View Full Version : Do you use AAA?
frugal-one
10-28-17, 1:30pm
Just signed up for a membership to take advantage of books and maps. We don't need the insurance aspect. What benefits/rewards have you had? I see they do trip planning. Think may do a general route and let them plan it. See if they come close to what we would do????
catherine
10-28-17, 2:00pm
I use them for roadside repairs. My car is 10 years old now, and DH's is 11. I think it's well worth the membership fee. I used them once ages ago to help plan a trip to Virginia Beach. Funny story--this particular trip was with a bunch of high school friends and we sat around planning and one of my friends asked, anybody's parents belong to A-A-A (she didn't say "Triple A"). So I enthusiastically raised my hand and said "My parents do!" So she said, "Great, you can get the maps."
I was puzzled--and I went home wondering why Alcoholics Anonymous would have maps for our road trip.
I use CAA for benefits like maps and have purchased items at a good discount. I also like the one travel agent to deal with. At present I don't need roadside assistance as I have Toyota that came with the new vehicle but that will expire eventually. Had it and used it a number of times with both the trucks and the cars over decades of membership.
I use it for insurance and roadside assistance. My branch does not offer a gravel agent but does have registry (DMV) services.I got my transponder through them.
We have used them for years and always manage to pay for the cost of membership with at least one tow a year! We bought the extended tow range, though, as we live in the boonies.
We have it and use it for discounts to movies, restaurants, hotels and theme parks. In a good year, i come out in the black.
We have all newer cars, so hoping we won't need it for them. But we also have motorcycles and an rv., so we have some type of deluxe coverage. Only needed to tow an rv. Once. Its very costly without coverage!
I recently got the mapping service for a friend. Apparently they will no longer be printing a booklet thing. I think its an email link one can print in their own??? Anyway, I believe the person doing the mapping was the wealth of knowledge and would be a much different experience without her. She gave hotel/state books out, but such places were no longer pinpointed along the route.
The travel discounts are very worthwhile.
dado potato
10-28-17, 7:11pm
I have been a member since 2003. Was towed once. Sometimes I have used AAA to get a lower room rate for lodging.
rosarugosa
10-28-17, 8:00pm
Not me. I think I have needed 2 tows in 37 years, so I think I'm WAY ahead by not having AAA.
Catherine: That is hilarious!
frugal-one
10-28-17, 8:04pm
Not me. I think I have needed 2 tows in 37 years, so I think I'm WAY ahead by not having AAA.
Catherine: That is hilarious!
Looking for only travel info. No need for insurance (car or other).
Are the discounts better than just asking for the senior discount?
Travel info can be from many sources.
The CAA discount for Park and Fly car parking rates at the Pearson Airport is large. A good tavel agent may find a coupon for the same rate possibly. I use CAA.
Travel health insurance can be cheaper at CAA but a good insurance agent may get a better one but they are so hard to figure out. My one credit card is supposed to include the travel health insurance when I use the CC to order the initial flight. I have to check that out much further.
Hotel rates are usually about the same for CAA or senior discount at most motels that I have stayed at.
My car's winterizing oil treatment triggers a discount with CAA and do some restaurant meals.
Maybe you could clarify further what you mean by travel info.
SteveinMN
10-28-17, 9:08pm
Used to have AAA. Tired of the constantly rising price for membership and the pro-car drumbeat (cars are great, but what they've done to our landscape probably is irrevocable). So for a few years I moved on to Better World Club. Less expensive, discounts for more efficient vehicles, not quite as car-centric. But I rarely used any of the benefits there, either (including, fortunately, towing). So I dropped them several years ago. We do have towing coverage through our insurance company, which we've used twice in the last seven years (curiously, neither time for my car, which is twice as old as DW's).
I just remembered that I have the light membership which gives me the benefits outside of the car discounts for $22/yr. Does AAA do that as well?
Williamsmith
10-29-17, 6:05am
Full blown Membership for 34 years. Used every single service they offer over and over plus discounts at stores, hotels, etc. it’s basically useless to me now with the Toyota care benefits I have on both vehicles, discounts I get from AARP and other affiliations, on line do it yourself travel planning and the crappy quality of their maps....they fall apart after one trip. I tried to purge the membership from my budget but DW won’t agree.
catherine
10-29-17, 6:34am
Looking for only travel info. No need for insurance (car or other).
Are the discounts better than just asking for the senior discount?
There are so many resources now for travel information online and elsewhere, I don't believe AAA adds anything of distinctive value. I haven't taken advantage of any AAA discount because, to your point, the senior discounts are just about the same.
We've never had AAA but we did sign up for Good Sam's RV coverage 10 years ago or so. We've used it twice during that period, once for a tow and another time to jump start the motor home. They also cover our other vehicles as well as provide discounts at most RV Parks. I'm not sure that it's actually cost effective without the peace of mind it brings in knowing that help is just a phone call away if you're stranded out in the middle of nowhere. For that, it's invaluable.
