Find out how and why
More members
The AA is the UK's biggest breakdown service provider. We have more customers than any other major breakdown provider. This includes customers who have directly chosen us as their breakdown provider by actively joining the AA online, by calling us up to become members, or by speaking to an AA member of staff. This is in addition to our business customers. We confirmed this by looking at the number of AA members published in the AA's Interim Report 2023 and comparing against our biggest competitors.1
The AA is also the largest breakdown service provider in the UK in terms of overall market share, with a 39% share of the market. Our next biggest competitors have a share of 22% and 14% respectively, which results in the top three breakdown providers having a combined market share of 75%. This is according to the Brand and Market Tracker study from September 2023.2
More dedicated patrols
We also have more expert and dedicated patrols who attend and repair more breakdowns than any other UK breakdown cover provider. We’ve confirmed this by looking at the number of patrols directly employed by the AA3 and attended breakdowns4 published in the AA's Annual Report and Accounts 2023, versus our biggest competitor. We've also looked at our average roadside repair rate.
Other breakdown providers may not have a fleet of patrols whom they directly employ and instead operate a "smart network of rescue specialists".
Patrol training and expertise
Our patrols’ expertise is based on their extensive experience of working in the car repair and wider automotive industries – this experience is a prerequisite of our recruitment criteria. All new patrols must complete a robust induction programme which places customer service at its core and focuses on technical skill development, as well as our approach to breakdown service delivery.
Our focus on expertise doesn’t end once our patrols have passed their inductions and are out on the road. As part of our culture of continual professional development, our patrols are subject to ongoing competence and technical assessments, and we ensure they receive regular training to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in automotive technology.
We also have an internal mentorship programme which encourages knowledge sharing across our patrols and provides opportunities for coaching and technical support.
The number 1 choice for electric vehicle breakdown cover
UK drivers have consistently rated us as their first choice for electric vehicle breakdown cover against all other major breakdown providers, according to the Brand and Market Tracker study from September 2021 to September 2023.2
Plus, you’ll know your electric vehicle is in safe hands because all of our patrols have ‘Level 1 – Electric Vehicle Awareness’ training. And over 80% of our patrols are trained in ‘Level 2 – Electric Vehicle Prepared', which has become standard for all new joiners to the AA patrol workforce.
- Level 1 – EV Awareness. The patrol has knowledge of high-voltage and EV systems and is able to work safely on the vehicle but not directly on the high-voltage system.
- Level 2 – EV Prepared. The patrol is able to isolate and reinstate the vehicle's high voltage system where it might be necessary to do so for safety reasons.
The best service and most trusted brand
UK drivers have also consistently rated us as the best breakdown service against all other major breakdown providers, according to the Brand and Market Tracker study from September 2021 to September 2023.2
This driver confidence in the AA is further reinforced by the latest independent Mintel Vehicle Recovery report (September 2023), in which consumers rated the AA as their most trusted, most recommended and favourite brand of those covered by the survey.5
The experts at Which? also agree that our breakdown service is excellent – we're a 2023 Which? recommended breakdown service provider. And this is the sixth year in a row we've received this accolade.
Speed and reliability
With our breakdown cover, you'll get unlimited call-outs included without it costing you any extra, as long as it’s not for a repeat call-out for the same fault within 28 days.
Our patrols will usually get to you in less than an hour and get you back on the road in around 30 minutes of arrival – whether it's rain, hail or shine. Their expertise also means that we fix 4 out of 5 cars at the roadside. This has been proven by our data on the breakdowns that AA patrols respond to.
What's more, our handy app means you can report a breakdown with the tap of a button. Our expert patrols pinpoint your exact location while you can track us in real-time – right up until the moment we arrive.
- 1Sources: AA Intermediate Co Limited Interim Report 2023 – 3,267m roadside paid personal members and 10,666m roadside business customers, total of 13,933m roadside members. RAC Bidco Limited Interim Report HY 2023 – 2,7m Roadside Membership Services consumer members and 10,1m Roadside Membership Services business members, total of 12,8m roadside members. Direct Line Group 2023 Interim Results – 2,062m Green Flag In-force Rescue Policies.
- 2The Brand and Market Tracker is a study conducted on behalf of the AA by an independent research provider (Old Street Data Science – trading name HGSR Ltd.) and the results are based on responses by participants who self-identify which provider they are with. Interviews are held with 1,500 respondents every quarter, who identify themselves as UK-based drivers, which is rolled up to 6,000 annually.
- 3Sources: AA Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2023 – 2,700 patrols. RAC Class A Prospectus 2023 – 1,750 patrols.
- 4Sources: AA Limited Annual Report and Accounts 2023 – 3,179m annual breakdowns attended. RAC Bidco Limited Audited Annual Results FY 2022 – 2,4m annual breakdowns attended.
- 5Brands included in Mintel’s Vehicle Recovery report are the AA, Green Flag, RAC, Direct Line and Allianz Assistance.
