Breakdown Insurance.
Breakdown services have come a long way since the RAC started their service in 1897. What was once just a small group of enthusiasts, sharing knowledge and helping each other
out, has grown into a vast industry. Breakdown services now call on the latest advancements in technology to deliver a complete package in a very short time, the average response
time is now about 40 minutes.
Below is a brief history of breakdown services and the major breakdown
companies.
1897 the RAC are formed offering motorists, assistance, advice and contact with other vehicle owners.
1901 The RAC introduced uniformed patrols to help stranded members.
1905 The AA is formed. At first the AA was a club for motorists, giving them advice and helping them avoid police speed traps, however, their services soon expanded.
1906 The AA started erecting warning signs.
1908 Due to the increase in car touring the AA Members handbook was introduced, listing appointed agents and car repairers throughout the UK.
1912 The RAC started to introduced emergency telephone boxes by the roadside.
1912 The AA added hotel reviews, and later restaurant reviews, to its members handbook.
1930 Local authorities take over the responsibility for road signs fron the AA. AA signs can still be seen today for special events.
1971 National Breakdown is formed as the third major breakdown service, later renamed Green Flag. (National Breakdown/Green Flag subscription is vehicle based rather than
person based. They also utilise a national network of independent breakdown operators rather than having their own patrols.)
1978 The motoring club Gem Motoring Assist (formed in 1932) starts to offer it's own breakdown service.
1990 The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is formed offering various services including breakdown cover and promoting more environmental ways of enjoying motoring.
1990's Breakdown companies begin to utilise satellite technology to locate stranded motorists and to speed up breakdown response times.
1994 National Breakdown rebranded as Green Flag. Offering a different type of breakdown service, cover is vehicle based rather than person based.
1999 The AA is bought out by Centrica
2000's Breakdown patrols get hi-tech roadside diagnostic equipment, increasing the number of vehicles that can be fixed at the roadside.
2004 The AA changes ownership again to a private equity firm.
2005 The RAC is bought out by Aviva, the company who also owns the largest car insurance company in the UK, Norwich Union.
To find the best breakdown deal for you see our breakdown comparison chart.
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