AA Business Care terms and conditions

In these Terms and Conditions:

"AA" means The New Zealand Automobile Association Incorporated.

"AA Business Care Passenger Programme" means the Services provided under this programme to any Nominated Vehicle up to 2500 kg gross laden weight (GLW)  at the time of breakdown, with a physical dimension not exceeding 2.44 metres in width, 7.0 metres in length and 3 metres high, and a wheel base not exceeding 1.8 metres wide.

"AA Business Care Light Commercials Programme" means the Services provided under this programme to any Nominated Vehicle up to 5000 kg gross laden weight (GLW) at the time of breakdown, with a physical dimension not exceeding 2.44 metres in width, 7.0 metres in length and 3 metres high.

"AA Business Care Heavy Duty Programme" means the Services provided under this programme to any Nominated Vehicle above 5000 kg gross laden weight (GLW) at the time of breakdown.

“Account” means a record of a relationship between the AA and a client including the provision of regular services, and other financial transactions including vehicle subscriptions.

"AA Approved Place of Safety" means location determined by the AA having least impact on movement of traffic or a place of repair which has been approved by the AA.

"AA Service Provider" means any person or company providing the Services at the request or direction of the AA and any servant or agent of that person or company having that company’s or person’s authority to provide the Services.

Business” means the business entity in whose name the AA Business Care account is maintained and whose subscription is fully paid.

“Business Information” means the confidential and proprietary listing of any name and address details, or any other details of the Driver and the Business provided by the Business to the AA.

"Card" means the AA Business Care card. 

"Driver " means the person in command of the vehicle at the time of the breakdown.

“Gross Laden Weight” or “GLW” means the weight of a vehicle together with any load it is carrying, including any equipment and accessories.

“Nominated Driver” means a person or an employee who is nominated to be the recipient of the AA Business Care card and the associated benefits and discounts. 

“Nominated Vehicle” means a motorised vehicle nominated by the Business to have access to the Services specified and which at the time of breakdown has a valid warrant of fitness and can be legally used on New Zealand roads; this does not include passenger service vehicles, rental cars, motorised wheelchairs, mobility scooters, ride-on mowers, segways or  bicycles.

"On-Tow" means trailers, caravans, boats and vehicles being towed by the Nominated Vehicle at the time of breakdown.

"Perishable Goods" means food, frozen goods or other materials which need special refrigeration or storage facilities and can be easily spoilt in the event of a delay caused by a breakdown of a Nominated Vehicle.

"Roadservice" means the service provided by the AA as outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

"Second Tow" means any tow after the initial recovery of the immobilised vehicle provided by the AA to the place of repair or location specified by the driver or company.

“Services” means the services applicable to each of the Nominated Vehicles under the relevant account package.

“Subscription” means the fee specified for each Nominated Vehicle; the AA reserves the right to review and change subscription rates at the time of renewal in relation to the AA Roadservice usage.

“Subscription period” means the 12-month cover provided to the Nominated Vehicle which is not refundable.

“Subscription Year” means the 12-month period covered by the Business’ subscription.

In these terms and conditions, singular includes plurals and vice versa and references to a gender shall include all genders.

References to natural persons include bodies corporate and vice versa.

All dollar figures include GST.

Your AA Business Care is non-refundable and applicable to the Nominated Vehicle(s). AA Business Care is for companies or commercial vehicles used for business purposes but excludes passenger service vehicles such as taxis and rental vehicles. If you require an AA Roadservice programme for taxis or rental vehicle, contact our Business Vehicle Solutions team on 0800 734 543.
Entitlements do not cover incidents or pre-existing conditions resulting in a breakdown prior to joining any AA Business Care programme.

Note: For AA Business Care benefits to apply, you must contact the AA at the time of breakdown, and prior to any arrangements being made, or costs incurred.

The following services apply for the programmes outlined below unless otherwise specified elsewhere as additional benefits or exclusions:

• AA Business Care – Passenger Standard
  (Vehicles up to 2,500kg GLW)
• AA Business Care – Passenger Premium
  (Vehicles up to 2,500kg GLW)
• AA Business Care – Light Commercial Standard
  (Vehicles over 2,500 kg and up to 5,000kg GLW)
• AA Business Care – Light Commercial Premium
  (Vehicles over 2,500 kg and up to 5,000 kg GLW)
• AA Business Care – Heavy Duty
  (Vehicles over 5,000 kg GLW)

AA Roadservice callouts are unlimited per year on all AA Business Care Programmes; however, they are limited to a maximum value per annum as specified for each AA Business Care category.

