I have a straightforward answer to these people who do what you say, LB (and I agree AA are one of the worst).
I phone 'em up, say 'look I doubt this is your best offer to me. I'm about to go online looking for alternative sources of breakdown cover so let's stop messing around and you tell me what your best offer is." (Wait for answer - depending on price quoted, the next line goes: "Last time we went through this palava, your price came down by 18%". If we can agree 18% off this price I'll renew now".
I have Green Flag in mind as an alternative if the AA screws me once too often. Buenchico seems to recommend them, so I think that must be kosher.