Toyota Roadside Assistance

[Meld]

Having had my current Corolla for almost a year, the renewal invitation for Toyota Roadside Assistance arrived today.

Having looked at the Ts&Cs, I won't be taking up the offer.

Why?  My current agreement is for cover in the UK and Europe.  The definition of UK includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, which although not strictly correct is pretty common practice.  However, the renewal contract is subtly different, i that the UK definition clearly and specifically excludes the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. 

Unfortunately they are not in the list of European countries in which cover applies either.  So, in summary, Toyota's offer for renewal Breakdown Assistance doesn't apply at all on the Isle of Man or the  Channel Islands.  It does seem a strange situation, given that there is a pretty big Toyota dealer on the Isle of Man anyway.

Since I am heading off to the IoM on holiday later in the month, I am very glad I read the small print.  As they say Buyer Beware. 

Fortunately, other breakdown services are available.

[Cyker]

I must admit they haven't done themselves any favours - They stopped it being transferable, closed the Toyota call centre and moved operations entirely onto the AA, removed the multi-car discount, removed the 2-year discount and raised the price significantly.

Its attractiveness has dropped significantly over the years - It's a far cry from what it was when I had my Mk1, where it was something like £54 and you got a load of (Admittedly fairly useless) perks like discounted wine and airport parking.

Thanks to recommendations on the forum, I cancelled my subscription and changed to Start Rescue, who offer similar coverage but are far cheaper.

 

[Bper]

1 minute ago, Cyker said:

I must admit they haven't done themselves any favours - They stopped it being transferable, closed the Toyota call centre and moved operations entirely onto the AA, removed the multi-car discount, removed the 2-year discount and raised the price significantly.

Its attractiveness has dropped significantly over the years - It's a far cry from what it was when I had my Mk1, where it was something like £54 and you got a load of (Admittedly fairly useless) perks like discounted wine and airport parking.

Thanks to recommendations on the forum, I cancelled my subscription and changed to Start Rescue, who offer similar coverage but are far cheaper.

 

Yep I will be doing the same when our renewal come's up. Again thanks to this forum and Mojo 10 who pointed this out to me.👍

[Rhymes with Paris]

Has anyone got experience of using any of these breakdown companies, for example when broken down?

From what I read the gap between what is promised and what is delivered can be a big one.

I have brittania in with my LV insurance, but fortunately not had to use it.

I don't go very far these days, but am no longer capable of levering up the back of a car with a tree branch, and hooking the exhaust on with a coat hanger.

Maybe not even changing a wheel.

 

[Brian Mortimer]

With our previous Corolla we had 3 years Toyota roadside assistance included in the service agreement. I called them out from a remote location for a puncture that the inflator kit failed to cure. They sent a local tyre company using 'what three words' app to locate me. I believe that I waited about 3hrs, he made a temporary repair using the rubber cord method. Had a new tyre fitted next day. 

[Cyker]

I've only drawn on the Toyota roadside aka AA assistance twice; Once to rescue us from the M25 when we had a puncture on a Smart Motorway section (Terrifying!  ), but the guy they sent drove past shouting (It was loud) that he couldn't legally stop there due to the lack of a hard shoulder, and it wasn't until Highways eventually noticed us, shut down all 4 lanes (On an Easter Weekend  ) and sent a patrol 4x4 to escort us to a layby, punctured tyre smoking, that they were able to come.

2nd time was when my Mk2's gearbox shat itself, was towed to a local garage who confirmed the gearbox was shot, and the next day they towed it back to my house.

I will say the AA guys were both very polite and patient, apparently had some training in dealing with slightly panicky customers  (Not that I was panicky nope    ), and the towing rig built into the van is pretty cool.

 

[Bper]

1 hour ago, Rhymes with Paris said:

Has anyone got experience of using any of these breakdown companies, for example when broken down?

From what I read the gap between what is promised and what is delivered can be a big one.

I have brittania in with my LV insurance, but fortunately not had to use it.

I don't go very far these days, but am no longer capable of levering up the back of a car with a tree branch, and hooking the exhaust on with a coat hanger.

Maybe not even changing a wheel.

 

HI Paul,

I think that it can often be down to the luck of the draw when it comes to breakdown services. Everyone has different experiences with them some have absolutely no problem if they call them out and others are hacked off or the level of service they receive. 

I have been with most of the major well known companies and the infrequent times I have had to call them out it has always been a positive experience even if they couldn't fix the car and had to send for a pickup. 

No doubt others will tell a different story but that's just the way it is.👍

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.

Please feel free to take a look at our breakdown offering if you wish.

https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/breakdown/

Regards,

Dan.