Where a Nominated Vehicle has been sold within the subscription period of that vehicle, the Business shall be allowed to replace it for the remainder of the subscription period with a vehicle within the same programme provided the Nominated Vehicle had no callouts in that subscription period.

A fee of $10.00 shall apply for issuance of a replacement card.

If the Nominated Vehicle breaks down, or has a mechanical problem that cannot be repaired on the spot, the AA will tow the vehicle to the nearest AA approved place of safety or repair, where arrangements for its repair can be made, or where it can be safely stored. Storage and repair costs will be the responsibility of the Business. The AA’s maximum contribution towards recovery is $60 in metro areas and $100 in rural areas (GST included). Once a tow has been provided for a breakdown, any subsequent tows for the same breakdown will be paid for by the Driver at the time of service. This includes towing for a vehicle that has been towed after-hours to home, storage area or other place of repair or safety and then needs further towing for the same breakdown.

If an on-towed vehicle experiences a breakdown while towed by a Nominated Vehicle, and requires transportation to a repairer, the AA will organise recovery at the Driver’s cost.

Carriage of passengers or anything on-tow at the time of the breakdown, can only be to the legal limit of the attending vehicle. Any expense as a result of additional transportation, or a return journey to pick up extra passengers or vehicles, will be the Driver’s responsibility.

Please Note: Recovery of vehicles exceeding 5.5 metres overall length may be subject to delays from some locations due to the unavailability of a suitable recovery vehicle.

Where AA Roadservice is required as a result of a vehicle being fuelled with the wrong type of fuel, a tow will be organised to the nearest place of repair or safety. Any further towing will be at the Driver’s expense. Tow limits apply.

Where an AA Service Provider is required to deliver fuel, the AA will cover the cost of the fuel delivery; the cost of the fuel will be at the Driver’s expense.
Where it is not suitable for an AA Service Provider to deliver fuel, a tow to the nearest Service Station will be provided by the AA or its representative at the Driver’s expense. Tow limits apply.

The AA Service Provider will change a damaged tyre/wheel with the Nominated Vehicle’s serviceable spare, where it is roadworthy and compatible with the other tyres/wheels of the vehicle. Where the spare is not serviceable, roadworthy or compatible, recovery to the nearest AA authorised place of repair will be provided at the Driver’s expense. Tow limits apply. If the damaged tyre is a run-flat tyre, the AA will cover a recovery to the closest available repairer or place of safety will be provided at the AA’s expense. Tow limits apply.

AA Service Providers will provide a battery jump start and any other practical assistance at the roadside to start the Nominated Vehicle.

Where the Nominated Vehicle cannot be mobilised at roadside due to a faulty battery, therefore requiring a new battery, the AA Service Provider will offer the driver a battery referral to AA Battery Services.* The new battery. Where the Nominated Vehicle cannot be mobilised at roadside due to a faulty battery, and is outside AA Battery Service’s coverage area, a recovery to the nearest facility to supply a new battery will be provided. Tow limits apply.

*Available in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington and Christchurch. Battery purchases not included in cover.

Where the Driver is locked out of the vehicle, the AA Service Provider will attempt to open the vehicle. The AA will not be responsible for any resulting damage.

Where the Driver of a Nominated Vehicle has lost the vehicle’s keys and requires the services of a locksmith, the AA’s maximum contribution for the callout is $40 for metropolitan areas, and $100 for rural areas. If the vehicle has been subscribed to the AA Business Care Premium Programme, the AA’s maximum contribution is $150 for the locksmith’s callout.

In the event a Nominated Vehicle’s windscreen is shattered, the AA will either refer the Driver to the nearest repairer or arrange for a repairer to attend the incident. Cost of the callout and repairs will be at the Driver’s expense.

In the event a Nominated Vehicle experiences a collision, the AA will:

• Organise recovery of the Nominated Vehicle to a place of repair or safety, and
• Organise a replacement vehicle or a taxi to the Driver’s home/place of business, and
• Inform the Driver’s insurance company, providing all relevant information, and
• Provide the Driver with “next steps” information.

