More than 250 new dealers have signed up to the RAC Dealer Network in the last 12 months in what is believed to be its biggest period of growth since launching in 2008.

There are now over 1400 used car, van, motorcycle and motorhome retailers in the network, which retails RAC branded warranties and other aftersales products. 

Notable dealers that have joined during the last 12 months include Cotswold Motor Group, Harvey’s Autos, Curtis Cars, Carzar, AA Car Sales and Toomey Car Store.

Lee Coomber, RAC client director at Assurant, which partners with the RAC in the aftersales sector, said: “It’s been a really positive period for the RAC Dealer Network, something powered by a number of key trends.

 “Firstly, the warranty has arguably become a much more important element in the used car proposition in the post-pandemic period as the average purchase has become both older and more expensive. People are paying more for a car with more wear and more mileage, and are looking for reassurance. They know and trust the RAC name, so more dealers have been attracted to our product range for this reason.

 “Also, we’ve been working hard on what we provide to dealers over the last couple of years. We’ve always been very clear that we are not just warranty providers but deliver a whole range of additional services that support the dealer in a number of ways, from marketing support to sales training.

“Recently, we have added a range of RAC branded cosmetic products and also forged a number of partnerships with key providers to bring new services to our dealers at preferential rates, including working with JudgeService and Vehicles in Video.

“Finally, we’ve been investing heavily in our digital infrastructure, with new apps and portals that are designed to make our services easier to access for both dealers and warranty holders. It all adds up to a major enhancement of our offering.”

The RAC Dealer Network warranty proposition is focused on giving the best customer value, providing a choice of three levels - Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus - to suit a wide range of needs alongside important benefits such as no customer excess to pay. An innovative electric vehicle warranty, EV One, is also available.

The RAC range of cosmetic products include scratch and dent, and tyre and alloy wheel cover.