The AA

The AA: roadside assistance and driver services since 1905

The AA (The Automobile Association) is a British organisation founded in June 1905 in London by four driving enthusiasts. Its stated aim from day one has been to protect motorists and put their interests first. The organisation has more than 14 million members and a fleet of 2,700 patrols operating on UK roads. According to figures the company itself cites from its 2026 annual report, it attends 3.5 million breakdowns a year and has accumulated 120 years of service.

Breakdown cover

The main service is breakdown cover, with 24/7 support and unlimited call-outs. The company offers various options: personal cover, multicar, family, European, motorbike, electric car, business, caravan and motorhome, and an instant cover option. European cover includes mechanics and recovery vehicles in 40 countries, according to ARC Europe verification in March 2026, and is taken out as a separate policy from UK breakdown cover. The site indicated a reference price of £5.49 a month for roadside assistance, based on sales data between 1 June and 31 August 2026, according to which 10% of new customers paid that amount. Breakdown cover is managed by Automobile Association Insurance Services Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Insurance

The insurance offering covers car, multi-car with discount, vans, electric cars, motorbikes, short-term contracts, home (buildings and contents), travel, backpacker and learner drivers. The company also handles car and home claims and allows policies to be managed online. In the case of car insurance, the site stated that 10% of new customers paid £265 or less for comprehensive cover between February and July 2026.

Vehicle maintenance and care

Through its network of approved garages, The AA offers MOT booking, servicing, mobile mechanics who come to your home, vehicle diagnostics, brake pad and disc replacement, oil and filter change, battery and key replacement, and wrong fuel assistance. It also sells warranties for used vehicles.

Buying and selling vehicles and driving school

The AA Cars platform allows you to buy and sell used cars and vans, lease new vehicles, finance a purchase, inspect a vehicle's condition, check its history and arrange home delivery. The company also publishes reviews and buying guides. In the area of driver training, it runs a driving school with lessons, refresher courses, instructor training, franchises (including one specifically for electric vehicles) and a driving theory app.

Finance and travel

In financial services, The AA offers personal loans, car loans, debt consolidation and home improvement loans, as well as easy access savings accounts and the AA Member Saver account. In the travel area, it provides a route planner, traffic news, mileage calculator, fuel price report, car hire, travel and backpacker insurance, atlases, driving guides and travel kits.

Mobile app and member support

The AA app allows you to report and track a breakdown in minutes, find nearby fuel, charging and parking spots, and access member offers. Cover includes 24/7 accident support, with vehicle recovery and claims management, as well as discounts on services ranging from MOTs to leisure activities. The company also offers customer support through FAQs, contacts and guides, and allows users to manage their documents and customise their cover online.

Location and contact

The AA, Level 3, Plant, Basing View, Basingstoke, Hampshire, England, RG21 4HG