Please note that all costs associated with a collision will be the Driver’s responsibility

Along with the Terms and Conditions outlined previously the following additional Terms and Conditions shall apply for the AA Business Care Passenger Premium Programme:

If the Nominated Vehicle breaks down, or has a mechanical problem that cannot be mobilised at the scene, we’ll recover the vehicle to the Business company address, or a nominated repairer of the Business’s choice anywhere in New Zealand as long as the distance is no greater than would be incurred in recovering the vehicle to the place of employment/company address. If it is required / requested for the vehicle to be towed to a location beyond the distance the AA has agreed to cover, or the vehicle requires an additional tow, it will be at the Business’s cost. The AA does not cover transportation of a repaired vehicle or any additional transportation such as ferry crossings.

The AA Business Care Premium Programme extends to caravans and trailers being towed by a Nominated Vehicle up to a maximum 7-metres in length (excluding tow-bar), 2.44-metres wide, and/or 3-metres high.

Where recovery of a Nominated Vehicle is required, a caravan or trailer on-tow at the time of the breakdown may be towed by an AA Service Provider, if it can be recovered on the same journey, and it is not required to be uplifted, or carried on a transporter. If an extra trip is required, this will be at the Business’ expense.

For breakdowns less than 100kms from the Business’s physical address, or if the Nominated Vehicle cannot be repaired on the same business day, the following Service will be applicable:

• Emergency Taxi
  If the situation prevents the Driver from being able to travel with the Nominated Vehicle in the recovery vehicle, the AA will provide a Taxi to take the Driver and any accompanying passengers to a maximum value of $60 (additional expenses such as ferry crossing tickets are not covered).

If the Nominated Vehicle experiences a breakdown 100km or more from the Driver’s place of employment/Business address and cannot be reasonably repaired within 12 hours, providing all other conditions of the AA Business Care Premium Programme are met, the Driver shall be eligible for the following:

• Emergency Accommodation
  The AA will provide the Driver and passengers with suitable accommodation should the Driver wish to remain with the vehicle while it is being repaired, for up to a maximum of three nights at a value of $120 per night (subject to availability). This entitlement does not include pre-booked accommodation and covers room hire only; all personal expenses such as meals, internet fees, mini bar, dry cleaning, etc., will be at the Driver’s expense.
• Replacement Vehicle
  If repairs to the Nominated Vehicle cannot be completed in the same business, the AA will provide a rental vehicle as a replacement vehicle for up to a maximum of three days at a value of $120 per day to enable the Driver to continue the journey or return to base. This is subject to availability of a rental vehicle. Standard rental criteria apply*.

The AA covers the daily hire, relocation and delivery fees up to the combined daily maximum of $120; the Business will be responsible for the running costs, petrol, optional access reduction insurance fees and any ferry crossing costs.
*Standard Rental Criteria: hire agreements require the Driver to be at least 21 years of age, have held a current driver’s licence for a minimum of 12 months, and hold a valid credit card.

• Combined Emergency Accommodation and Replacement Vehicle
  A combination of both accommodation and replacement vehicle is available for up to a maximum period of three days i.e. one night’s accommodation and two days’ car rental, up to a maximum value of $360, or $120 per day, subject to the rental and accommodation conditions as set out above. There may be an occasion whereby the Business is required to pay for all initial costs relating to both the Replacement Vehicle and Emergency Accommodation. In these incidents the Driver should obtain tax invoices for each cost incurred and present them to the AA for a refund. Reimbursement will be made once the claim is assessed per the qualifying criteria of the programme as specified previously.
• Alternative Land Transport
  If it is not possible for the AA to provide a replacement vehicle for whatever reason, alternative land transport to get the Driver and accompanying passengers home will be covered up to a maximum of $360 per incident.

Vehicles above 5,000 kg GLW

If you are a Business belonging to the AA Business Care Heavy Duty Roadside Emergency Repairs Programme, the AA will organise a repairer to come to the vehicle and where possible mobilise the vehicle. If a roadside repair is not possible, the AA will at the Driver’s direction organise a heavy duty haulage company to transport the vehicle to the nearest place of repair or a repairer of the Driver’s choice. The Driver will be responsible for all costs associated with the repair and/or recovery, including any callout fee charged by the contracted AA Service Provider.

An AA case manager will co-ordinate all requirements for the duration of the incident, from the time of taking the initial call through to ensuring that the Nominated Vehicle is either mobilised or recovered to a place of repair. A fee shall apply for each incident managed by the AA.

