iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Oct 18, 2014 1:19:40 GMT
I was thinking about buying a membership to AAA. I got an offer in the mail for $59/year. This would cover me and another member of my family. I would like to give that second card to one of my kids who drives the interstate to work every day. It would give me peace of mind in the event of a flat tire, etc - that she could just call AAA and have a wrecker sent out to help.
What does that membership pay for? The whole wrecker call?
Does anyone here have AAA membership and think it is worthwhile?
Thanks for any opinions. Even the bat shit crazy ones. I like those the best.
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oaksong
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,164
Location: LA Suburbia
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 6:24:29 GMT
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Post by oaksong on Oct 18, 2014 1:23:30 GMT
We have always had AAA. I think it is well worth the money. Their travel support and hotel discounts are helpful, too.
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Oct 18, 2014 1:24:42 GMT
I have the AAA Plus on my car and for two of my sons with older model cars. I had a flat tire recently in the middle of nowhere. I called AAA and they had someone there within about 30 minutes. Very quick, very easy, and I could not have been more pleased. I kinda wish I had a bat shit crazy story for you, but I just don't. Why do I feel the need to apologize for that?
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 18, 2014 1:25:41 GMT
I had AAA when I first started driving, but my insurance comes with roadside assistance. Perhaps double check your policy or with your agent to see if you already have some sort of coverage.
Oh, ETA: the coverage (and I think this is probably true for AAA) will cover, say, the cost of having the wrecker come to you and tow you somewhere if necessary. But it won't pay for what's wrong. So if you need a jump, that's covered, but a new battery is on you. Flat tire? They will change to your spare or tow you, but you'll have to pay for the replacement(s).
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 13:03:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 1:26:30 GMT
We've had AAA for many years. There are different levels of membership and it also varies by state. I suspect that's the lowest level and probably only covers towing up to a certain number of miles - probably 10 or so.
We always have upgraded to a higher level that covers 100 miles or more and also covers hotels or rental cars if we are more than 50 miles from home (because of how far DH drives to work). Generally speaking, the higher level coverages also have coverage or better coverage for things like locksmith service both for car and home, gas delivery if you run out of gas (free up to 5 gallons), etc.
We also just used the AAA battery service to replace our battery and it was an awesome deal as far as price plus they will replace it on the spot (no service charge) if it dies during the warranty period of 2 years anywhere in the US or Canada. I highly recommend checking into that service and I believe it is not limited to what level of coverage you have.
Also, the thing that we liked best about AAA when DD was living at home was that it covered her in ANY car, not just hers. She actually had a pretty reliable car, but it was a lot of peace of mind that she had the ability to call for a tow and a ride in any car she was riding in (because believe me, some of her friends had some shitastic cars).
I believe we've been with them for about 14 years and now DD has her own coverage. It's somewhat different in Texas than in Illinois, so you should check with your state, but I would say that at the least, it's worth $59 for peace of mind.
ETA: We did have roadside assistance with our car insurance for a lower cost, but it didn't cover nearly what AAA did, so we dropped that and didn't mind paying more for more comprehensive coverage.
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scrapnnana
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,141
Jun 29, 2014 18:58:47 GMT
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Post by scrapnnana on Oct 18, 2014 1:26:54 GMT
We have a membership to AAA. They have come to rescue me from flat tires, dead batteries, etc., many times.
If you want to give the second card to a child, you have to have the child listed on the account, or at least you used to. We had DD on ours when she lived at home, but we had to pay extra for that so that DH and I each had a card (we drove separate cars), and she had a card.
Just for me it has been worth it. I seem to be the one with the rotten luck as far as picking up nails in my tires. We have the Plus membership, which gives us towing. Yes, we have had to use towing services a few times, too.
We let it go for a couple of years because we got free coverage from the dealership when we bought my car, but once it ran out, I got AAA again.
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Post by txdancermom on Oct 18, 2014 1:35:49 GMT
We have it and give memberships to our adult kids - it has come in handy for both of them with dead batteries and flats, makes us feel better. I like their travel tools too
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,133
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Oct 18, 2014 1:47:56 GMT
Thanks - sounds very positive overall.
