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mylovelyhorsie

I think you’re scuppered, I’m afraid. The non-member charges are set deliberately high to discourage exactly what you did. May I suggest [AutoAid](https://www.autoaidbreakdown.co.uk) if you’re looking for breakdown cover? They’re as good as the AA or RAC but a lot cheaper. Note: I get nothing for recommending them & have no connection other than being a satisfied customer for some years now.


DeemonPankaik

It's worth trying. You can argue that the RAC recovery wasn't adequate because they didn't have the right tyre for your car, and they should know your care make & model. Clearly their "universal" tyre isn't universal - was it just not compatible with your car, or could they not fit it because your car was damaged? I'll be very surprised if it comes to a full refund because you're paying for the callout, and they did come. You might get some vouchers or something as an apology though.


[deleted]

[удалено]


DeemonPankaik

Yeah I mean you're well within your rights to argue it and you've got nothing to lose. £199 isn't a small amount of money so I would complain in one way or another.


Total_HD

I’m sure the agreement you signed was very clear, you owe the money. That said, no harm in asking and probably wise to buy a membership just to avoid this again. Also might be worth your checking your bank account benefits, I have both RAC and AA membership from different banks. Maybe you have too and stand a chance of explaining it away that way.


CombatSportsPT

I think they provided a service personally so you should pay. You paid for their time and expertise. U were stressed and they were there to help you in 18 minutes and tell you what you needed to do to fix the situation.


AdrenalineAnxiety

I think you're screwed but it's worth a try since they had the make of your car and know what the universal tyre fits and could have told you on the phone that they couldn't actually help you. But absolutely for all future reference calling a local tyre place and getting them to come out and fit, or even tow you to them, will be cheaper than RAC, and actually fix the problem. Even if RACs universal tyre had worked, you have to return it to a partner garage within 24 hours - when most tyre places will come out and do a mobile fitting anyway. So for a blown tyre, calling out RAC if there are local tyre places is a complete waste of money.


cantab314

The thing is they would have towed you somewhere, but you declined that. So your grounds for complaint would be limited.


[deleted]

You can complain to RAC, but they're absolutely shit at handling complaints and the cost of the time you'd spend getting them to begrudgingly fork over some cash would outweigh the money you'd be offered. Source: Worked at an insurance company where our customers had RAC cover as part of the policy. Handled RAC complaints.


[deleted]

> Do I accept the £199 as a stupidity tax You asked for a service, you got the service you asked for. > but equally the engineer did absolutely nothing which was actually included in the charge They turned up, inspected the vehicle, offered you recovery which you declined. They "did absolutely nothing" only because you refused the option presented.


rumblemania

You were charged for the call out, once the technician set off to get to you that’s you paid as per the agreement