After breaking down I called the RAC and the mechanic turned up in a reasonable time. After he had looked at the car he spent the next 20 minutes sitting in his van talking on the phone to the office. When he had finished talking he told me that the car couldn't be repaired at the roadside and offered to tow me home. The next day I realised that, on my policy, I had the option of a rental car from the RAC, but as this was a Saturday and I didn't need a car over the weekend I decided to leave it until Monday to arrange the car rental. When I called the RAC to arrange the car rental I was told, firstly, by the RAC operative, and then by the manager, that because I hadn't asked for this in the first 24 hours, that I wasn't entitled to the free car rental, and it said this in their 'terms and conditions' I pointed out to them that at the time it hadn't occurred to me, and that why hadn't the guy that had turned up at the breakdown not informed me of this. I was given short shrift and they just reiterated that it was in their 'terms and conditions' which I, now, realise is shorthand for 'small print. I will not be renewing my membership for myself and other members of my family when it is due for renewal. Also, I will be advising friends and relatives of my experience with the RAC, and recommending they, also, should reconsider their membership. Likewise, I will be advising other people I come into contact with to do the same.