer experience. The Defaqto 5-star rating is particularly reassuring regarding the policy's quality.
Optional Extras for Enhanced Peace of Mind
Beyond the core policy, The AA offers several optional extras to further tailor your cover:
- Motor Legal Assistance: This covers your legal costs if you're involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, provided the responsible party is identified. It also grants access to a 24/7 legal helpline for advice.
- Excess Protection: This option allows you to claim back your excess for certain claims, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses if you need to make a claim.
- Motor Accident Plan: An upgrade to the personal injury cover included in comprehensive policies, offering additional benefits such as a significant payout (e.g., £60,000) in the event of serious injury or death in a crash.
Benefits for AA Members
Existing AA members receive distinct advantages when insuring their car with The AA. Members could get a discount when they insure their car online for the first time, and this discount often continues on subsequent renewals as long as they maintain their membership. Beyond premium reductions, members also benefit from higher cover levels in certain policy areas, such as personal belongings, added audio equipment, and personal accident cover (e.g., up to £7,500 for personal accident cover on Platinum policies, compared to £5,000 for non-members). This makes AA car insurance particularly attractive for those already part of the AA community.
Making a Claim and Cancelling Your Policy
Making a Claim
In the unfortunate event you need to make a claim, The AA provides a 24-hour claims hotline (0330 053 0322) and an online claims process. You'll need to have your insurance details readily available when you contact them.
Cancelling AA Car Insurance
To cancel your AA car insurance policy, you will need to call 0370 160 0138. If you also have AA breakdown cover and wish to cancel that, a separate number (0343 316 4444) is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions About AA Car Insurance
Here are some common questions prospective and existing AA car insurance customers often have:
What are the age limits for AA car insurance?
The AA provides cover for drivers aged between 18 and 99 years old.
Can I get immediate insurance cover?
Yes, if you purchase your policy over the phone, immediate cover is typically available from your chosen start date.
How long is an online quote from The AA valid for?
An online car insurance quote from The AA is generally valid for 28 days, provided your details remain unchanged.
Can I pay my car insurance in monthly instalments?
Yes, The AA offers monthly payment options via Direct Debit after an initial deposit, subject to a credit check and entering into a separate credit agreement.
Can vehicles be added temporarily to my policy?
Typically, you can temporarily add vehicles to your insurance. It's best to call The AA directly for 'temporary additional vehicle' (TAV) insurance.
How do I check my AA car insurance expiry date?
You can find your expiry date and other policy details by logging into your online AA account.
In conclusion, The AA car insurance, backed by strong independent ratings and a comprehensive range of features, presents a compelling option for many UK drivers. While it's always wise to compare quotes and policy details to find the best fit for your individual circumstances, the benefits for existing AA members and the robust cover levels make it a strong contender in the market.
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