DH doesn't need a card. He never goes anywhere without me. LOL Well, not very far anyways. Oh the life of a farmer.
My girl has had great luck with her car, but with the cold weather coming soon I would love to know she is covered. She lives about 2 hours away - too far for Dad to go rescue her! ♥
I bought her a battery jump pack and she has used it a few times - and come to the rescue of a few of her friends. My other DD put a new battery in her boyfriends car for him. Farm Girls Rock!
Let's get to work on that! I love crazy talk at the Pea's!
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Post by cadoodlebug on Oct 18, 2014 1:51:36 GMT
My parents gave me a membership when I bought my first car in 1971 so I've been almost a lifelong member. As others have said they do a variety of services including DMV. It also covers YOU while riding with another person in their car.
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Post by ktdoesntscrap on Oct 18, 2014 2:03:58 GMT
We've had AAA for many years. There are different levels of membership and it also varies by state. I suspect that's the lowest level and probably only covers towing up to a certain number of miles - probably 10 or so.
We always have upgraded to a higher level that covers 100 miles or more and also covers hotels or rental cars if we are more than 50 miles from home (because of how far DH drives to work). Generally speaking, the higher level coverages also have coverage or better coverage for things like locksmith service both for car and home, gas delivery if you run out of gas (free up to 5 gallons), etc.
We also just used the AAA battery service to replace our battery and it was an awesome deal as far as price plus they will replace it on the spot (no service charge) if it dies during the warranty period of 2 years anywhere in the US or Canada. I highly recommend checking into that service and I believe it is not limited to what level of coverage you have.
Also, the thing that we liked best about AAA when DD was living at home was that it covered her in ANY car, not just hers. She actually had a pretty reliable car, but it was a lot of peace of mind that she had the ability to call for a tow and a ride in any car she was riding in (because believe me, some of her friends had some shitastic cars).
I believe we've been with them for about 14 years and now DD has her own coverage. It's somewhat different in Texas than in Illinois, so you should check with your state, but I would say that at the least, it's worth $59 for peace of mind.
ETA: We did have roadside assistance with our car insurance for a lower cost, but it didn't cover nearly what AAA did, so we dropped that and didn't mind paying more for more comprehensive coverage.
Basic AAA tow is usually(depends on the state or AAA club can vary depending on which club and where you are at the time of the breakdown) its usually only 4 miles or the nearest AAA repair shop... I have it and am so happy.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 13:03:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 2:09:19 GMT
Okay - not exactly a bat shit crazy story, but DD was once going to a movie in a town about 30 miles from our house. On the way there, she ran over a railroad tie. She didn't realize it at the time, but by the time she got the parking lot of the movie theater, she realized that it had punctured her gas tank. I think the fire department was involved but I'm not sure, but at any rate, she called AAA and scheduled to have it hauled home and she went on happily to see the movie without a second thought about the car.
Such is the life of an 18 year old.
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Post by eebud on Oct 18, 2014 2:42:26 GMT
Definitely look into the number of towing miles. I currently have AAA because I have an older car. I upgraded because my primary purpose was if I broke down while traveling alone. I wanted to know that I could be towed at least 100 miles. The basic plan was about 10 miles.
I plan to let it lapse in January. I upgraded what comes with my car insurance instead for less money.
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Nink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,947
Location: North Idaho
Jul 1, 2014 23:30:44 GMT
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Post by Nink on Oct 18, 2014 3:33:22 GMT
I have AAA premier and the towing distance is 200 miles. But since I commute 100 each workday its a no brainer for me. I've had it for 20 plus years and love it. Worth every penny.
