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Post by originalvanillabean on Oct 18, 2014 13:09:49 GMT
I have had AAA for over 20 years. My mom renews my membership for me each year, just in case....I might need it. She likes it because it covers the person, not the car.
Another justification, if you have ever locked your keys in your car, calling a locksmith is about $100 (or at least it was for me) so the membership is cheaper.
With the new cars though, I don't think it will let you lock your keyfob in the car, it beeps when I try to do that.
I like the travel books, but use them less and less as I use tripadvisor more the last few years.
It's peace of mind so yes, I would recommend it. One thing, AAA doesn't have dedicated tow trucks in the area. There are participating ones that take turns when calls come in. Sometimes....it's a long wait, but at least you know someone IS coming.
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Post by grammyj64 on Oct 18, 2014 13:10:15 GMT
Another here who wouldn't be without it. I have used them for flat tires while traveling, tows when the car stopped running on the freeway access road (not out of gas). My only regret is not getting it earlier, when I think of all the times I could have used them. I didn't get it until I was single again in 1995. I wish my kids had had it when they were first away from home.
ETA: When you call, they will ask you if you are in a safe location or if you want the police dispatched. The time I was on the access road, I definitely was not in a safe place and was grateful when EMS pulled up behind me and turned on their flashers to keep traffic off me. The patrol car arrived a bit later and AAA was right behind him, so very quick service, although I have sometimes had to wait longer. I also feel safer in case a car stops to offer assistance and I can tell them I have called AAA. That way, on the outside chance they might not just be good Samaritans, they know that the police are also likely to be on the way and will move on along.
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Post by anxiousmom on Oct 18, 2014 13:13:53 GMT
I think I have something through my insurance, but honestly, I trust the AAA people more. I have had to use them a couple of times over the years for dead batteries and it is always the same man. They will replace the battery if you are still under warranty, and he has had to do that at least twice. (I have a temperamental older car...) I have the plan that allows for towing up to 100 miles. This gives me some peace of mind in the event that the temperamental older car decides to be uncooperative.  There is also the odd flat tires and whatnot as well. Although, I've got to say, it isn't $59. I think my last renewal was $99. |
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on Oct 18, 2014 13:21:14 GMT
Just make sure to look into the AAA Plus. The basic one has a very limited tow mileage so you can't be towed very far under that one. We like to use a particular mechanic so with the plus we know we can be towed there with no problem.
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gsquaredmom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,078
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Oct 18, 2014 13:43:35 GMT
AAA plus member since 1989
Paid for itself many times over in tows and assistance, maps, discounts, etc.
And peace of mind on long trips is priceless.
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Kerri W
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,768 
Location: Kentucky
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Post by Kerri W on Oct 18, 2014 14:22:20 GMT
DH received it through work and added me. We have only ever had excellent service.
If you want to try out the basic service first, you can upgrade at any time. Our basic tow was 5 miles and we found ourselves in a position that we needed to go about 30 miles. 1:00 am, nicest operator on the other end of the line said "it would be cheaper for you to upgrade than pay the additional tow charges." Awesome customer service!
Several have mentioned travel, but ask any time you buy tickets to anything. We save something crazy like 40% on our local zoo admission. Some stores give a aaa discount as well. Dd worked at NY and Co and they gave a aaa discount.
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Post by hosschick on Oct 18, 2014 14:34:22 GMT
This is a timely post! My dd just started driving and I was thinking about how much better I'd feel if I had AAA or something around that could help her if something happened. We're out in the boonies so we'd definitely need one of the extended range options. I appreciate the info from everyone.
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Post by miss_lizzie on Oct 18, 2014 14:42:54 GMT
I've been a member since I was 18. Some years I haven't needed it for my vehicle, but I always use the discounts. There are lots of discounts (I think they might vary by club), but lots that aren't car-related, like theme park admission, fitness clubs, restaurants, sporting events, etc.
eta: I think DH and I pay $85 a year for both of us.
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Post by gorgeouskid on Oct 18, 2014 14:51:42 GMT
Yes, just last week. I locked my keys in the trunk of my locked car. Poor dude took forever to break into my car- he never would make it as a car thief. He didn't know how to get in the trunk, which I fortunately did. Because I've locked them in before. It was nice to teach him something new (not) while I was an hour late for a meeting.
It's the first time I've used AAA since the last time I did the exact thing about four years ago (packed in a suitcase st the start of a seven hour driving trip.)
They will tow (premium will tow anywhere in 25 miles), not give you crap about needing a flatbed tow (which I do), give you gas, start your car. You can also use their storefronts as a DMV to renew your tags.
Mostly, though, it's worth the peace of mind when I'm out and about without my super duper handy husband. And I can change a tire- that I wouldn't wait for AAA to do unless I was on the freeway.
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Post by BeckyTech on Oct 18, 2014 15:04:04 GMT
An important point: if you have roadside service through your insurance, you have to pay the tow truck driver up front for any services and then get reimbursed later. When my mom had that, she also had to find the nearest tow service to call herself. (If she had a central number to call, she didn't know what it was.) That can be problematic if you don't have a smart phone or a phone book in your car. If you have AAA, you call one number no matter where you are and you don't pay the tow truck driver a dime, either then or later.
I'm also another who has it for the peace of mind. I have the Plus service which includes many other services. Check their website for the differences. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Oct 18, 2014 15:15:41 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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Post by joylynaroundthebnd on Oct 18, 2014 15:27:47 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. I can change tires, jump a battery, etc. However, on my way to work or inclement weather are not times I want to be doing either of these tasks. I have it mostly for the towing services. |
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Oct 18, 2014 15:29:47 GMT
An important point: if you have roadside service through your insurance, you have to pay the tow truck driver up front for any services and then get reimbursed later. When my mom had that, she also had to find the nearest tow service to call herself. (If she had a central number to call, she didn't know what it was.) That's not how my roadside assistance works. I call the number, they put me on hold while they find a tow person, then they get back on and tell me how long I can expect to wait. I imagine there are some things that are not covered, like any policy, but my jump starts have all been covered, which the operator tells me. I'm guessing if it was not was not covered, she'd tell me how much I have to pay the driver, but so far, just for jumps, I've never had to pay the driver. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 15, 2024 15:31:07 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 18, 2014 15:31:12 GMT
They are a godsend. I love BCAA. I get roadside assistance and my out of country travel insurance with them. Love them!
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stittsygirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,580
Location: In the leaves and rain.
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Post by stittsygirl on Oct 18, 2014 15:34:40 GMT
They've rescued my butt more than once, so it's always been worth having for us, even with any additional plan we might have through our insurance or dealerships  . |
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ChrisinCT
Shy Member
Posts: 30
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Post by ChrisinCT on Oct 18, 2014 16:01:40 GMT
We have been members of AAA for years - has helped us many times. Well worth the $. Would never be without it!
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Oct 18, 2014 23:46:45 GMT
Only positive experiences to report.
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Post by zztop11 on Oct 19, 2014 1:28:44 GMT
I love AAA. We used to drive old cars. I figured instead of making a car payment, I made one payment to AAA. We've used it for flat tires, locked out of car, dead car 100 miles from house, tour books, car towing. You name it and we've used it. Now we both drive new cars but no way am I getting rid of it. Peace of mind!
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