We had it when we traveled to 42 shows a year. We used it for 4 tows. Once when towed to "closest mechanic" was in middle of nowhere with no hotels the tow truck driver towed on to the next town 50 miles away. We were never charged the difference.
frugal-one
10-29-17, 3:07pm
Travel info.... places to go, things to see, discounts... mapping service? So far we have gotten many guidebooks and maps for a trip we are going to take this winter. The maps will come in handy. I like a physical map to check things out. May ask them to map the trip to see what they come up with?
Yes. Maps. Travel suggestions. (don't necessarily use their triptick mapping but it's nice to have. We live in a rural state so the towing and emergency response is a good thing for us. AAA Discounts (we're not seniors yet).
The annual fee is peace of mind.
iris lilies
10-29-17, 6:00pm
Our philosophy of insurance is to cover the big costs and self insure for the rest.
we dont have a big honkin' RV so I dont know how much that costs to tow. We have had a series of old cars and have been towed a couple of times, but you just call a tow Truck when needed.
I do think that the peace of mind kicks in at some point in our (senior citizen) lives. But I find the promises of travel information to be bogus. The very first thing the web did was to remder useless "professional" travel advisors. That, and engender 24/7 porn. >8)
Yes, with VW camper vans we would not leave home without it! We have saved far, far more then we pay. Again, it is the VW thing.
SteveinMN
10-30-17, 11:58am
I think the peace-of-mind element is worth something. The times we've needed a tow, we're already behind schedule because of whatever prompted the tow. To start looking around for some towing company -- especially out of town and especially before the era of smartphones on cheap data plans -- is just one more hassle.
Maybe in the age of gigabytes of cellular data and yelp and the like, that part of auto-club service is as duplicative as trip-mapping. But having just one number to call still has its fans.
I think the peace-of-mind element is worth something. The times we've needed a tow, we're already behind schedule because of whatever prompted the tow. To start looking around for some towing company -- especially out of town and especially before the era of smartphones on cheap data plans -- is just one more hassle.
Maybe in the age of gigabytes of cellular data and yelp and the like, that part of auto-club service is as duplicative as trip-mapping. But having just one number to call still has its fans.
The peace of mind is what works for us. In the past two years, I think we have used it
in Ohio while on a vacation, coming out to find one of our tires flat, at the motel
in Michigan in our driveway, to the mechanics when car could not be driven
in Michigan 40 miles from our house, not near any thing
routinely to get discount on motels, although AARP works fine, too
I think there is a 10% discount at Dunkin doughnuts that we have used
It goes with the cardholder, so my husband has also used it for one of his musicians whose car would not start--he was with her so he called it in.
I like this aspect when traveling with my kids, so I can get us help if need be.
iris lilies
10-30-17, 1:22pm
The peace of mind is what works for us. In the past two years, I think we have used it
in Ohio while on a vacation, coming out to find one of our tires flat, at the motel
in Michigan in our driveway, to the mechanics when car could not be driven
in Michigan 40 miles from our house, not near any thing
routinely to get discount on motels, although AARP works fine, too
I think there is a 10% discount at Dunkin doughnuts that we have used
It goes with the cardholder, so my husband has also used it for one of his musicians whose car would not start--he was with her so he called it in.
I like this aspect when traveling with my kids, so I can get us help if need be.
I forgot about the tire changing service.
If I were single I would probably have AAA because I am old now and peace of mind is worthh it.
But with DH around, not necessary. Once I did run into a curb and popped a tire when he was out of town. i dont carry cell phone. But I had on walking shoes, it was a pretty day, and I just walked a mIle+ to the home of a friend. He drove me home. I waited until DH was back in town to deal with the car.
catherine
10-30-17, 1:48pm
The peace of mind is what works for us. In the past two years, I think we have used it
in Ohio while on a vacation, coming out to find one of our tires flat, at the motel
in Michigan in our driveway, to the mechanics when car could not be driven
in Michigan 40 miles from our house, not near any thing
routinely to get discount on motels, although AARP works fine, too
I think there is a 10% discount at Dunkin doughnuts that we have used
It goes with the cardholder, so my husband has also used it for one of his musicians whose car would not start--he was with her so he called it in.
I like this aspect when traveling with my kids, so I can get us help if need be.
That's exactly why I stick with it. I remember when my car wasn't that old I had a blow-out on I-95 on a Sunday night as the sun was setting. I DIDN'T have AAA and was cursing that I had no number to call and help me. Luckily a Good Samaritan pulled over and changed my tire for me (and wouldn't take a cent). But the next day I joined AAA.
And, yes, Tybee, it's GREAT to be able to use it even if it's not your car.
The Storyteller
10-30-17, 1:54pm
Yes, absolutely. Tow service, not insurance. I have AAA Plus, which allows tows up to 100 miles. Have had it since my touring days as a puppeteer. First bought it in 1987 and have used it many times. I rarely bother with even changing out flat tires unless I am in a hurry and the expected wait is too long. I have cards for me, my wife, and my daughter.
It gives me wonderful peace of mind.
I have roadside assistance through my auto insurance with the emergency number listed on my insurance card. My take is that they offer the same roadside assistance as AAA for a fraction of the price. I used to belong to AAA mostly for road side help, but this was a lot less money. Fortunately I've never need it, so I'm not sure how responsive they are.
