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Can the RAC charge my daughter for a burst tyre?

My daughter had a tyre burst on her MINI Cooper after she grazed a curb near her house, trying to avoid a big truck coming her way. When she called the RAC, with whom she has a full breakdown cover, they said it would cost her £200 for the call out because she had caused the damage herself. Is this usual procedure?

Asked on 17 March 2023 by Satpal Bhogal

Answered by David Ross
I am sorry to hear of your daughter's problems.

The RAC states that there is no charge for a call out to a breakdown and a burst tyre would come under the guidelines of a breakdown regardless of the cause. They do state however that if your tyre needs replacing they will replace it and dispose of the old tyre, but that the customer has to pay for the cost of the replacement.

We would recommended writing a letter of complaint to the RAC as we think this charge is unfair if it is solely on the basis that the damage was caused by the driver.
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