THE Automobile Association is the UK's top ranked roadside assistance provider, according to a survey of almost 25,000 drivers by the international research company JD Power and Associates.

For the second year in succession, the organisation scored higher points than its rivals in the study's three categories which asked how quickly help arrived, how efficient the mechanic/breakdown vehicle driver was, and how the operator/dispatcher service rated.

But the RAC is closing the gap, just three points behind with 107. Points for the other two major services, Green Flag and Mondial, were below the industry average of 106, but all four outperformed independent companies or garages. Researchers found that satisfaction ratings were significantly higher when a motorist was attended by a driver employed by a roadside organisation rather than a sub-contractor.

The results were pulled from the UK Car Satisfaction Study of R-registration vehicles, with just 15% of the 24,089 people who responded to JD Power's mail-out questionnaire saying their car was company-funded.