Its a bit of a moot point but yup I did several times... I can only guess that the fact they were in my jacket meant the signal didn't pick up in the boot. Of course the real issue is the lack of cover that I was told came with the deal. My wife is in a 'vulnerable' health category which is one reason why I don't drive without breakdown cover.
FYI... So the dealership rang me back. and now after initially telling me they had re-registered the digital validation with the AA this morning, they are now saying because the dealership paid for the service when I bought the car the AA cover does not apply. It only applies to a customer 'bought' service. and therefore I still do not have breakdown cover and wont get it. A surprising and disappointing stance for a main dealership to take. Evidently there's been an oversight.. but it wasn't mine. The salesman clearly said the car came with full AA cover and gave me a card with a number on to ring, he told me I didn't have to register anything. I double checked it with him because of my RAC membership.
I've asked them to rethink it and come back to me in writing so I can contemplate options with an evidence trail.
The irony is that I wouldn't have cancelled my RAC if they hadn't told me I was covered. Been with them for over well over 15 years.