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True - in one way it's like regular insurance - but in another way it is not.
They are, IMHO, a very top heavy and profitable "non-profit". I knew some mid-level execs there and they made the big bux. They are also lobbyists against many things, including open space, public transit, higher MPG, etc.
So your member "dues" are advancing an agenda which you may...or may not...support.
"AAA issued a press release critical of the Clean Air Act, stating that it would "threaten the personal mobility of millions of Americans and jeopardize needed funds for new highway construction and safety improvements."[78] "AAA spokespeople have criticized open-space measures and opposed U.S. EPA restrictions on smog, soot, and tailpipe emissions."[79] "The club spent years battling stricter vehicle-emissions standards in Maryland, whose air, because of emissions and pollution from states upwind, is among the nation's worst."
Why is your AAA $122, mine in AZ is only $57.00, wife's $31.00. We've had over $400.00 in savings this year alone in perks.
The miles that they tow for 57.00 is almost useless....if you break down 1 minute after leaving your house, I guess they could tow it back to the house.
The miles that they tow for 57.00 is almost useless....if you break down 1 minute after leaving your house, I guess they could tow it back to the house.
I know it varies by region, but in Texas, for example, the $52 basic plan gets you up to 7 miles of towing at no additional charge. And of course, if you want to be towed farther, they can do that but there is an additional per mile fee they are allowed to charge. Or you could pay for the premium plan, and get additional (100 miles, I think) of free towing.
I think the idea is to get you to a nearby service facility, if the responder can't get your vehicle going under its own power. The other reason someone might have a roadside assistance plan is to be able to call a single toll-free number, instead of having to play roulette with whatever roadside assistance/towing services are available and able to respond in the area, particularly when travelling away from your hometown.
I have used AAA for various reasons : Car Battery Boost, Flat Tire, Motel Discount, Rental Car Discount. Totally use the money I spend with them. Classic Membership only cost about 53 Dollars.
I'm with the others that discounts on travel and recreation alone have made it worthwhile for me, with the auto service a nice bonus.
Over the last year or so, I've found a number of hotel chains will give you the same as a AAA rate if you are a member of their loyalty programs. However, the AAA rate has always been refundable (if canceled anywhere from day of check-in to 3 days before depending upon place) without penalty, and the hotel's similar rate is completely non-refundable once booked. So, my actual savings has gone down some, but I've gotten the flexibility to book and cancel as needed. Discounts on park tickets and other things are still worthwhile.
I've used the auto services (towing, gas....ugh, wrong distance remaining estimate on the trip computer, and battery) a handful of times as well, which is just easier than dealing with it otherwise.
Should you join the Auto Club? I think that's like asking if you should have sex more than once per week. We all have different needs.
Except for the time I was stopped with a flat in a very tiny gore point, and didn't want my rear end to get rear-ended, I've always changed my own flat tires because I didn't want to wait 45 minutes for the AAA truck. However, I found membership to be of great value when I needed to be towed or jump-started, especially when travelling out of state. As soon as they see the CA license plates, the price goes up, which I learned when having mechanical work done.
The discounts, notary service, and DMV service are all nice bonuses, too.
I kept AAA for about 5 years. Then, one day, my Tahoe just died on the side of the road about 10 miles form work and 20 from home. I called AAA. An hour later, I called again. Then, every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours. Then I called a friend with a tow truck. I will never pay AAA money again.
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