LAST REVIEWED: JUNE 2026
The AA scores 71/100 and the RAC scores 68/100 on the KT Score for breakdown cover. The AA has a larger directly employed patrol network (2,800+ vs RAC's 1,600+) and attends approximately 10,000 breakdowns per day, fixing approximately 80% at the roadside. The RAC has invested more heavily in EV-specific breakdown capability including mobile charging units. Both providers offer comparable tier structures and are rated as recommended by Which?. The AA is typically priced above the RAC for equivalent tiers, though new member pricing and promotional discounts can close the gap. For most drivers, the AA's larger directly employed patrol network is a genuine differentiator. For EV drivers, the RAC's technology investment makes it worth comparing seriously.
Patrol network comparison
The AA operates a network of over 2,800 directly employed roadside patrol technicians. The RAC employs approximately 1,600 patrols and supplements this with third-party contractor networks for certain breakdown scenarios. The difference in network model matters in practice: directly employed patrols are consistently trained to the employer's standard and carry consistent equipment, while contractor networks vary by operator.
Both providers publish fix-at-roadside rates. The AA claims approximately 80% of breakdowns are resolved without the vehicle needing to be transported to a garage. This means four in five AA call-outs result in the member driving away from the roadside. The RAC does not publish a comparable aggregate fix rate in the same format, making direct comparison on this metric difficult.
Response times depend on location, time of day and the volume of simultaneous breakdowns. Both providers target average response times of approximately 60 minutes. Urban areas typically see faster responses; rural areas, overnight callouts and peak periods such as Bank Holiday weekends typically see longer waits. Neither provider guarantees a fixed response time.
EV breakdown: where RAC has invested
The RAC has made a specific strategic investment in EV breakdown capability. Its mobile charging units can provide sufficient charge at the roadside to allow an EV with a depleted battery to reach the nearest available charge point. The AA has also developed EV capability but the RAC has been more prominent in marketing its EV-specific investment, including dedicated EV patrol technician training programmes.
For conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, the difference in EV capability is irrelevant. For current or prospective EV owners, the RAC's EV-specific investment is worth factoring into the provider decision. As the UK EV fleet grows, breakdown providers' EV capability will become an increasingly important differentiator. Both providers are investing in this area.
Tier-by-tier price comparison
| Cover level | AA (approx) | RAC (approx) | Green Flag (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roadside only | ~£30 | ~£25 | ~£20 |
| Roadside + home start | ~£55 | ~£50 | ~£40 |
| + Relay | ~£75 | ~£65 | ~£55 |
| + Onward travel | ~£110 | ~£95 | ~£75 |
| + European cover | ~£160 | ~£140 | ~£110 |
Pricing is indicative for new members June 2026. Actual prices vary by configuration and available promotions. Verify directly with each provider.
Which? ratings
Which? rates both the AA and the RAC as recommended breakdown cover providers based on their 2025 member survey. The AA scored higher than the RAC in the Which? survey on network coverage and fix-at-roadside rate metrics. The RAC scored higher on app and digital experience. Both providers significantly outperform budget alternatives such as Green Flag and supermarket-branded products on network coverage, though Green Flag offers competitive pricing for price-sensitive buyers who prioritise cost over network depth.
Disclaimer: This comparison is produced by Kael Tripton Ltd for informational purposes only. It does not constitute a recommendation. Kael Tripton Ltd is not FCA authorised. Verify all pricing and product details directly with the AA and RAC. Company No. 17177071, ICO ZC135439.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AA or RAC better for breakdown cover?
For most drivers with petrol or diesel vehicles, the AA's larger directly employed patrol network of 2,800+ technicians and higher published fix-at-roadside rate gives it a narrow edge over the RAC on the core breakdown service. The AA is typically priced slightly higher than the RAC for equivalent tiers. For EV drivers, the RAC's specific EV breakdown investment, including mobile charging capability, makes it a stronger choice. Both providers are Which?-recommended and significantly better than budget alternatives on network coverage.
Is AA breakdown cover more expensive than RAC?
The AA is typically priced above the RAC by approximately 10 to 15% for equivalent tier configurations for new members. Both providers run promotional discounts that can close or reverse this gap at certain times of year. Green Flag is generally the cheapest of the three major providers but uses a third-party contractor network rather than directly employed patrols, which affects consistency of service. Obtaining current quotes from all three before purchasing produces the clearest price comparison.
Can I switch from RAC to AA mid-term?
Yes. Both the AA and RAC offer mid-term joining. Cancelling an existing RAC membership mid-term may result in a pro-rata refund of the remaining premium, subject to any cancellation terms. The AA applies a call-out charge for breakdowns attended within 24 hours of joining, regardless of how the membership was obtained. Switching between providers at renewal, rather than mid-term, avoids cancellation fees and the new-member call-out charge.
Does the AA or RAC offer better EV breakdown cover?
The RAC has made a more visible strategic investment in EV-specific breakdown capability, including mobile charging units that can provide sufficient charge at the roadside for a depleted EV battery to reach a charge point. The AA also provides EV breakdown cover and has trained technicians in EV-specific recovery procedures. For current EV owners, comparing both providers' EV-specific capability documentation before purchasing is advisable, as this is an area of active development at both organisations.
