RAC Breakdown Cover: Your Guide

Facing a breakdown can be a stressful experience, but knowing you have reliable roadside assistance can provide significant peace of mind. The RAC (Royal Automobile Club) is a well-established name in the UK, offering comprehensive breakdown cover designed to get you back on the road quickly and safely. This guide will walk you through how to access RAC roadside and at-home rescue, what to do if you break down, and important information regarding their services, including coverage for different vehicle types.

Getting RAC Breakdown Cover

Obtaining RAC breakdown cover is a straightforward process, designed to be accessible to all drivers. You can sign up for a policy online through the RAC website, or by calling their customer service line. When you take out a policy, you'll be presented with various levels of cover to suit your needs, from basic roadside assistance to more comprehensive packages that include home start, onward travel, and European breakdown cover. It's crucial to choose a policy that aligns with your driving habits and the type of vehicle you own.

Reporting a Breakdown: Your Options

Should you find yourself with a broken-down vehicle, the RAC provides several convenient ways to report your issue and get assistance:

Online Reporting:

For those who prefer a digital approach, you can report your breakdown online. Simply visit the RAC website and navigate to the breakdown reporting section. You'll need to provide a few key details, such as your vehicle registration number, your location, and a brief description of the problem. Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation call and text, along with regular updates on the estimated arrival time of your patrol.

The myRAC App:

The myRAC app is arguably the easiest and most efficient way to report a breakdown. Available for download on most smartphones, the app allows you to pinpoint your exact location, even if you're unsure of your surroundings. This ensures the RAC can dispatch a patrol to you as quickly as possible. Beyond breakdown reporting, the app offers a wealth of useful features, including a route planner, reminders for vehicle maintenance, and access to the latest motoring news and advice.

Phone Assistance:

For those who prefer to speak directly to someone, you can call the RAC on their dedicated helpline. The RAC Motability Assist number, for instance, is 0800 73 111 73. Their call centres are staffed by trained professionals who understand the urgency of breakdown situations and are equipped to handle queries from drivers with mobility concerns.

What to Do When You Break Down

When your vehicle breaks down, especially on a busy road or motorway, your safety and the safety of your passengers are paramount. The RAC provides clear guidance on what steps to take:

On the Road or Standard Motorway:

• Safety First: Try to move your vehicle as far to the left as possible, ideally onto the hard shoulder or kerbside, away from moving traffic. If you cannot move the vehicle safely, leave it where it is.
• Hazard Lights: Switch off the engine and activate your hazard warning lights immediately to alert other drivers.
• Evacuate Safely: If it is safe to do so, ensure all passengers exit the vehicle and move to a secure location away from the road. This typically means behind a safety barrier if one is available.
• Animals: For safety reasons, it's advised to leave any animals inside the vehicle.
• Emergency Telephones: If you cannot use a mobile phone, locate and use the nearest emergency telephone on the motorway. These calls are free of charge. The UK number is 0800 73 111 73, and in the Republic of Ireland, it's 1800 535 005.
• Provide Information: When you contact the RAC or use an emergency phone, you'll need to provide your name, vehicle registration number, your exact location, and details of the breakdown. It's also important to inform them if you or any passengers use a wheelchair, require urgent medical attention, or have any other specific needs.

On a Smart Motorway:

Smart motorways can present unique challenges. The RAC advises the following:

• Active Hard Shoulder: If the hard shoulder is in use as a live traffic lane, you must call 999 first to inform the police, and then contact the RAC.
• Inactive Hard Shoulder: If the hard shoulder is not in use as a live lane, attempt to move your vehicle to the kerbside of the hard shoulder or into an designated Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). Once safely positioned, contact the RAC.

RAC Motability Assist: Specialised Support

The RAC offers specialised assistance through RAC Motability Assist, catering specifically to customers who receive their vehicles through the Motability scheme. Their helpline and roadside assistance are available 24/7, all year round. The staff are specifically trained to handle the diverse needs of mobility users, ensuring a sensitive and efficient response to any breakdown situation.

Vehicle Coverage: What Does the RAC Cover?

The RAC's breakdown cover packages are designed to be inclusive, extending to a variety of vehicles:

Motorbikes:

All standard RAC Breakdown Cover packages include motorbikes. The motorbike must have an engine capacity of 49cc or above and meet the RAC's standard vehicle specifications. If recovery is needed, the RAC will provide a bike trailer or a low loader. In some cases, a second recovery vehicle might be required.

Quad Bikes and Trikes:

Licensed, taxed, and tested quad bikes and trikes are also covered as standard under RAC breakdown policies. This ensures that owners of these specialised vehicles can also benefit from reliable roadside assistance.

Key Benefits of RAC Breakdown Cover

Choosing the RAC for your breakdown cover comes with several advantages:

• Extensive Network: The RAC boasts a large network of patrols across the UK, meaning they can reach you quickly, wherever you are.
• Expert Technicians: RAC patrols are highly trained technicians equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to identify and fix common faults at the roadside.
• 24/7 Availability: Assistance is available day and night, every day of the year, providing round-the-clock support.
• Comprehensive Options: From basic roadside assistance to full home start and onward travel, you can tailor your cover to your specific requirements.
• Motability Expertise: Specialised support for Motability customers ensures a sensitive and effective response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel outside the UK with RAC Motability assist?

While the provided information focuses on UK breakdown reporting, it's essential to check the specific terms and conditions of your RAC Motability Assist policy regarding international travel. Many RAC policies offer European breakdown cover as an optional extra, but it's crucial to confirm this before your trip.

How many vehicles can RAC cover?

RAC breakdown cover is typically purchased per person or per vehicle. If you have multiple vehicles, you may need to take out separate policies or a multi-car policy, depending on the RAC's offerings at the time of purchase. The information provided confirms coverage for motorbikes and quad bikes/trikes as standard, but the number of vehicles covered under a single policy would depend on the specific package chosen.

What is the RAC's response time?

The RAC aims to reach members as quickly as possible. Response times can vary depending on your location, the time of day, traffic conditions, and the availability of patrols in your area. The myRAC app and online reporting system will provide you with an estimated arrival time for your patrol.

Does RAC cover accidental damage?

Standard RAC breakdown cover primarily focuses on mechanical or electrical failures that prevent your vehicle from starting or running. Coverage for accidental damage, such as damage from a collision, is usually handled by your car insurance policy. It's always best to refer to your specific RAC policy documents for a clear understanding of what is and isn't covered.

What if the RAC cannot fix my car at the roadside?

If an RAC patrol cannot resolve the issue at the roadside, they will arrange for your vehicle to be transported to a local garage or a garage of your choice, depending on your policy terms. This recovery service is a key part of the RAC's comprehensive breakdown assistance.

In conclusion, the RAC provides a robust and accessible breakdown assistance service for a wide range of vehicles. By understanding how to report a breakdown and what safety measures to take, you can ensure a smoother experience during an unfortunate event. Whether you use their online services, the myRAC app, or their phone helpline, the RAC is equipped to help you get back on the road.