The AA has been ranked as the top roadside rescue and recovery service in the annual JD Power 2005 Roadside Assistance Study.

The survey records the opinions of over 23,000 motorists to create an index of customer satisfaction based on timing, performance of the patrol and performance of the call handler.

With an overall customer satisfaction score of 823 out of a possible 1,000 the AA regains its position at the top of the rankings, for the fifth time in the eight years since the survey was introduced.

The AA was followed closely by the RAC with an index score of 821.

The RAC, as in the previous three years, performs well in the mechanic/vehicle driver factor, which evaluates items such as appearance, courtesy and ability to do what was needed.

Green Flag made the most significant improvement in customer satisfaction in third place, with a 25 index-point improvement since 2004 but still remained below the industry average.

Mondial came in fourth with an overall customer satisfaction score of 793.