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Post by omarakbt on Oct 18, 2014 3:38:03 GMT
My card says I've been a member since 1953 but I'm not quite that old LOL My family has had an autoclub membership since before I was born. We get the extended membership that pays for tows up to 100 miles. It's been worth it to me many times over. Peace of mind if nothing else. Usually they are prompt, as prompt as they can be given other demands on their time. My drivers have almost always been pleasant, never ever felt uneasy with one of the drivers. Yes it's one of the things I wouldn't be without.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 13:03:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 3:39:30 GMT
I only have needed them once. I stopped to get gas and my car wouldn't start again. They came and gave me a jump so I headed for my mechanic's shop. Turns out I had a bad battery. It was worth it to me being a single woman. No dh to rescue me.
My only complaint is, the paperwork I got said I could renew my membership by mailing back the check or going online. I chose the online option and ended up with two different policies and I get twice the mail from them now.
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Post by CarolT on Oct 18, 2014 3:56:07 GMT
I love AAA - we have AAA plus, because of the extended towing distance. It's a lifesaver when you need it - this week, I had to use it for a dead battery - I loved that I had the option (but wasn't pressured into it) to purchase a new battery and have it installed by the awesome AAA truck driver who came to help me.
We haven't had to use it a lot, but knowing that it's there when we need it is great. Over the 25+years we've had coverage, we've had our cars towed, tires changed, jump started, and locksmith service both at home and away. The strangest was probably when we were on vacation, and parked in the lot of a ski resort... we came out one morning and our car was up on blocks - someone stole our wheels!! The AAA truck came out, picked up the car on a flat bed and took it to a dealer for new wheels (which insurance paid for).
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 18, 2014 4:04:26 GMT
My parents gave me a membership when I bought my first car in 1971 so I've been almost a lifelong member. As others have said they do a variety of services including DMV. It also covers YOU while riding with another person in their car. Does DMV mean something different to you than it does to me? That says "Department of Motor Vehicles" to me, and I'm trying to figure out what DMV services AAA might provide.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 13:03:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 4:43:30 GMT
My parents gave me a membership when I bought my first car in 1971 so I've been almost a lifelong member. As others have said they do a variety of services including DMV. It also covers YOU while riding with another person in their car. Does DMV mean something different to you than it does to me? That says "Department of Motor Vehicles" to me, and I'm trying to figure out what DMV services AAA might provide. In Texas, we can get our vehicle stickers there instead of mailing them in (extra charge) or standing in line at the county tax office.
You can also get free passport photos there, free identity theft monitoring, $300,000 free travel insurance, free/discounted CarFax reports, free air/rail processing fees, and lots of travel and concierge services and discounts. (But like I said, it does vary by state and by plan)
I just checked our plan. The basic towing package is 7 miles, AAA Plus is 100 miles, and AAA Premier (which is what we have) is 1 tow that is 200 miles and remaining tows are 100 miles.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 18, 2014 4:50:16 GMT
Does DMV mean something different to you than it does to me? That says "Department of Motor Vehicles" to me, and I'm trying to figure out what DMV services AAA might provide. In Texas, we can get our vehicle stickers there instead of mailing them in (extra charge) or standing in line at the county tax office.
Ahhhhh, okay. Thanks. Most grocery stores these days will do that for you around here; I suppose AAA maybe could do it here, too, if the state lets them-- I just don't think I've ever seen an actual freestanding AAA office that you could walk into!
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Post by jackietex on Oct 18, 2014 5:24:47 GMT
Check your own insurance first to see what they offer. I pay less than $2.20 a month for road side assistance from my insurance company.
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Post by joylynaroundthebnd on Oct 18, 2014 5:39:53 GMT
We have had AAA for 21 years. The only reason I know this is because the rep mentioned it when I called Tuesday for a locksmith. Locked my keys in my Jeep while at work.
DH has used them twice in the past three years to pick up his motorcycle. Once he had a flat and the second time the battery died. Each time they sent a flat bed truck and an operator who was experienced "towing" motorcycles.
This week, my membership card was locked in my Jeep with my keys. They identified me by using caller ID. Love technology!
