Just wondering if VW assist will be better or worse in the future if it goes to the RAC 
Well, the RAC have always enjoyed a "better" reputation when compared to the RAC.
However two issues need to be addressed, firstly, the AA vs RAC is only determined if you are an actual member of either, directly ie, you actually carry either an AA or RAC membership card in your wallet.
Secondly, the level of service provided by the "sub-contractor", be they AA, RAC, or whoever, is actually determined in the "primary" contract as supplied by VW Assist.
I personally wouldn't bother paying extra to the "one-car" VW Assist, instead, I would go directly to RAC, and become a full member of them directly.
Hi TT,
I got 3yrs vw assist when I took out the servicing, maintenance and tyre package from the dealer, so I was just wondering if anyone had any poor dealings with either AA or RAC as they seem to be the sub-contractors around these here parts 
OK, allow me to ramble on with some of my musings . . . .
When I was actually working in the trade, the AA had a truely shocking reputation. Bad stuff ranged from the roadside patrols "removing" so-called faulty parts, and then leaving the stranded motorist to purchase a whole new "unit". Classic examples included removing a complete distributor, when say, it simply needed new points or a condensor. Removing carburettors, when at best they would need a simple mixture adjustment, at worst need a repair kit. They would remove all sorts of other bits, starter motors, alternators, water pumps, thermostats - etc - the list goes on. Their repeated official line for doing this was that the patrol would take the affected parts away, get them repaired, and re-fit them - but it never ever happened. It was often thought that either the individual patrols, of the AA itself were submitting the removed parts, to claim some kind of "exchange surcharge" - a nice little backhander if you ask me.
The other damaging aspect to AAs reputation was their recovery service. If you broke down in say Glasgow, and needed to be recovered back to Exeter, your car would be transported from the one AA depot, to the next nearest depot, then another depot and so on. OK, I do remember that their recovery service was called "Relay", but few people were aware that the AA meant that in quite literal terms!
The RAC certainly enjoyed a considerably greater reputation - whereas the AA were so crap, they were repeated "contributors" on the BBC Watchdog programme!
Now, in todays environment, it is probably a closer call between the AA and the RAC. The AA has scrapped all of its night-time patrols, so any call-outs will be tasked to a sub-contractor, whos' quality of service and expertise may or may not be OK. The RAC was purchased by Norwich Union a few years back, and whilst they still
seem to be offering a good service, will the RAC ever degenerate in to the same appauling standards as their insurance business - with downright attrocious claims handling, including Indian call centres!
Moving on to re-sold packages, such as those sold as an add-on to your normal motor insurance, or in this specific example, VW Assist - I would personally recommend NOT buying it in this way, for a number of reasons. Firstly, you will not actually become a "member" of the AA/RAC, and loose out on some member-exclusive benefits. Secondly, the terms of the contract as sold by VW Assist (or your car insurer) may or may not be considerably different, compared to being a direct member of the relevant organisation. OK, if you get it free for your first year of VW ownership (or three years free for Audi and Skoda !!), then fairy nuff.
I would personally recommend your own personal membership of either the RAC, GreenFlag, or National Breakdown.
Rgds
