text: The Royal Automobile Club was founded in 1897 as a mutual organisation and given royal approval by Edward VII in 1907. It introduced uniformed patrols to the United Kingdom at the start of the twentieth century and organised the first British Grand Prix in 1926. In 1998, RAC demutualised and in 2002 changed its name to RAC Ltd.
  Members of RAC can access its breakdown service in the event of a vehicle breakdown in the United Kingdom. RAC offers a variety of breakdown cover plans, including single, joint and family memberships. Single cover costs approximately £28.50 for a year. Roadside assistance patrols work 24 hours a day throughout the year. RAC also provides breakdown cover in most European countries. In response to the large number of motorists who fill their fuel tank with the wrong fuel, RAC has special Fuel Patrols on standby to drain tanks and flush out the fuel systems.
  RAC also offers motoring and other road insurance products to both members and non-members (although members usually receive a discount). Motoring insurance is available for cars, motorbikes, vans and caravans. RAC provides travel insurance on both a yearly and single trip basis, as from £5 if purchased online.
  Car and route planner services
  Buying a used car can be a tortuous process, and RAC offers a range of services to assist. RAC provides a Car Data Check to confirm whether your chosen car has been stolen or has had its number plates changed. The cost of a single Car Data Check online is around £15.50. RAC engineers will also inspect any vehicle to make sure that it is safe and roadworthy. The cost of a vehicle inspection varies according to the engine size and type of inspection required. If you are looking for directions, RAC has a route planner on its website which enables you to plan a route and get directions. The route planner is regularly updated with any travel problems which arise.