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Post by crittsmom on Oct 18, 2014 6:28:42 GMT
it is worth the money and I really should upgrade to the 100 mile. We've had batteries replaced, doors unlocked and I can't count how many times we have had cars towed home. From down the street, or 200 miles from home ( they helped us get a hotel room that night with a discount). And just to replace the car battery. For DMV stickers, I always go and pick it up, used the notary service the last time, that was very helpful. Right now my favorite thing is when we go to Downtown Disney they give a discount on Earl of Sandwich, (more than my DL AP).
The homeowners insurance is absolutely awesome, I could go on and on.
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ComplicatedLady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,037
Location: Valley of the Sun
Jul 26, 2014 21:02:07 GMT
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Post by ComplicatedLady on Oct 18, 2014 6:40:44 GMT
I love AAA. In addition to the towing and battery service, some hotels and other places have discounts for AAA members.
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Post by its me mg on Oct 18, 2014 6:44:45 GMT
I had AAA when I first started driving, but my insurance comes with roadside assistance. Perhaps double check your policy or with your agent to see if you already have some sort of coverage. Oh, ETA: the coverage (and I think this is probably true for AAA) will cover, say, the cost of having the wrecker come to you and tow you somewhere if necessary. But it won't pay for what's wrong. So if you need a jump, that's covered, but a new battery is on you. Flat tire? They will change to your spare or tow you, but you'll have to pay for the replacement(s). This is definitely true. I did have them replace my battery once, and I have to say they were on par with the auto parts store. They didn't price at a premium because I was stranded, and they could, and I really appreciated that. I would have had to replace the part anyway, KWIM?
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Post by Lexica on Oct 18, 2014 7:05:37 GMT
I just recently got a rather large envelope packet from AAA. I wondered what the heck it could be at that size. I was blown away with what was in there. It was a very nice letter and a certificate thanking me for my 40 years of membership! I hadn't realized I had been a member that long. But like cadoodlebug, my parents gave me a membership when I started driving and I've kept it all this time. I've occasionally taken out the distance policy when I was doing a lot of camping and vacationing within the western states, but revert back to the regular policy now that I'm not working and therefore not driving as many miles. No chance really of being too far from a towing location. I have used them for various things over the years. Flat tires, car won't start, locked myself out of the car (that one was embarrassing) and just recently, my car wouldn't start up and the technician determined it was a dead battery. He offered to sell me a battery right there on the spot and gave me a good price on one. He installed it, hauled my old one away, and I was good to go. I can't imagine not having them to call if I got in trouble.
My son carries a card too. He has used them quite often to pay his tickets. The kid was a ticket magnet during his late teens and early 20s. It was good be able to use their offices rather than the courthouse.
Their travel services were handy when we used to drive to Minnesota for my son's cancer scans and possible surgeries each time we needed to go. We would go in and get a triptik that we used to navigate the trips. We flew at first, then determined it was actually more relaxing for my son if I drove there. He was able to take a few items with him that would not have gone on a plane with us. My son would copilot and learned to use their map and understand the symbols for important things like rest area bathrooms and food stops. And with each new town you drive into, you flip open the map and there are all kinds of facts about the city you were in. When my father came with us, he would write down the mileage, how many gallons of gas, and what the price per gallon was on the triptik map pages coordinating with where we were in the trip. I still have most of them. They were fun to pull out as we planned which route we would choose for the upcoming Mayo trip. Comparing prices over the course of almost 10 years was fun. They have great camping maps and books listing all the private and state campgrounds, with a big chart on the back side telling you the amenities of each different camp. I would immediately scope out the ones with showers. You can also use your AAA card to obtain discounts at some hotels and restaurants. The guide book rates each hotel and restaurant on a whole list of criteria. It makes picking someplace . My favorite use has been buying a new car through them. You call them and tell them what make of car you want. They notify their liaison at the closest dealership to you. The liaison calls you to make an appointment and you go check out the cars. If you decide to buy, there is zero haggling. You know exactly what your price will be before you even head to the dealership. They can give you basic quotes on the phone. You get the car for x dollars above cost. They save you so much money on a new vehicle! It is so effortless for me as a single woman too. I have bought three new cars through them and will never buy a car any other way. I've talked people into getting the AAA card just for the cheaper price on the sale of a vehicle. Then they stay for the other services. No sleezy car dealers to have to try to work with. The AAA designated seller isn't pushy with you at all because he/she knows their prices are better than anyone else on any lot, including a salesman on their own lot can offer you. The AAA representative makes their money in volume instead of higher commission on their sales. AAA sends them every customer looking for their specific type of car within a specific territory. They don't have to work to get a sale and the buyer doesn't have to play games with the seller. It's so refreshing. I compared their discount to the Costco one at a nearby dealer. That dealership honored the Costco discount, but they were not the designated sales location for AAA. When I told them I had AAA, they just stopped trying to sell me and told me outright that they can't beat AAA's prices. Not even through the Costco discount. You also get 10% off on accessories and aftermarket items for the car. Is there any doubt why I've been a member for 40 years?
