Breakdown Service minus the Service

[Whipped]

Just blew out a tire on the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter. Had no way to change it myself, so called my breakdown cover place.

Explained that I was about half way along the A38, inbetween Plymouth and Exeter. Fine ..... or so I thought.

I then get a call from a breakdown company asking where about on the roundabout I was (I'd told the woman I was about 20 miles from the roundabout)

She then phones back and has a go at me because, apparently, I didn't give her precise enough information as to where I was. I shouted at her a lot, explained that other than being inbetween Plymouth and Exeter (Only a 30 mile stretch of motorway), that I had no idea of my exact location. The fact that I could see a hill with 3 horses on it didn't seem to help her.

She tells me that she'll try another breakdown place, but if that one can't find me there's nothing more they can do!!!!

1 1/2 hours later some guys turn up with a jack that will work on soft grass and change my tire for me.

Think I'll be writing a letter of complaint and then changing breakdown cover. What would you suggest, AA or RAC. (This was all with Direct Line btw)

 

[Kryten]

That's a bit daft tbh - both the AA and RAC have phone tracking facilities - would have thought Direct Line would as well.

Only really used AA personally, called out twice, both times there within half an hour. One time I was half way through a 200 mile drive, stopped for a rest, car wouldnt start again - had no clue where we were other than "circa 20 miles out of Thetford on our way to Yarmouth" or something and they managed to find us with that. Quite happy - especilaly as it cost me nowt

My mother uses Green Flag which she appears to be happy with - used them a few times, mainly for her exhaust falling off

 

[Whipped]

Green Flag the company that I believe Direct Line are affiliated with

 

[Kryten]

Ah well, says it all

 

[old.user4556]

Ah well, says it all

Indeed

 

[throdgrain]

Why didnt you just change the tyre yourself you great big girls blouse !?!

 

[Tom]

Thats what I was thinking.

 

[pcg79]

i was stuck on the m4, literally probably less than 5 miles from junction 2 (so still in the middle of london pretty much) for about 5 hours.
bloody green flag.

 

[Raven]

Cant remember who we are with but they use different break down people depending where you are, broke down on the M1 near milton keynes once and someone came out within half an hour and towed us to their garage, gave us a replacement car to use for a couple of days then they towed our car back down south for us and picked up the one they lent us, they even told us what was wrong with it (some shizzle in the engine)

i actually did send them a letter of thanks

Though i guess it varies and depends who the company in any particular area is, some are probably awful

 

[dysfunction]

I once phoned green flag...got a message saying their lines were busy...please wait and an operator will be with you shortly.

I was on the phone for an hour...its the sort of situation where you think. Someone will pick up soon. Yes very soon someone will answer...they didnt.
I hung called back and they answered straight away!!

I must have connected to phone hell or something...

All the while I was sat on the side of the A406 in mid november...

 

[leggy]

RAC were superb when I had an serious argument with a lorry last week (on the M6).

No bother, 30 min wait, guy was really helpful when he turned up. And he made me feel better about trashing a new car :/

 

[Calaen]

Just blew out a tire on the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter. Had no way to change it myself, so called my breakdown cover place.

Explained that I was about half way along the A38, inbetween Plymouth and Exeter. Fine ..... or so I thought.

I then get a call from a breakdown company asking where about on the roundabout I was (I'd told the woman I was about 20 miles from the roundabout)

She then phones back and has a go at me because, apparently, I didn't give her precise enough information as to where I was. I shouted at her a lot, explained that other than being inbetween Plymouth and Exeter (Only a 30 mile stretch of motorway), that I had no idea of my exact location. The fact that I could see a hill with 3 horses on it didn't seem to help her.

She tells me that she'll try another breakdown place, but if that one can't find me there's nothing more they can do!!!!

1 1/2 hours later some guys turn up with a jack that will work on soft grass and change my tire for me.

Think I'll be writing a letter of complaint and then changing breakdown cover. What would you suggest, AA or RAC. (This was all with Direct Line btw)

RAC have been spot on for me and my wife for years.

 

[Whipped]

Why didnt you just change the tyre yourself you great big girls blouse !?!

The only place I could pull over was on a grass verge and the only jack I had was a shitty little one that hides in my engine compartment. It would have just sunk into the grass. I've now put a bit of wood in the boot, in case it ever happens again.

 

[dysfunction]

I've now put a bit of wood in the boot, in case it ever happens again.

Is that to batter the Green Flag guy when he arrives eventually?

 

[FozzySon]

I'm trying to work out what a tire is? Or did you mean tyre?

Seriously, that's fucked Whipped. AA/RAC are the only decent ones to go with tbh.

 

[Whipped]

I meant to say yesterday, they've sent me through a form to rate their performance and have left a lovely blank space of A4 on the back. Something to hold onto till I'm annoyed again and then let loose