LAST REVIEWED: JUNE 2026
The AA scores 71/100 on the KT Score. The AA (Automobile Association) is the UK's largest breakdown cover provider by membership, with approximately 3.3 million members as of 2025. It offers roadside assistance, car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, loans and driving lessons. The AA is FCA-authorised (FRN 310164) and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The 71 score reflects market-leading breakdown network coverage of over 2,800 patrols and strong brand recognition, offset by pricing that sits above budget alternatives such as Green Flag and RAC in direct comparisons, and a Trustpilot score of 4.0/5 that trails some competitors.
What The AA does
The AA was founded in 1905 as a motoring organisation and is now the UK's largest breakdown provider. It employs approximately 2,800 patrols across the UK who respond to vehicle breakdowns at the roadside, at home or anywhere within the UK. The AA's patrol network is one of its primary differentiators; it attends approximately 10,000 breakdowns per day across the country.
Beyond breakdown cover, The AA has expanded into financial services including car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, personal loans and savings products. The AA is FCA-authorised for its financial services activities under FRN 310164. The driving lessons business operates through AA Driving School, one of the largest driving instructor networks in the UK.
The AA operates a tiered membership model for breakdown cover: Basic, Essential, Breakdown, Comprehensive and Premier. Each tier adds additional services such as home start, relay (transport to a destination if the vehicle cannot be repaired), onward travel (hire car or accommodation) and European cover.
Products and services
| Product | Key feature | KT review |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown cover | 5 tiers; 2,800+ patrols; roadside, home start, relay and European | Full review |
| Car insurance | Comprehensive, TPFT and TPO; multi-car available | Contact guide |
| Home insurance | Buildings, contents and combined; home emergency add-on | Coming soon |
| Travel insurance | Single trip and annual; discounts for AA members | Full review |
| Loans and savings | Personal loans; savings accounts via AA Financial Services | Coming soon |
How The AA compares
| Provider | KT Score | Patrols | Trustpilot | Strongest for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The AA | 71 | 2,800+ | 4.0/5 | Network coverage, brand trust |
| RAC | 68 | 1,600+ | 4.1/5 | EV breakdown, app experience |
| Green Flag | 62 | Third-party | 4.3/5 | Price, third-party network |
See also: AA vs Green Flag vs RAC | AA vs RAC travel insurance
Disclaimer: This profile is produced by Kael Tripton Ltd for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice or a recommendation to purchase any product or service. KT Scores are independent editorial assessments based on publicly available primary data. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Verify all details directly with the provider before making any purchasing decision. Kael Tripton Ltd, Company No. 17177071, ICO ZC135439.
Frequently asked questions
Is The AA the best breakdown cover in the UK?
The AA has the largest patrol network in the UK with over 2,800 roadside technicians attending approximately 10,000 breakdowns per day. Which? and independent comparison data consistently place The AA at or near the top for network coverage and fix rate. However, The AA is not always the cheapest option. Green Flag and some supermarket-branded products undercut The AA on price for equivalent cover levels. For drivers who prioritise speed of response and fix-at-roadside rates, The AA's network is a genuine differentiator. For price-first buyers, comparison shopping is advisable before committing to The AA.
Is The AA FCA regulated?
Yes. The AA's financial services activities including car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance and loans are conducted through AA Financial Services Limited (FRN 310164), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Breakdown cover itself is not an FCA-regulated product. Consumers can verify The AA's financial services authorisation on the FCA Financial Services Register at register.fca.org.uk.
How does AA breakdown cover work?
AA breakdown cover provides roadside assistance when a vehicle fails to start or breaks down. The AA's patrols aim to attend within approximately 60 minutes and resolve approximately 80% of breakdowns at the roadside. Where a vehicle cannot be repaired at the scene, it is transported to a garage. Higher membership tiers add home start cover (for breakdowns at the registered address), relay cover (transport to a destination of the member's choice), onward travel and European cover. Members call the AA on 0800 88 77 66 or use the AA app to log a breakdown.
How does The AA compare to RAC breakdown cover?
The AA has a larger directly employed patrol network than the RAC, which uses a combination of employed patrols and third-party contractors. The AA typically quotes higher fix-at-roadside rates. The RAC has invested more heavily in EV breakdown capability including mobile charging units. Both providers offer comparable tier structures. Price comparison on an equivalent tier basis typically shows The AA priced above Green Flag but close to the RAC. Which? rates both providers as recommended for breakdown cover. See the full comparison at AA vs Green Flag vs RAC.
Can I get AA breakdown cover on a comparison site?
AA breakdown cover is available on some UK comparison sites. Car insurance from The AA is available on all major comparison sites including MoneySuperMarket, Compare the Market and GoCompare. Travel insurance is also available on comparison sites. For breakdown cover specifically, the AA website and app often provide the most complete picture of available tiers and member-exclusive pricing.
