AA Parts & Garage Cover Explained

Many drivers worry about what happens when their vehicle breaks down, especially when it comes to the cost of repairs. The AA offers a solution with its Parts & Garage Cover, designed to provide peace of mind and financial assistance when you need it most. This comprehensive cover aims to get you back on the road swiftly and efficiently, minimising the disruption caused by unexpected vehicle issues.

What is AA Parts & Garage Cover?

AA Parts & Garage Cover is an optional add-on to your breakdown cover that helps with the cost of parts and labour for repairs following a breakdown. If your vehicle suffers a breakdown and requires parts to be replaced or significant repairs, this cover can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important to understand the specifics of this cover to make the most of its benefits.

Roadside Repairs and Temporary Fixes

In the event of a breakdown, an AA patrol will attend to your vehicle. They are highly skilled and equipped to perform many repairs at the roadside. If a part needs to be replaced to get your vehicle moving again, and this part is covered under your Parts & Garage policy, you can claim for the cost. You will need to pay an excess of £35, and the claim is capped at £535. The patrol will guide you through the claiming process for any parts used.

It's crucial to note that while the patrol can often provide a temporary fix to enable you to reach a safe location or a garage, your vehicle will likely still require a more comprehensive repair. The AA advises that any temporary repairs made at the roadside should be followed up with a full repair at a garage as soon as possible, ideally within 250 miles of driving, to ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy.

Booking an AA Approved Garage

When your vehicle needs a more extensive repair that cannot be completed at the roadside, the AA patrol will recommend local AA approved garages. These garages have been vetted by the AA to ensure they meet high standards of service and workmanship. Booking through the AA’s designated link is the recommended procedure if you have Parts & Garage Cover and have recently experienced a breakdown. This streamlines the claims process.

Upon booking your vehicle into an AA approved garage, the first step is for the garage to conduct a diagnostic check to identify the exact fault and the necessary repairs. The cost for this diagnostic service is £35. This initial charge is important because if your claim for the subsequent repair is approved, this £35 diagnostic fee will be treated as your excess for the overall claim. This means you won't pay a separate excess for the repair itself, provided the claim is approved.

The Claims Process Explained

Once the diagnostic check is complete, the AA’s claims team will manage your claim directly with the garage. If your Parts & Garage Cover claim for the repair is approved, and the total cost of the repair (including parts and labour) is within the £535 limit, you will only be responsible for paying the £35 excess (which covers the initial diagnostic charge). The AA will settle the remaining approved costs directly with the garage. This makes the repair process significantly less stressful, as you don't have to worry about upfront payments for the covered repairs.

Claim Limits and Excess

It is essential to be aware of the claim limit and the excess associated with your Parts & Garage Cover. The cover has a maximum claim limit of £535. This means that if the cost of parts and labour for a covered repair exceeds £535, the AA will contribute up to this amount. You will be responsible for any costs above the £535 limit, in addition to your £35 excess. The £35 excess is payable once, typically covering the diagnostic charge, and is applied if your claim is approved.

Using Your Own Repairer

In situations where there are no local AA approved garages available, or if you have a preferred independent mechanic, you can use your own repairer. However, there are specific steps you must follow. Your chosen repairer will first need to diagnose the fault. This diagnostic process may incur a charge, and the AA will only reimburse this cost if your subsequent repair claim is approved. It is vital to get approval for the diagnostic charge beforehand if possible.

After your independent garage has diagnosed the fault, they must contact the AA’s claims team on 0344 579 0042 to obtain authorisation for the repair. This step is crucial. If the repair is authorised, the garage will be provided with a claim authorisation number. It is highly recommended that you keep a note of this authorisation number for your records, as it serves as confirmation that the repair has been approved by the AA.

What is Covered?

The specifics of what parts and labour are covered can vary, so it's always best to check your policy documents for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Generally, this cover is designed to assist with repairs stemming from a breakdown event. It typically covers common parts and labour required to fix issues that caused the breakdown. However, it's important to understand that wear and tear, routine maintenance, or pre-existing faults are usually not covered.

Key components that might be covered include items like alternators, starter motors, and certain engine components, depending on the nature of the breakdown. The labour costs associated with fitting these parts are also usually included, up to the policy limits. The aim is to help you with the immediate costs of getting your vehicle repaired after a breakdown, rather than covering all potential vehicle issues.

Benefits of AA Parts & Garage Cover

The primary benefit of this cover is the financial relief it provides. By contributing to the cost of parts and labour, it can make unexpected repairs much more manageable. Knowing that you have a cap on your expenses, with a clear excess, offers significant peace of mind. Furthermore, the AA’s network of approved garages ensures that you are using reputable repairers, reducing the risk of poor workmanship or inflated prices.

The streamlined claims process, where the AA deals directly with the garage, is another major advantage. This saves you time and hassle, allowing you to focus on getting back to your journey. The guidance provided by the AA patrol at the scene of the breakdown is also invaluable, ensuring you understand the next steps and how to proceed with a claim.

Making a Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Breakdown Occurs: Contact the AA for breakdown assistance.
2. Roadside Assessment: The patrol will assess the issue. If a covered part is needed for a temporary fix, they will inform you about the claim process and excess.
3. Garage Referral: If a full repair is needed, the patrol will recommend an AA approved garage.
4. Booking and Diagnosis: Use the provided booking link or contact the garage directly. The garage will perform a diagnostic check (£35 charge).
5. Claim Approval: The garage contacts the AA claims team for authorisation. If approved, the £35 diagnostic charge serves as your excess.
6. Repair and Settlement: The AA settles approved repair costs directly with the garage, up to the £535 limit. You pay the £35 excess.
7. Independent Repairer (if applicable): Your repairer diagnoses, contacts the AA for authorisation, and you keep the authorisation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if the repair cost is more than £535?

A: If the approved repair cost exceeds £535, the AA will cover up to £535 of the cost. You will be responsible for the amount exceeding £535, in addition to your £35 excess.

Q2: Does the cover apply to all car parts?

A: The cover typically applies to parts needed as a direct result of a breakdown. It generally excludes wear and tear items, routine maintenance parts, and pre-existing conditions. Always refer to your policy document for specific exclusions.

Q3: Can I use any garage I want?

A: While the AA prefers you use their approved garages for a smoother process, you can use your own repairer if no approved garages are nearby or if you have a preference. However, you must follow the authorisation procedure.

Q4: Is the £35 diagnostic charge always payable?

A: The £35 diagnostic charge is payable to the garage. If your claim for the repair is approved, this charge is used as your excess, meaning you effectively pay it as part of the overall claim settlement. If your claim is not approved, you may still be liable for the diagnostic charge depending on the terms.

Q5: How long do I have to get the repair done after a roadside fix?

A: The AA recommends getting a full repair done urgently, ideally within 250 miles of driving, to ensure your vehicle remains roadworthy after a temporary roadside fix.

Conclusion

AA Parts & Garage Cover offers a valuable safety net for drivers facing unexpected repair bills after a breakdown. By understanding the process, claim limits, and excess, you can ensure you are well-prepared and can benefit fully from this service. It’s a practical solution designed to ease the financial burden and stress associated with vehicle repairs, getting you back on the road with confidence.