RAC COMPLAINT

RAC COMPLAINT

November 5, 2005

I bought a brand new car and had only had it 3 weeks, when the battery light kept flashing and the revs were constantly on the red. I called the RAC to see if they could pick the car up and to see if I could have a courtesy car, as I would need to be in work later on. They informed me that it would be no problem and someone would be along to pick the car up, which happened with no problems. I made the call to them at 4.50pm and the car was picked up at about 6.15pm.

I called the RAC back to find out when replacement car was arriving and they informed me that they would not delivery one to me - I would have to pick it up myself from Cardiff. They said a taxi would be along to pick me up in 20 minutes - This was at 6.15pm. They also informed me that because they would have to call the DVLA to confirm all my details, I would have to be there by 8pm as they close. I waited patiently for my taxi to arrive and after about 14 calls to RAC (in a state at this point), they said the taxi was outside my house. It obviously was not, as I was standing on my front door! at 8.10pm my taxi arrived. The DVLA would have already been closed and as I live at least 3/4 hour away from Cardiff there seemed no point in getting in. I again called the RAC to ask what I was supposed to do now. I spoke to a very nice gentleman, who told me to carry on to Cardiff, as it would all be ok. I did this, only to receive a call when I was nearly there to say get out of the taxi as there was no point. I was in a terrible state at this point, as it was now 9.30pm. The taxi driver informed me that the taxi had not even been booked until 7.20pm and the taxi firm were actually based in Newport, which is miles and miles away from where I live.

When I arrived at the replacement car place, I was informed that a car had been booked for me at 6pm, but had been cancelled at 7pm. I had to organise to pick my broken car up from the recovery people, as that was my only means of transport. I eventually got back to my house at 10.30pm.

The next morning I called the RAC again and asked if anything could be done about a courtesy car, as I would be taking my car back to the garage myself. They said that there was nothing they would be checking the taxi bill that I had incurred the night before and get back to me. That was the last I heard. I am now paying for a replacement car from a hire company for 1 week. I am NOT happy.

I think it is absolutely appaling that this happens to people.

Can I please have some advice, as I really do not think this is acceptable at all. The way I was treated has really upset me.

Claire Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User