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Post by bc2ca on Oct 18, 2014 7:11:21 GMT
I have never had AAA and never regretted it.
My dear father used to make my sisters & I rotate the tires on his car so we knew how to change a tire. This came in very handy when I blew a tire with 2 toddlers in the car on the I5. Honestly, as much as I didn't want to, I was able to change the tire before anyone stopped to help and well before AAA would have made it to me.
Our current insurance includes roadside assistance equivalent to what I would most likely would call AAA for help. I consider myself to have a balance of $59 not paid to AAA x 30 years - $1770 to use for future roadside expenses before I will regret not buying an AAA membership.
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Post by bc2ca on Oct 18, 2014 7:15:48 GMT
My parents gave me a membership when I bought my first car in 1971 so I've been almost a lifelong member. As others have said they do a variety of services including DMV. It also covers YOU while riding with another person in their car. What are the DMV services you are getting? We renew everything online, including our last driver's licenses, so I'm curious what benefit AAA is giving you. The only reason I've gone into the DMV in the last 8 years is for those darn kids wanting to get permits & licenses and I don't think AAA can help with that.
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michellegb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,915
Location: New England and loving it!
Jun 26, 2014 0:04:59 GMT
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Post by michellegb on Oct 18, 2014 10:39:51 GMT
It's definitely worth the money. I've been a member almost my entire driving career (there was a bit of a gap when money was tight). When I started working 40 miles from home, my dad gifted me with AAA Plus and that's what I've had for the past 20 years. I swear my car never breaks down close to home, so having the ability to get a free tow up to 100 miles is worth the money. Just last week, my car started making an awful noise while it was in my driveway. AAA came and towed it the 30 miles to the dealership. I've used them to unlock my car, jump start my car and change my tire. I have always used it for travel discounts - most hotels offer a reasonable discount for AAA members. I have bought lots of movie tickets from them. I've used their travel services, including the free passport photo. I like that it covers ME not my CAR so that it works when I'm traveling with friends and their car has an issue. It's small money for what I consider good insurance and great services.
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Post by FLA SummerBaby on Oct 18, 2014 11:57:01 GMT
I agree with what BF said. I have had AAA since I started driving and gave it to my DD as soon as she started driving. It was especially nice to know when my DD was very young, that as I was a single mom with an old car that I could get help whenever and wherever I needed it. Once I had to call 2x within the same day! We have the Plus version which covers up to 100 miles tow. The main thing to remember about AAA is to check what your options are -- some things are limited to a certain number of times during your "contract period" they will help you without charging you for that service call. I found that out the hard way. I also like the discounts to lots of different places (movies, theme parks, etc.) and also for hotels. I like that it covers the member, not the specific car. So I can take it with me whenever I am riding with a friend in their car. I think it is worth having.
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Post by littlemama on Oct 18, 2014 12:37:53 GMT
We have had it for years, and when DS got his license, I added him at the next renewal. We have Plus because I drive 40 miles to work, and we are always on the road for baseball. I love the free maps, tour books, travel agency, and discounts. I also love that it is the PERSON who is covered, so if I am.out with a friend and something happens, we can use it.
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