I'm not too sure about Axa but i've mine with Allianz and unfortunatly had to make use of it on Christmas eve,
My car broke down at about 5.15pm,rang the helpline and they had a tow truck and hire car organised for me within an hour, a brilliant service.
As far as I know you have to have the highest level of cover with AA for them to get you a replacment car, Other than that they will just tow to a garage,Irish towing services kept mine till the garage opened on 2nd Jan.
The hire car was only for 2 days but took it at my own expense till my car was fixed.
I was cautious about cancelling my AA cover but why pay €200 for something I can get 'free' on my insurance policy