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How to Complain to AA
The AA says to use its online complaints form, with different departments handling breakdown, insurance, driving school, finance and data complaints; email, phone and post routes are also given. It says it acknowledges complaints within 5 working days and responds fully within 8 weeks, or explains how long it needs. If it is not put right, you can take it to Financial Ombudsman Service (regulated products); National Conciliation Service (other services).
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining to AA
How to Complain
The AA says to use its online complaints form, with different departments handling breakdown, insurance, driving school, finance and data complaints; email, phone and post routes are also given. It says it acknowledges complaints within 5 working days and responds fully within 8 weeks, or explains how long it needs. source
When You Can Escalate
After the AA's final response, or if there is no response within 8 weeks (regulated products) Scheme: Financial Ombudsman Service (regulated products); National Conciliation Service (other services). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksGo to Financial Ombudsman Service (regulated products); National Conciliation Service (other services)Or sooner if AA sends a final (deadlock) response
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Gather your evidence: order, account or booking number, dates, receipts, screenshots, emails and notes of calls.
Step 2 of 5
Complain to AA in writing using the route below, and ask for a complaint reference. Say what went wrong, what you want, and by when (14 days is reasonable). Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep a record of every contact: dates, names and reference numbers. Use email or a form where you can, so you have proof.
Step 4 of 5
If you are not getting anywhere, ask for a final response in writing.
Step 5 of 5
If it is still not put right, take it to Financial Ombudsman Service (regulated products); National Conciliation Service (other services).
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies. Most are free; court claims have fees.
AA Complaints
Always start here, in writing.
Financial Ombudsman Service (Regulated Products); National Conciliation Service (Other Services)
After 8 weeks, or when you get a final (deadlock) response.
Your Card Provider
If you paid by card, Section 75 (credit card) or chargeback (debit card) may help.
Citizens Advice Consumer Service
Free advice. It can pass a report to Trading Standards.
Small Claims Court
A last resort if nothing else works. Citizens Advice explains when it is worth it.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
The AA says the National Conciliation Service can be used for non-regulated services within 12 months of correspondence.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a car bought from a dealer must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. The same right to reject within 30 days and the 6-month presumption of a fault being there from the start are set out for goods generally.
Keep the advert, invoice, service history and every message. Report faults in writing straight away and keep copies of repair invoices.
Garage work must be done with reasonable care and skill and within a reasonable time. You can ask for it to be put right or for a price reduction.
Consumer Protection UK is independent and is not connected to AA. This guide uses information published by AA and the schemes named here. All product names, logos and brands are property of their respective owners.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 4 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- theaa.com/complaints Checked 4 October 2026