AA / RAC tipping

[Hopkirk]

Do AA and RAC patrolmen expect a tip?

I was helped by one today, and didn't know whether it is normal to tip.

[ladybirder]

I hope not, I've never given one. I don't think they do.

[douglas9401]

I don't think they do.

[Hopkirk]

I gave him a fiver, and said get yourself a drink.

Even then I wondered if he thought I was a bit mean - he had been very helpful.

[FredPuli43]

No. What extra service do they provide, over and above what they are contracted to do? It's not a career where the salary is taken to be made up by donations from the customers.

[jno]

not normally. You could give him your old alternator, perhaps.

[Hopkirk]

He could see from my car that I am not a man of great means.

[Buenchico]

When I was 'trade plating' I've had to call out the AA three times in a day (to three different vehicles!). A call-out once per fortnight was more usual . I'd have quickly gone broke if I'd had to tip everyone!

[jno]

it's basically insurance. Do you tip the Aviva man who comes and tells you you're not covered for this particular risk? Not really.

[Hopkirk]

But he was a very nice man. A very, very nice man.

[Maydup]

A lovely gesture Hopkirk and much appreciated by him I'm sure.

[jno]

you're a sweetie. Can I polish your hubcaps?

[Hopkirk]

I still think he thought I was a tight git.

[ttfn]

Last month I had to call on the AA to tow me from the New Forest to Big Sis' garage and the following day I called Green Flag to tow my car to my garage (long story). The AA man was excellent and extremely knowledgeable about my car's make and model. He was spot on too. He was most pleasant, efficient and quick. I was pleased to give him a tenner and he was pleased to accept it. Satisfaction all round.

[flitty]

I was a fireman for 30 years and never got a tip, just expected to do your job and wages are enough. if you think they have gone out of their way then maybe you could give them a fiver for a drink

[Psybbo]

I hope they get you to Salisbury Plain safely ttfn

[ttfn]

sibton - we were going in the opposite direction, fortunately ;)

[Dee Sa]

I always tip the RAC man I thought it was the norm after all without their help you would be/could be stranded, usually a fiver but sometimes a bit less. I cant believe that the rest of you dont do this they come out in all weathers and do their best to get you on the move so to speak dont be mean give the guy a tip.
ps I am on OAP and not flush in the least.

[Hopkirk]

Dee Sa, you make it sound like a regular occurrence for you.

I last called them out in 1987. Hopefully its another 25 years until I have this quandry again.

[albaqwerty]

Did you tip him in 1987 ? If it was the same very, very nice man, he'll have been wondering if you'd never heard of inflation :-)

We once had a fire crew attend a fire outside our house. I bought a giant box of biscuits and handed it into the station later that day.

[Ratty2E]

I'm sure they don't expect it but it is very much appreciated if you do. Doesn't have to be money, my BIL is AA and gets bottles of wine, plants all sorts of things.