I have roadside assistance through my auto insurance with the emergency number listed on my insurance card. My take is that they offer the same roadside assistance as AAA for a fraction of the price. I used to belong to AAA mostly for road side help, but this was a lot less money. Fortunately I've never need it, so I'm not sure how responsive they are.
We have roadside assist through our insurance (state farm) for a few bucks. Find out what they offer. Mine even came to my house to change a tire for me. I believe I can use it 3x a year on each car. I actually had to use it 2x in the same day! Tire went flat. They arrived within 20 minutes (the texts to confirm and arrival were nice) changed the tire. I went and had the tire fixed but as soon as I was home it was flat again! There were actually two punctures! Called they arrived again in 20 minutes, changed...I went off and bought a new tire.
I do know how to change tires but our tire guys put them on so tight I just can't budge it and DH's back isn't what it use to be. If I can call someone, I will.
boss mare
10-30-17, 6:05pm
AAA, Good Sam etc will not handle horse trailers/horses/ so I use US Rider . It has come in handy a few times
I stopped by AAA today and, by paying my auto insurance for the year at renewal time, got a 10% reduction in my premiums. That alone covers my annual fees. I forgot about hotel discounts as I haven't travelled recently but will be taking advantage of them next year.
With CAA, the movie tickets or recreational centres and museums have a reduced rate by buying them in advance. It does add up $$ over a year.
I stopped by AAA today and, by paying my auto insurance for the year at renewal time, got a 10% reduction in my premiums. That alone covers my annual fees. I forgot about hotel discounts as I haven't travelled recently but will be taking advantage of them next year.
We have roadside assist through our insurance (state farm) for a few bucks. Find out what they offer....
Thanks Float On. My insurance is State Farm also. That's good to know and adds a little peace of mind.
Gardenarian
11-2-17, 1:20am
We've had it forever, and I've been glad when I had as flat tire a couple times. Also reassuring to know they'll come and help me out if I have a problem while out on my bike.
When I add up all the years we've been paying, it certainly seems like a lot for a little bit of security. Hmm.
mschrisgo2
11-2-17, 8:22pm
I've had AAA Roadside Service for many years, at least 30 now. I think I've used all of the services except actual towing! I've had several flat tires changed, they brought me a new battery once, disabled a broken windshield wiper so it couldn't scratch my window... and more. And I know I literally saved hundreds of dollars in discounted admission fees in the years when we were doing Disneyland, Sea World, Six Flags, Legoland etc. I have gotten very nice hotel rates, great discounts on rental cars, and meals.I find it really pays to check the discoount page on their website now and then, as they offer more all the time. Also, several times I have gotten a AAA discount on top of another discount, so it never hurts to ask!
I've had AAA Roadside Service for many years, at least 30 now. I think I've used all of the services except actual towing! I've had several flat tires changed, they brought me a new battery once, disabled a broken windshield wiper so it couldn't scratch my window... and more. And I know I literally saved hundreds of dollars in discounted admission fees in the years when we were doing Disneyland, Sea World, Six Flags, Legoland etc. I have gotten very nice hotel rates, great discounts on rental cars, and meals.I find it really pays to check the discoount page on their website now and then, as they offer more all the time. Also, several times I have gotten a AAA discount on top of another discount, so it never hurts to ask!
I just looked at the discount for Target, and apparently if you buy online at Target.com, you can get a 10% discount with your AARP membership--don't know details.
frugal-one
11-3-17, 4:12pm
Just started going through member benefits and services for a classic membership and am surprised. Here is an abbreviated listing:
Instant discounts... aaa.com/save
Major hotel chain discounts
Hertz ... 20% discount
Amtrak... 10% discount
1-800-flowers.com ... 20% on selected arrangements
Dell... 10-30% discounts... aaa.com/Dell
Hard Rock Cafe ... 10%
AAA prescriptions discount ... average 26% discount... AAA.com/Prescriptions
Lenscrafters.. 30% eye exam, glasses or accessories
Payless ShoeSource... $10 on $40 purchase. show card
NAPA Auto Parts... 10%
Penske Truck Rental.... 12% one way... PenskeTruckRental.com .... 20% total
AAA Auto Buying... AAA.com/AutoBuying
CarFax Reports... AAA.com/CarFax
AAA Cellular Phones
purchase Visa Gift Cards
AAA can help you change a tire
free checking, savings, mortgages, loans and lines of credit
passport help, foreign currency, and International Driving Permit
car rental and hotel reservations
tour book guides and maps, TripTik route planning
tour, cruise and vacation packages
theme park and attraction tickets
travel accident insurance
trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance
auto insurance, home insurance +, life and annuity products, medical and long term insurance
roadside assistance... four call limit
battery jump-start/boost, towing, fuel delivery service, vehicle lock-out service, tire service
car travel interruption protection
Guaranteed arrest bond
limited legal fee reimbursement - traffic charge
emergency medical transportation
transporting your remains...repatriation
ApatheticNoMore
11-3-17, 4:29pm
I lock myself out of my car with the keys inside it at least several times a year, so for that alone it is probably worth it. Then the batteries dying, the tows, etc.. I have insurance with them too.
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