07 Apr 2020
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, AA Ireland has introduced a free breakdown service for healthcare workers and older motorists in the event that their car breaks down.
The organisation’s breakdown team, AA Rescue, will attend to calls from healthcare staff whether they are AA Members on not for the duration of the crisis. Healthcare staff and elderly members of the public can contact a priority line on 01 617 9059.
“Our AA Rescue patrols are still attending to a high number of breakdowns every day from people who must travel for essential work or for food shopping. We will continue to offer support to our existing AA Members, but we want to ensure that those on the front lines of fighting this virus and those most at risk are being looked after,” Conor Faughnan, AA Director of Consumer Affairs stated. “This is very much a national effort and one which all businesses need to play a part in.”
“Wherever possible we would strongly encourage everyone to adhere to the Government’s advice and avoid non-essential travel. Doing this will help our efforts in assisting those who must now be our priority.”
The AA, like many other businesses, has also had to pivot to remote working across all lines of it business, including call-handling for Rescue breakdowns and insurance renewals.
“Valid motor insurance is a legal requirement for motorists so we must keep the lights on, but we are doing so in line with HSE guidance,” Faughnan added. “Many of our agents are working from home and serving our customers via online web chat, while a small number continue to attend the office to take calls from elderly customers who may not be able to renew online.”
