Automobile Association Developments

The Automobile Association (AA) is the United Kingdom's largest motoring organisation, founded in June 1905 by four driving enthusiasts in London who wanted fair treatment for motorists. From an initial 90 members, it has grown to over 14 million members. The AA's core service is breakdown cover, supported by a nationwide network of patrols offering 24/7 assistance. Over its long history, the AA has expanded into insurance (car, home, travel), financial services (car finance, personal loans, savings accounts), driving-related services (MOT tests, car servicing, mobile mechanics), vehicle history checks, and route planning. The AA is also known for its campaigning work on motoring issues, led by President Edmund King OBE. The organisation operates primarily in the UK, with European breakdown cover extending to 40 countries. The AA has been publicly listed and later taken private; its current corporate structure includes AA Limited as parent. The AA Charitable Trust focuses on road safety education. The AA's website offers breakdown cover sales, insurance quotes, route planning, and member benefits including discounts and the AA app.

The Automobile Association was founded in June 1905 in London by four driving enthusiasts who wanted fair treatment for motorists. Initially a small group of 90 members, it grew rapidly as motoring became more popular. The AA introduced motorcycle patrols in its early years to assist stranded motorists, a service that evolved into the modern breakdown patrols. Over the decades, the AA expanded its services beyond breakdown cover into insurance, finance, travel and other motoring-related areas. It became the UK's largest motoring organisation, with over 14 million members. The AA has a history of embracing technology, from early patrols to connected cars. In 2014, AA plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2021, the company was taken private. The AA continues to operate as a major provider of breakdown cover, insurance, and financial services, and its charitable trust focuses on road safety education.

• 2021

  AA plc taken private.

• 2014

  AA plc listed on the London Stock Exchange.

• 1905

  Founded in June 1905 by four driving enthusiasts in London.

The AA positions itself as a trusted, member-focused motoring organisation offering comprehensive driving-related services and financial products, with a heritage of over a century of protecting motorists.

• Breakdown cover

  24/7 roadside assistance with dedicated patrols.

• Car insurance

  Comprehensive car insurance policies.

• European breakdown cover

  Breakdown cover in 40 countries.

• Vehicle history check

  Comprehensive vehicle history check for £14.99.

• Car finance

  Car loans, hire purchase, PCP, and leasing options.

• Savings accounts

  Member Saver and Easy Access Savings accounts.

1. 1The AA | Up to 40% OFF Breakdown | Insurance, Route Plannertheaa.com
2. 2Vehicle check | Used car history checks | The AAtheaa.com
3. 3Financial services | Manage your finance | AAtheaa.com
4. 4About Us | AAtheaa.com
5. 5Automobile Association Developmentswikidata.org