Upon the Driver’s approval, the AA will pay the repairer or recovery operator and on-charge the Business for all costs incurred directly related to the callout. Upon the Business taking the AA Business Care programme the Business agrees to reimburse all fees and charges within seven days of receipt of an invoice from the AA. An administration fee of 10% of the total incident cost shall apply payable to the AA.

• Any mechanical fault or breakdown that occurred before, or within 24 hours of, purchasing AA Business Care Programme.
• When the vehicle is disabled or damaged due to a motor vehicle accident, or stolen, or damaged due to theft or vandalism.
• When the vehicle is unattended at the time the AA Service Provider arrives at the breakdown location.
• Vehicle parts/fuel/repairs on garage/repairer premises.
• Vehicles not on public or formed roads, or trapped/bogged.
• When the vehicle is un-roadworthy/unsafe, or where it would be dangerous or illegal for an AA Service Provider to repair, load or transport the vehicle and/or its occupants.
• When the Driver poses a safety risk to other motorists in the opinion of the AA Service Provider.
• When the vehicle was being used for racing, pace making, speed testing, reliability trails, competitions, or off-road activities at the time of the breakdown.
• Vehicles carrying a load beyond the legal limit.
• Vehicles carrying any form of hazardous materials or perishable goods.
• Vehicles or on-tow vehicles, trailers, caravans, floats carrying livestock unless secured by the Driver before attendance by the AA Service Provider.
• When the Nominated Vehicle is unregistered and/or unwarranted.
• Subscriptions that are still unpaid when AA Roadservice is required

• These restrictions apply to all vehicles including: private motorcars, motorcycles, light goods vehicles, motorised caravans or campervans. In order to be eligible to receive the benefits of AA Business Care Roadservice, vehicles must be:
• Roadworthy, with a current Warrant of Fitness and registration
• Less than 20 years old
• Less than 2.5 tonnes gross laden weight overall for AA Business Care Passenger Standard & Premium Programme
• Less than 2.44-metres wide overall for AA Business Care Passenger Standard & Premium Programme
• Less than 3-metres high overall for AA Business Care Passenger Standard & Premium Programme
• Less than 7-metres long overall for AA Business Care Passenger Standard & Premium Programme
• Above 2.5 tonnes and up to 5.0 tonnes GLW weights overall for AA Business Care Light Commercial Programmes

AA Business Care Premium benefits will not be provided in the following circumstances:

• When the breakdown occurs less than 100km from the Business’s base, replacement vehicle and emergency accommodation benefits do not apply
• When repairs can be carried out within the same business day by a suitably qualified person/facility

Note: The cost of replacement vehicle parts and fuel are not included.

The AA shall provide services limited to a cost not exceeding the value specified for each of the programmes as follows:

• Each incident covered up to a maximum value of $200 including GST per Nominated Vehicle
• Maximum annual cover per Subscription period per Nominated Vehicle is $400 including GST

• Each incident covered up to a maximum value of $800 including GST per Nominated Vehicle
• Maximum annual cover per Subscription period per Nominated Vehicle is $1,600 including GST

• Each incident covered up to a maximum value of $300 including GST per Nominated Vehicle
• Maximum annual cover per Subscription period per Nominated Vehicle is $600 including GST

• Each incident covered up to a maximum value of $800 including GST per Nominated Vehicle
• Maximum annual cover per Subscription period per Nominated Vehicle is $1,600 including GST

The AA reserves the right to terminate the AA Business Care account by giving the Business seven days written notice if the AA deems that the account has been abused or the Terms and Conditions of this programme have been breached.

The AA endeavours to ensure all sub-contracted providers are registered with their appropriate trade or professional body and have the necessary qualifications to provide products or services to a standard acceptable to the AA and AA Business Customers. Please contact the AA immediately if you are unhappy in any way with a referral made by the AA to an independent contractor and the AA will endeavour to correct your dissatisfaction and/or offer you the choice of an alternative provider. The AA endeavours to provide the full range of benefits and services outlined in this brochure in good faith. However, it cannot be held responsible for consequential loss or damage resulting from acts, events and circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the AA, including industrial disputes, strikes, flood conditions, adverse weather conditions, geographic inaccessibility and the absence or unavailability of sub-contractors which may delay, interfere with, or prevent, the provision of some or all of the services outlined in this brochure.

Business information relating to AA Business Care is held securely and will not be disclosed to any other person or organisation unless authorised by you. AA Business Care customers also have the right to access and correct the information at any time.