Received a generic letter from AA breakdown assist that the policy was due for renewal on June 30th and that was no need to do anything, that they had my details and could request the debit (I had paid the previous by debit card over the phone). If I didn’t wish to renew I must let them know within ten days. I didn’t wish to renew.
By the time I noticed/contacted them I had missed the ten day deadline however, it was still only June 22nd. The young man at AA told me it was too late and they would debit my account. I contacted my bank (BOI) and the young man assured the AA couldn’t touch/debit my account (indeed it would be illegal he said).
July 2nd my debit card bounced at the supermarket and yes because the AA had taken €99.
I scurried home and rang the bank (AA had shut for the day) and the young woman told me there was nothing they would/could do and didn’t know why the young man at the bank said what he said on the 22nd (I recorded all conversations using an app, so I wasn't mistaken).
Chats next morning on the 3rd with Citizens Information, Competition & Consumer Protection Commission and the office of The Data Protection Commissioner informed me that my bank card details being retained for the year was not “excessive”, that the contract was a “rolling contract”. However, the very nice people at these agencies were unable to offer any remedy.
So I again contacted the AA and my money will be replaced in 28 days.
It seems that everybody with an AA breakdown assist policy is automatically debited, year after year.
Indeed a google on the AA confirms this is so. The AA is taking direct debit payments without third party consent both in Ireland and the UK. Articles in the Guardian, Telegraph the BBC and consumer sites on both sides of the pond stretching back to 2009 detail how some people don't notice for several years (which is the purpose). Getting money back can be near impossible.
The articles reveal how the policy is rampant for years though the company repeatedly responds (to media) as if it has just become aware of the problem and “will review its procedures” (2011).
This sort of immoral behaviour can have detrimental human consequences so that somebody else can raise their bonus.
The public needs protection from unscrupulous practices by the AA.