MMMMM....(smug face)
I just received this from IGA - copyright IGA

I also had an email from the AA today telling me how wonderful I was and I can now choose whether I give them a cut of job price or pay standard rate when they bring in a breakdown.

Aren't I lucky?

Exact same as all these parasites - suck you in get you hooked then start squeezing the price up. The same ethics as "smack dealer".

Guess what I have not signed up with the AA and I still get bills (I do not pay) from the RAC even though I am not signed with them either.

Dear Member,

Following the BBC’s Watchdog programme this week, we would like to make you aware of a feature highlighting a serious issue with an automotive work provision company. Companies such as this one are taking a ‘skim’ from your labour rate and are becoming more common. They present a commercial and reputational threat to our sector and whilst they appear to be offering cost savings to consumers, their business models are designed to up-sell.

The consumer’s perception of independent garages has always been positive and largely based on the relationship between the business owner and the customer, this is what independents do best. Using these ‘skimmers’ breaks that relationship and leaves a non-automotive call handler to explain the complexities of a repair and negotiate additional services which in many cases are not needed. It is always better when the garage explains any work required directly to the customer.

A recent study indicates that consumers are increasingly using independent garages. The IGA will continue to strongly defend the reputations of honest and trustworthy garages and we urge you to carefully consider whether you do business with any organisation that places itself between you and your customer, even if that organisation appears to benefit your business as a result of its high-profile brand.

Please click here to watch to the BBC’s Watchdog programme.

Best Regards,

Stuart James
Director, IGA

Credit IGA


This today from the AA - notice is says "agree to T's&C's after you have signed up" WTF

AND - "We want to take our member to the best local garages"

My point exactly - they are trading on the back of our reputation!

Important changes to receiving vehicles towed to your garage from AA patrols


Hi S K Automotive Engineers,

You might already be providing a great service to our Members helping them when they break down and are towed to your garage by our patrols.

To ensure you can continue to help and receive tow-ins from our patrols we will need you to sign up to our new tow-ins network. This network has been created to improve the experience for our Members and patrols.

The good news is because you already have an active listing on the Garage Guide, signing you up to the new tow-ins network is very easy.

To sign-up simply fill in this quick form

After signing up, we will then need you to accept the new terms and conditions which will be sent in an email to you. We can take you through these if needed and answer any questions you might have.

Please note: This change does not affect tow-ins you may receive from non-AA Members.

What is different with the new network?
We want to take our Members to the best local garages.
It's free to join with no annual subscription fees
You choose whether to pay a fixed admin or a percentage per job.
We don't charge you for existing customers

To sign-up simply fill in this quick form

We very much hope you will join this new network and continue to help our Members.

If you need more information please give us a call.

Kind regards,

The AA Garage Guide team

BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!